Look at it! Just look at it and try to fool yourself this isn't a Ford Fusion wearing a tuxedo and cufflinks. From an aesthetics point of view, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ may try too hard to be fit for a king, especially with the overly pretentious grille. But on another note, what's under the hood significantly exceeds everyone's expectations.
Underpinned by the same CD4 platform as the Ford Fusion, the second-generation MKZ is animated by a 3-liter GTDI V6 engine. The twin-turbocharged motor churns out 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque to all four wheels. Opt for the front-wheel drive model and you're offered a slightly downtuned version of the GTDI V6 powerplant, which is rated at 350 horsepower.
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is also available with an FWD-only 2-liter GTDI inline-4 with 245 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain. On the aesthetics front, the facelifted MKZ looks best when equipped with the Driver's Package. Other than Dynamic Torque Vectoring and a continuously controlled damping system, the package also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, black-painted brake calipers, the so-called "light magnetic grille," multi-contour seats, faux carbon fiber, as well as aluminum pedal covers.
After you take a good look at the adjacent video and photo gallery, ask yourself the following question: What does "designed to appeal to those looking for something different in the luxury market" mean?This is how Lincoln describes the MKZ in the press release, yet that choice of words doesn't sound right.
It sounds like "Please buy the 2017 MKZ. Pretty please with sugar on top? We're desperate!"
With an interior that's largely carrying over from the 2016 Lincoln MKZ and a $2,000 cheaper 2016 Cadillac ATS waiting in dealer lots, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a nice effort. But the reality is that we're not surprised and people in the market for a mid-sized luxury sedan will most likely go German for obvious reasons.
Here's hope the soon-to-be-launched Continental won't be as disappointing as the MKZ.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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