The Lincoln MKS has replaced the ubiquitous Town Car in the Ford/Lincoln lineup. It's a full size sedan, even though it rides on a Taurus chassis. It's not quite the canyon carver of some of its' competition, softly sprung, with standard front wheel drive. Rather, the MKS is most at home during long drives along the freeway. This is where the MKS comes into it's own. With plenty of amenities, long distance cruising ability, and an overall high level of comfort, it's perfectly suited to that task.
Its power comes from a 3.7 V-6 making 273 Hp, but most buyers will opt for the Twin Turbo 3.5 liter Ecoboost V-6, which makes a solid 350 hp and 350 ft-lbs. torque. The optional all wheel drive will find itself useful in the colder climates. Interestingly, the Ecoboost with all wheel drive, makes virtually the same fuel economy as the lower powered, front wheel drive model, with the exception that it requires Premium fuel. Regardless of the engine, power is transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 18 wheels. Both 19 and 20" rims are available as options on this model.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 3.7L V-6, 3.5L turbocharged V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Trim levels: MKS, MKS EcoBoost
What's New
The big news for the 2010 Lincoln MKS is the arrival of Ford's lauded 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 as an engine option, which puts down the power of a V-8 with the fuel-economy of a V-6. Lincoln's flagship sedan also receives numerous chassis and suspension tweaks to improve its noise, vibration, and harshness characteristic, with EcoBoost models receiving more extensive changes to compensate for the extra power.
Exterior
The most distinctive element of the 2010 Lincoln MKS is its large split-wing grille that was inspired by the classic 1941 Lincoln Continental while chrome accents help it look upscale. Fender badges complete the look.
Interior
Ford has shed its parts-bin past and outfitted the MKS with high-quality interior materials and an array of gadgets, not the least of which are the excellent SYNC system and a high-resolution navigation screen.
Performance & Handling
The MKS' base 3.7-liter V-6 makes a perfectly adequate 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, but the available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is substantially more powerful at 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but it packs that peak torque over a broad RPM range and is more fuel-efficient than the less-powerful naturally-aspirated engine.
Safety
In addition to seatbelt pretensioners and a vast array of airbags, the MKS is packed with high-tech safety systems like adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and stability control with gyrospcopic sensors.
EPA Fuel Economy
MKS FWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg hwy
MKS AWD: 16 mpg city/23 mpg hwy
MKS EcoBoost: 17 mpg city/26 mpg hwy
You'll Like
- EcoBoost's board-flat torque curve
- Plentiful high-tech features
- Luxury appointments
You Won't Like
Sum Up
Old-school luxury, modern technology
If You Like This Vehicle
- Acura TL
- Cadillac STS
- Lexus GS