Lincoln MKZ Sedan. 2nd generation, 2016 restyling
The 2019 restyled second generation Lincoln MKZ is a front or all-wheel drive sedan, based on the successful Ford Fusion model. The closest competitors of the MKZ are the coolest Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h, Acura TLX and Volvo S60, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Some of them surpass the MKZ in terms of their characteristics, but all of them are more expensive (and, most likely, offer fewer options).
Design
The new Lincoln MKZ features clear and sophisticated outlines. The midline of the body is perfect. The body structure is balanced. The front face is of moderate length and elegantly balanced by the discreet rear end with an elegantly sculpted trunk. Many people believe that the MKZ is the most attractive Lincoln in modern history. However, this ‘sexy beast’ has slightly scared off those who prefer the muscular, respectable and conservative exterior of Lincoln models.
Interior
The interior of the car is captivating, featuring a thin and soft silhouette, unusual elements and a huge space without crossbars. The interior looks futuristic. The smooth center touchscreen console is considered a bit too advanced, so it takes time to master it, especially compared to the previous control unit with buttons and knobs. The console is part of the MyLincoln Touch system, which also includes a pair of customizable instrument displays and a Sync voice control system. According to users, the system works very well, but the problem is that the touch controls are not intuitive, so it will take time to master it.
Engines and chassis
The 2016/2017 Lincoln MKZ can be equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a V6 6-cylinder engine. There is also a hybrid system, which is used on the MKZ Hybrid version.
The 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 240 hp comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, whereas all-wheel drive is optional. The 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 300 hp is accompanied by a 6-speed automatic transmission, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive being standard.
The new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor generating a total of 188 hp. Power is transmitted to the front wheels (there is no four-wheel drive version) via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Trim levels
The 2019/2020 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan comes in two trim levels: base and Black Label, both of which are available to the hybrid version. The base trim includes:
- 18-inch wheels;
- automatic and adaptive LED headlights;
- LED taillights;
- electric folding side-view mirrors;
- adaptive suspension dampers;
- keyless ignition and entry;
- dual-zone climate control;
- eight-way electric heated front seats with lumbar support;
- cruise control;
- auto-dimming rear-view mirror;
- 8-inch MyLincoln Touch monitor;
- rear view camera;
- rear parking sensors;
- audio system and other entertainment options.
In addition to the standard set, additional options are available within the Select and Reserve packages. The Select includes: accent headlights, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, ambient lighting and HD radio. The Reserve includes: navigation system, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, electrically closing boot lid, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and more.
The Black Label premium version is the Reserve, which comes with inflatable rear seat belts, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam control, automated parallel parking, lane departure warning system, forward collision warning with emergency braking and four types of interior decoration. And there is also an electric sunroof with a surface area of 1.3 sq. m. is the largest roof in the segment, a pleasant side effect of the extremely successful design.
Safety
The standard safety features of the 2020/2021 MKZ Lincoln include almost everything that is designed for safe driving:
- anti-lock disc brakes;
- stabilization and traction control;
- front side airbags;
- front knee airbags;
- side curtain airbags;
- rear view camera;
- rear parking sensors.
The new Lincoln MKZ features a programmable MyKey system that allows parents to set speed limits and stereo volume limits for their children who can already drive a car. Additional equipment includes:
- blind spot monitoring system;
- rear intersection alerts;
- lane departure warning system;
- lane keeping assist;
- frontal collision warning system with braking function;
- inflatable rear seat belts.
In national crash tests, the MKZ received a maximum five-star overall safety rating: a five-star overall frontal impact protection rating and a four-star side impact protection rating. In tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the sedan received the highest ‘Good’ rating.
Conclusion
The second-generation Lincoln MKZ, restyled in 2016, is still a classic American sedan and, at the same time, it is an attempt to replace the usual heavy-weight and impressive forms typical of Lincoln’s models by more modern ones. The transformation has touched both the exterior and the interior, the useful volume of which has reached its maximum potential. As for the rest, Lincoln has remained true to itself, creating a quality premium sedan with a wide set of features and options.
