Lincoln, Ford’s somnambulistic luxury division, is in transition after a long period of dormancy. And it couldn’t come a moment too soon. The recent introduction of the flagship MKS shows that the division has finished making the bed and is now intent on getting on with the day.

What is it?

The Lincoln MKS is the company’s new flagship that is carrying forward the design DNA first shown on the Lincoln MKR concept car seen at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. While not as swoopy as that car, it’s the first one to incorporate the new style winged grille that is derived from the 1941 Continental.

What’s It Up Against?

Well, the Cadillac STS, for one and for good measure, add the Caddy DTS as well. Don’t forget the upcoming Acura RL and Hyundai Genesis, which aren’t as big but might still attract the same shoppers. Beyond that, it is rather difficult to say. Dimensionally, the MKS measures up size-wise to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but from a fiscal standpoint they are worlds apart.

Any Big Breakthroughs?

We are anxious to get into the MKS with Ford’s new EcoBoost V6 turbocharged engine. But until the more powerful and efficient motors are released by the company, we will have to be content with such new technology as the Securi-code Next-Gen keypad which works in combination with the new Lincoln smart key. Activated from standby mode by a wave of the hand, the MKS can be locked or unlocked without a physical touch occurring.

Adaptive cruise control, which slams on the binders if you approach a slower moving vehicle, also makes the scene, as well as a dual-panel sunroof and the Easy Fuel capless fuel filling system.

Finally a new THX II sound system from the people that brought you the special effects of the Star Wars movies provides 5.1 Surround sound aural excitement.

How Does It Look?

Big and Beefy. Based on the platform that underpins the Ford Taurus, the MKS is the start of a new direction for the Lincoln division that will be visible in many future offerings from the brand. Starting at the front-end, the new “winged” look of Lincoln is on the point. The Lincoln logo now occupies a position on a body-colored piece located between the wings, which are comprised of the waterfall grille and headlight assemblies.

Slab-sided, the car is tall, but not as awkwardly so as the new Ford Taurus. While the Taurus could boast that its owner could technically wear a fedora inside, (not that it’s such a popular fashion item anymore), the MKS, thankfully cannot say the same. A nicely sloped roof highlighted by chrome trim around the side windows imparts a more upscale appearance. Chrome inserts along the door handles show attention to detail as does the chrome strip across the rear. But on the other hand, we think there is a little too much jewelry in place, which would offer a cleaner appearance, were they deleted.

One really has to get up close and personal with a MKS to get a feel for its dimensions. The beltline is very high and the overall length is greater than photos might suggest. It’s a competent design, but we can’t help but think the styling would look better stretched over a RWD platform with shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase.

And Inside?

Attention to detail is apparent in the handsomely stitched leatherette dashboard which looks much more expensive than its fauxness would imply. The steering wheel might look like it belongs in a Mark LT, but it offers a great tactile experience, with controls exactly where they should be. The flow-through center stack houses an eight-inch monitor that controls the THX II sound system with 5.1 Surround circuitry, which keeps the audio popping, but only in a good sense. Also on-board for the ride is the Next Generation Navigation system with Sirius TrafficLink which offers real-time traffic updates as well as directions to the lowest price in fuels available in your neighborhood.

The front seats offer good lateral bolsters, but we were surprised by the less-than-adequate depth of the seat for those with longer legs. We love the air-conditioned seats for their efforts in combating gluteal warming. The rear seems to suffer from the same short seat dimensions, but overall offer great comfort over long drives.

But Does It Go?

Using front-drive architectural engineering, the MKS is easily adaptable to (and offers) an All-Wheel-Drive system similar to those offered in the Volvo XC90 and Taurus AWD. Powered by a new 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 273-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, it runs on regular grade fuel. During high-speed maneuvers, the AWD tracked steady, never giving the feeling that something was about to break loose or swing wide. Through a series of clutches, power is transferable up to 100-percent in either direction for additional traction as needed.

Power is transmitted to the pavement by way of a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that allows for driver operated shifts should the spirit move you. A MacPherson strut suspension holds things steady up front while an all-new independent rear suspension with stamped steel lower control arms tracks true in the rear. We found that the larger diameter 20-inch low-profile tires transmitted more expansion joint noise from road surfaces into the cockpit than the smaller diameter, 19-inch combo. Despite this, overall interior noise was extremely quiet.

We’re interested to see how the MKS will perform once Ford offers more powerful engines. We can only assume the hotter variants will come with AWD standard. Speaking of wish, we think Ford should drop the FWD option all together, to help distance itself from the sub-luxury connotations of a front-wheel-drive platform.

Why You Would Buy It?

The new Lincoln MKS is a worthy competitor to the other established luxury brands that it faces in the battle for large car supremacy. If you rejoice in the new vehicle architecture that finally gets away from the Crown Vic/Grand Marquis underpinnings of yore, this is your ride!

Why You Wouldn’t

If you are going to be wondering where the old Town Car went, move on, youngster. If rear-wheel-drive is your thing, look elsewhere.

Words and photos by Mark Elias.

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