Lincoln MKS AWD Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2009 Lincoln MKS is a modern interpretation of the American luxury sedan. And if you were to compare it to a traditional American luxury car from the not-too-distant past, it would be clear that the MKS is a vastly improved version of the species.

As many of us can remember, the Barca-Lounger-on-wheels that was the American luxury car had plush seats, a comfortable ride and was generally a cozy spot for a nap. But along with the good came a lot of bad, including zero support from the seats, a ride befitting the USS Missouri and steering that was merely suggestive. The MKS improves upon all that was good about those boats of the past, while banishing the bad.

I give you as an example the vast interior of the newest Lincoln. Not only is there tons of space inside the MKS, but the chairs, or rather seats, are not only comfortable, but appropriately supportive as well. The wide expanse of dashboard accentuates the width of the cabin, but does so elegantly with a flowing pattern and the use of leather on the upper surface. It also features a good balance of aluminum accents and wood inlays in ebony or olive ash. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the dual-panel moon-roof that allows you to set the mood with the right amount of natural light.

Beyond the sophisticated design of the cabin, the MKS packs more technology inside than you might imagine. Ford and Microsoft's SYNC integrated in-car communication and entertainment system enables Bluetooth devices such as phones and MP3 players to function wirelessly through voice commands. Even the navigation system can be voice operated. The adaptive cruise control - thankfully not voice activated - monitors the traffic ahead to keep you at a pre-set distance. And then there's the THX certified audio system with 600 watts and 14 speakers providing truly impressive concert hall-worthy sound.

Other neat features inside the car? How about auto high-beam adaptive headlights? Talk about something you didn't think you'd need… Like most convenience features however, once you've experienced them, you don't want to give them up. And then there's the feature that every single manufacturer should adopt: auto down and up window switches... on all four windows!

The MKS shows attention to detail beyond the switchgear, with good ingress and egress helped by its tall body and wide doors, and an excellent view from the driver's seat. The tilting and telescoping steering column combined with the power adjustable, heated and cooled front driver's seat also allows for a good driving position - as important in a luxury sedan as in any other type of car.

A welcome surprise inside the MKS, the transmission's lever has the correct orientation for when you choose to select the gears yourself, with a push-to-downshift, pull-to-upshift movement. Of course, you'll never really use it in a car like this as it's so much nicer to sit back and glide down the road effortlessly without concerning yourself with silly things like upshifts and downshifts.

With the 2009 MKS, Lincoln has combined the best of America's luxury car heritage with modern conveniences, technology and design. The end result is a 21st century interpretation of the American luxury sedan that is a compelling and patriotic alternative to many of the finest luxury sedans currently on the market.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Lincoln MKS AWD

Performance
- Acceleration: Adequate at best, but befitting its class - really should have a V8
- Handling: Brisk is as fast as you'll ever want to go - doesn't do the hustle
- Braking: Spongy pedal doesn't inspire confidence - you shouldn't be going fast enough to tax them

Design
- Exterior: Finally, a design direction worthy of Lincoln's heritage - show car that it's based on was more confident
- Interior: Perfectly designed and finished for the segment - nice materials and craftsmanship throughout

Utility
- Comfort: So comfy, you could fall asleep at the wheel... as some of its owners' driving habits will suggest
- Space: HUGE inside - almost Town Car big - Soprano's worthy trunk

Safety
- Dynamics: Softly sprung nature and lots of mass means that changes of direction are not encouraged
- Technology: Overly obstructive stability control system is probably a good thing given the car's weight and suspension set-up

Value
- Price: Base price a bit misleading - upper 40's more accurate, but also in line with competitors - tons of technology inside
- Mileage: Lots of weight and all-wheel drive drag motivated by a V6 means you'll be thankful for the large capacity fuel tank

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Distinctive American styling to be proud of, but the performance won't raise your blood pressure - Fun to spank: Don't even think about it

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 275 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 276 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4310 lbs.
0-60 mph: 7.5 sec.
1/4 mile: 15.7 @ 90 mph
Top Speed: 137 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 16 city / 23 highway
Base Price: $39,590
Competitors: Acura RL, Lexus GS 350 AWD, Volvo S80 T6 AWD