2017 Lincoln MKZ Quiet, Tasteful Luxury
Lincoln describes its 2017 MKZ as “quiet luxury”. However, the new model has a potent engine that produces a siren song-with an impressive 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Currently Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle in North America, the midsize luxury sedan gets a significant mid-cycle refresh for the 2017 model year. It zeroes in on updated quality, performance and style.
Revealed at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ will be the first in Lincoln’s lineup to adopt the company’s new design language. Lincoln previewed this design on the Continental concept car, although it shares some similarities with its crossover stablemate, the MKC. It goes on sale in the summer of 2016. Competitors include the Cadillac CTS and the BMW 3-Series.
Featuring Lincoln’s signature one-piece trapezoidal, meshed front grille; jewel-like, slim LED headlights and taillights; an updated interior with a floating center console; additional safety features (including available automatic braking collision avoidance with pedestrian detection); and a more nimble ride with new engine choices, the premium sedan promises to continue in its role as a flagship model for the brand. The newest model is more understated and classy- a departure from the previous generation’s styling that was more bold and brassy, when it debuted in 2013. It has gorgeous back-end tailoring that gives it fast-back looks from the rear.
Hybrid Is Available
The new 2017 Lincoln MKZ will be powered by a choice of three drivetrains, including a hybrid. At the top of the line is a new unique-to-Lincoln 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produces 400-horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system (front-wheel-drive 3.0-liter models are limited to 350 horsepower). A 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is a front-wheel drive model. Both are shifted via a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with a push-button selector on the center instrument panel or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Available Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to choose between three drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling, says Lincoln.
The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain with lithium-ion batteries and a continuously variable transmission; it has better packaging and lower weight than previous Ford-produced hybrids.
Lincoln Engineering At Its Best
A Driver’s Package will bring Dynamic Torque Vectoring that will aid with cornering. The Driver’s Package also trims the interior with multi-contour seats, carbon fiber appliques, and aluminum pedal covers and adds 19-inch wheels, Ebony-painted calipers, and a Magnetic grille hue on the exterior.
Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to enable the MKZ to steer itself into either a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. It can also assist with park-out, as needed. Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality can automatically slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears. The system activates the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time. An auto hold feature keeps the vehicle at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – promising a more relaxing drive for MKZ owners, even in stop-and-go driving.
Inside, Lincoln says its engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access. An active noise control system contributes to a quiet cabin. A fully retractable panoramic glass roof is available. While the Revel audio system by Harman offers concert-quality sound, thanks to new doors specially designed for optimal positioning of the speakers. The new MKZ will also boast the latest version of Sync connectivity with a new easy-to-use design.
Lincoln Black Label Offers More Luxury
The new sedan will be available with two all-new Lincoln Black Label themes, Chalet and Vineyard. Plus the previously available Thoroughbred trim level; each will offer unique luxury styling and premium materials. The 2017 Lincoln MKZ interior color palette includes a collection of beautiful shades such as Cappuccino, Ebony, and Terra Cotta. Plus Lincoln introduces the all-new Jade Gray hue.
“Our customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan – technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The new Lincoln MKZ elevates all of these attributes – and many more – to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.”
Pricing and estimated fuel economy figures not available at press time.
Specifications
Vehicle name: 2017 Lincoln MKZ
Type: Full-size luxury sedan
Base price: NA
As tested, including destination: Not driven
Drivetrain: Front- or all-wheel drive; six-speed automatic; CVT
Horsepower and torque: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine w/ 400-horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (AWD); 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine w/ 350-horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (FWD); 2.0-liter GTDI four-cylinder engine w/ 245-horsepower (FWD); and
2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain with lithium-ion batteries.
Fuel: Premium unleaded
EPA estimated fuel economy: NA
