Autopedia
Register
Advertisement

09LincolnMKS 5
Lincoln MKS
Lincoln
aka Lincoln MKS
Production 2009-Present
Class Full-size Luxury Sedan
Body Style 4-door, 5-seat Sedan
Length 204.1 in (5184 mm)
Width 75.5 in (1928 mm)
Height 57.0 in (1565 mm)
Wheelbase 114.4 in (2868 mm)
Weight 4,151 LBS (3.7L FWD)
4,305 LBS (3.7L AWD)
4,305 LBS (3.5L EcoBoost AWD)
Transmission 6-speed 6F50 automatic with SelectShift, FWD/AWD
6-speed 6F55 automatic with SelectShift, FWD/AWD
Engine 3.7 litre Duratec V6
3.5 litre EcoBoost V6
Power 272 hp @ N/A rpm
265 lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm

355 hp @ N/A rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar Lincoln MKT
Ford Taurus
Volvo S80
Designer Peter Horbury
J Mays

The Lincoln MKS is luxury sedan manufactured by Lincoln[1]. It is based on the MKS concept car which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.

The 2008 Lincoln MKS was unveiled on the internet on November 14, 2007 prior to its 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show debut. [1][2][3]

The MKS continued the new Lincoln naming convention, which included the new 2006 crossover SUV Lincoln MKX and the 2007 mid-size car Lincoln MKZ which renamed and upgraded the 2006 mid-size car Lincoln Zephyr. With this naming scheme, which is to be understood as three letters and not as a Mark xx name like the Lincolns of old, vehicles let go of more traditionnal and aged nameplates like Zephyr or Continental.

This is part of a new Lincoln strategy to renew and freshen the brand's image and the line-up's perception, in much the same way as some other luxury automakers such as Cadillac do, as it gets people to refer to the cars as Lincolns, rather as just "Continentals" or "Navigators".

As much as it may have been criticized, notably for causing the phasing out of famed nameplates, it does not seem like the move is going to be reverted. Indeed, the entire Lincoln range now uses the three-letter naming convention, and it has found its way on concept-cars as well. The only exception was the Lincoln C-concept of 2009.

Recent Changes[]

  • For the 2010 model year, the Lincoln MKS received mechanical and cosmetic updates. Changes to the drivetrain are the most important, with the introduction of the 3.5 litre direct-injected twin-turbo "EcoBoost" V6, only available with AWD. On the cosmetic side, all models receive a new three-gauge instrument cluster and new side-view mirrors with seamlessly integrated blind-spot secondary mirror, while the EcoBoost models are available with an "EcoBoost Appearance Package".


Trim Levels and Major Options[]

The 2010 Lincoln MKS is available in three different versions. The line-up begins at 40,870$ with the 3.7L V6 version with front-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic with manual shift mode, then continues at 42,760$ with the all-wheel drive declination of the same powertrain, and is topped by the 47,760$ 3.5L EcoBoost V6 exclusively mated to all-wheel drive and a reinforced six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Several option packages are available:

  • Premium Wood Door-Trim Package: adds premium interior wood accents in genuine olive ash or fine line ebony on all four doors.
  • EcoBoost Appearance Package: only available with the 3.5L engine, it adds sports accents to the exterior with body-coloured spoilers and side skirts as well as 20-inch chrome wheels, and to the interior with an exclusive upholstery and finishing touches.
  • Navigation Package: adds class-leading Voice-Activated Navigation System with integrated SIRIUS Travel Link™, class-exclusive THX® II Certified 5.1 Surround Audio System and rear view camera.
  • Ultimate Package: builds on the Navigation Package and adds a dual-panel moonroof, 19-inch premium painted cast aluminum wheels, exclusive upholstery with embroidered Lincoln Star logo on the front head restraint.

Pricing[]

Trim levels
3.7L V6 FWD 3.7L V6 AWD 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD
MSRP
$40,870 $42,760 $47,760

Gas Mileage[]

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
3.7L V6 FWD 3.7L V6 AWD 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD
MPG
17 City
24 Highway
19 Combined
16 City
23 Highway
19 Combined
17 City
25 Highway
20 Combined

Engine and Transmission[]

The Lincoln MKS is available with two engines, both products of the Ford Motor Company's Cyclone range of V6 engines, incidentally introduced by Lincoln.

The first and base engine for the car is a 3.7L Duratec V6, which delivers 275bhp (205kW) and 276lb-ft (374N-m) of torque. It features Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) technology and four valves per cylinder, direct acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) camshaft tappets, and variable cam timing (VCT) on the intake camshafts. It is mated to a 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift manual mode, developped in a joint-venture between Ford and General Motors.

The second and optional engine for the MKS is a 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which delivers 355bhp (265kW) and 350lb-ft (475N-m) of torque, delivered from 1500rpm. It is based on the 3.5L Duratec block, to which it adds direct fuel injection and a set of two Garrett turbochargers. It is mated to an upgraded version of the standard automatic transaxle, modified to sustain higher power output and torque. Modifications include new low-viscosity oil, upgraded clutches, optimized torque converter, and improved final drive ratios.

Performance[]

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability[]

Bumper-to-bumper: 4 years in service / 50,000 miles driven
Safety Restraint System: 5 years in service / 60,000 miles driven
Powertrain: 6 years in service / 70,000 miles driven
Corrosion - perforation only: 5 years in service / Unlimited mileage

Safety[]

Frontal rating:
Driver: ***** (maximum rating)
Passenger: ***** (maximum rating)

Side rating:
Front seat: ***** (maximum rating)
Rear seat: ***** (maximum rating)

Photos[]

Colors[]

The 2010 Lincoln MKS is available in 9 colours:

  • Cinnamon
  • Red Candy Clearcoat Metallic Tint
  • White Platinum Tri-Coat Clearcoat
  • Tuxedo Black Metallic
  • Ingot Silver Metallic
  • Steel Blue Metallic
  • Gold Leaf Metallic
  • Atlantis Green Metallic
  • White Suede

In terms of interior atmospheres, the Lincoln MKS is available in three colours:

  • Light Camel
  • Charcoal Black
  • Cashmere

The EcoBoost Appearance Package available on 3.5L EcoBoost V6-equipped vehicles can be ordered either in Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black/Sienna interior colours.

Main Competitors[]

On the domestic front, the Lincoln MKS competes directly with the Cadillac CTS and STS, and to a lesser extent the new Buick LaCrosse (as the largest Buick sedan now available) and the top-end of the Chrysler 300's line-up.

The Lincoln MKS also goes against the Acura TL, Lexus GS and Infiniti G-line. Depending on whether the focus is on size or credentials, it also tackles the full-size German line-ups, such as the E- and S-class Mercedes-Benz, the 5- and 7-series BMW, and the A6 and A8 lines from Audi.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Lincoln MKS specifically targets the standard V8 engines from the aforementioned brands and line-ups.[4]

Hybrid Models[]

Lincoln has not announced the release of a hybrid version of the MKS. The Ford Motor Company instead chose for its full-size sedans and crossovers to pursue the option of downsizing and turbocharging its line of V6 engines in order to achieve V8 power with V6 fuel economy.

Unique Attributes[]

The MKS is essentially a new midsize-to-large flagship sedan for Lincoln, replacing previous vehicles in that segment, as part of Lincoln's overall vehicle replacement strategy. The smaller 2006 Lincoln Zephyr (and its 2007 replacement the Lincoln MKZ) are considered to be the replacement for the V6 version of the LS, while the larger MKS sedan is intended to appeal to consumers who would have chosen the more powerful and upscale V-8-powered LS as well as in its time the Continental. Regardless, the Lincoln MKS boasts an impressive list of technological features, as well as true luxury credentials.

It features standard class-exclusive Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, which is organically tanned. This world-famous Scottish label has been used in the Lincoln Continental Mark II, and in addition to Lincoln it is used today by cars manufacturers like Aston Martin.

It is available with the Ford Motor Company's Tuxedo Black paint, which incorporates extremely small pieces of glass into a high-quality black clearcoat paint for excellent light reflection.

Also available standard are Adaptive High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps with Auto High Beam that turn with the steering wheel to safely reveal the car's surroundings when turning. They can also automatically switch to high beam when no other vehicles are near and revert to low-beam intensity when they detect headlamps or taillamps of other vehicles.

It comes standard with the class-exclusive SYNC® In-car Connectivity System by Microsoft, which can be coupled to the class-leading SIRIUS Travel Link™ service for greater efficiency.

It also features a standard class-exclusive THX®II Certified Audio System with 14 speakers, which can be upgraded to the acclaimed THX® II Certified 5.1 Surround Audio System featuring 16 speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, for a 600W output.

It can be had with the Ford Motor Company's Park Assist system, which calculates the amount of space available in a given parking spot before taking control of the steering for easy parallel parking.

It is also available with Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which informs you of the presence of a car in your blind spot by a visual alert in the side-view mirror, as well as CrossTraffic, which uses the rear-bumper's parking sensors while the car is backing out of a parking spot to detect oncoming traffic.

It also has received the maximum rating in each of the NTHSA's safety tests.

Interior[]

The Lincoln MKS's interior features seating for five, with two bolstered front bucket seats and a back bench-seat, upholstered in organically treated Scottish Bridge of Weir leather. It is available standard in either charcoal black, light camel, or cashmere colours, all three featuring perforated sections and French seams for a luxurious and comfortable feel. Upgrade to the Ultimate package and the Lincoln star is embroidered on the headrests, while a suede tuxedo strip runs down in the center of the seat. Between the seats are two individually adjustable leather-wrapped armrests.

Buyers who choose the EcoBoost engine can opt for the EcoBoost appearance package, which allows you to choose a new colour, sienna, which comes with black contrasted stitching, tuxedo strip, and embroidered Lincoln star.

All cars come standard with a chrome- and wood-accented and leather-wrapped steering wheel, Leatherette dashboard finishing and for 2010 all models get a leather-wrapped gearshift with chrome surround.

On the face of the dashboard is a strip of chrome and genuine Olive Ash or Ebony wood trim that runs side to side and joins the door to define the horizontal design of the cockpit, while the vertical element is given by the THX-certified installation set in on top of the dashboard, which divides the Leatherette covering in two, creating a twin-pod effect, and descends into the center stack and flow-through console.

If you choose the EcoBoost Appearance package, the wood trim on the dashboard is replaced by a machined-finish metallic appliqué and an MKS badge appears on the face of the dashboard, sporting the EcoBoost MKS logo with its white "MK" and red "S" lettering. This logo is also then featured on back-lit the door sills.

Accomodations include a twelve-way power heated and cooled front seats with three temperature settings each time, and memory settings with two drivers, just like for the steering wheel, which also has redundant control for the entertainment system, the SYNC features, and cruise control. Dual-zone climate control, push-button start, power mirrors and rear-window sunshade also make the list.

Resale Values[]

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms[]

Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations[]

The 2009-present generation of Lincoln MKS is the first generation of cars using this nameplate, and the first use of this platform by Lincoln.

The Lincoln MKS replaces both the V8-powered versions of the Lincoln LS as well as the last generation of Lincoln Continental.

Current Generation: (2009–present)[]

The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury and sports sedan released by Lincoln, the luxury marque of the Ford Motor Company. It is only available as a four-door sedan, and marks a new beginning for the Lincoln division, both by replacing de facto the aging Town Car as flagship of the Ford Motor Company's North-American line-up and by reaching higher in terms of exclusivity and performance in order to compensate for the dissolution and eventual dispersion of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG). That group, which was made of Jaguar, Aston Martin, Range Rover and Volvo, and for a very short time Lincoln itself, was supposed to mark the focus of the Ford Motor Company on its import luxury brands, while its domestic ones were downgraded to entry-luxury.

The MKS first appeared in concept form at the Detroit North American International Auto Show in January 2006 with the refined production version appearing at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2007. The MKS eventually began production in May 2008 as an early 2009 model with sales beginning a month later.

In order to bring the Lincoln brand in general, and the Lincoln MKS in particular, upmarket and against import brands, engineers built on the credentials they had first given to the very competent and European-inspired Lincoln LS sports sedan, while refreshing and upping the level of luxury found in the last generation of Continental, a staple of American luxury. The result is a vehicle presenting a long list of unique features for its class, allowing Lincoln to come back into the game.

It starts with the level of luxury expected in this class with high-end upholsteries and genuine wood trims, cutting-edge technological contents both in safety and entertainment features, as well as forward-looking mechanical choices like direct injection and turbocharging of smaller displacement engines in order to improve fuel economy without sacrificing dynamism and driving excitement.

In January of 2009, for its first year anniversary, Ford announced the first evolutions of the Lincoln MKS, to be incorporated in an early 2010 model. These include a new powertrain choice in the form of an EcoBoost Duratec 3.5L V6 engine. This powertrain is Lincoln's alternative to the use of a V8, considered by buyers and commenters alike to be necessary in that class of vehicle, as it allows for V6 fuel economy while retaining V8 power and acceleration. As a matter of fact, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 outpaces the larger 3.7L Duratec V6 and also outdoes it in terms of fuel economy. As of late 2009, the new engine already accounted for a third of orders, proving the relevance of downsizing in the luxury market.

Worldwide[]

The Lincoln MKS is primarily sold in North America, but is also available in countries of the Gulf.

Design quirks and oddities[]

The Lincoln MKS was first spied without disguise by photographers on the set of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight", fall 2007.

The launch of the car was accompanied in the summer of 2008 with an original commercial called "Mad Crazy Love", a three-minute long movie-like presentation of the car in an urban, young and modern environment.

In February 2009, Lincoln partnered with CBS and the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony to create "Project Rising Star". Ten songs were chosen among new and breakthrough releases by a creative team, and a contest was organized where hopeful writers and directors would send in their ideas for a music video that both reflected the song and showcased the new Lincoln MKS. A shortlist was established and the selected teams were given the credits to make their videos, which were aired fully and in teaser-like commercials in lieu of traditional Lincoln commercials during the ceremony.

Awards[]

For 2010 the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which features direct fuel injection and twin-turbo technology, has made it to Ward's 10 Best Engines list.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Lincoln MKS the best rating possible in every category, including frontal impact, side impact and rollover prevention.

See also[]

Lincoln Continental
Lincoln LS
Lincoln


Barryslincoln1
LINCOLN

Ford Motor Company


Ford | Mercury | Lincoln | Mazda | Edsel | Continental | Merkur


Current Models: Town Car · Navigator · MKZ · MKX · MKS · MKT

Historic Models: Zephyr · Blackwood · LS · Versailles · Continental · Premiere · Cosmopolitan · Mark series · Mark LT · Lido

Concept Cars: MKR · MKS · Futura · Mk9/Mark X · Navicross · L2K · Fifty-X · Continental Concept · Mark 9 · MKT Concept · C Concept · Machete Concept

One-Offs:


Lincoln-Mercury · Continental · Continental Mark II · SYNC · MyLincoln Touch


Henry M. Leland Corporate website A brand of the Ford PAG


References[]

External Links[]

News & References

Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums

Advertisement