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Earlier this year, Ford set about changing the perception of midsize sedans with its all-new 2013 Fusion. With sharp looks, a suite of turbocharged engines, and more technology than the moon lander, the Fusion is slated to take the sales world by storm. But what of its luxury kissing-cousin, the Lincoln MKZ? Ford’s premium brand has been languishing in terms of sales. Could a refreshed MKZ bring it back?
That’s what Ford is hoping the 2013 Lincoln MKZ will do. Revealed ahead of its official debut Wednesday, the new Lincoln MKZ comes standard with a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine and an optional 3.7 liter V6. But are these engines enough to motivate more sales?
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ looks sharp...but sharp enough for today's discerning buyers?
On their own, no. The base engine for the MKZ is the 2.0 liter EcoBoost 4-banger, making a respectable (if not overwhelming) 240 horsepower and 270 ft-lbs of torque. The EcoBoost engine will return fuel economy ratings of 22 city/33 highway in front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive remains an option).
Also available is a 3.7 liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 277 ft-lbs of torque, which returns an mpg rating of 18/26. Both engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission which comes standard with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Other standard features include SYNC, a shift-select knob (rather than traditional shifter), and an 11-speaker entertainment system. Also standard is a Continuously Controlled Damping system that adjusts the suspension on the fly for either Comfort, Sport, or Normal driving modes.
The 2013 MKZ comes loaded with lots of features, like SYNC and a glass roof
As far as the looks go, well, that is a matter of personal preference. The front end certainly screams “Lincoln,” which is either a good or bad thing (depending on whom you ask). But the back end is much sportier, despite the thick C-pillar, and the tail lights in particular are perhaps the most-improved part of the new MKZ. We also like the integrated quad-exit exhaust tips and lack of distractions (like a gaudy spoiler) on the back end.
But is it enough to put Lincoln back on the shopping list of new car buyers? Sales figures will tell the story soon enough.
