Sucess You Can Drive 

The Lincoln MKZ has been around since 2007, and during this relatively short period, it’s quickly established itself as a desirable alternative to Europe’s biggest luxury brands. How exactly has it gained so much ground so quickly? It’s simple really: the MKZ offers a delicate balance of performance and comfort—all at a compelling price.

Flash forward to 2016 and the MKZ continues its trend of offering unprecedented value at an attractive price. Throw in a fuel-efficient hybrid model and the MKZ’s recipe for success becomes a no-brainer. 

Powertrains and Performance

Three peppy and pliant powertrains are offered in the 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A standard and solitary six-speed transmission sends power to the MKZ’s front wheels; however an excellent all-wheel drive system is available for more slippery road conditions.

Fuel efficiency is undoubtedly a strong suit of the MKZ and the numbers don’t like. Front-wheel models earn an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/33 highway),* while AWD models earn 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 city).*

If it’s added impetus you desire, though, the 2015 MKZ can be outfitted with a 3.7-liter V6. This particular powertrain produces 300 horsepower an 277 pound-feet of torque. Transmission duties are once again handled by a six-speed automatic, along with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Despite offering more power than its turbocharged counterpart, the 3.7-liter V6 earns admirable fuel economy. EPA figures rate front-wheel drive V6 models at 22 mpg combined (19/28), * while all-wheel drive models achieve 21 mpg combined (18/26).*

For those seeking a potent mix of luxury and fuel economy, the 2016 MKZ Hybrid Hybrid is certainly worth exploring. It pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with  an electric motor that combine to produce 188 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is the only available drivetrain configuration and the MKZ Hybrid replaces the non-hybrid’s six-speed automatic with a more eco-conscious continuously variably transmission (CVT). All factors considered the MKZ Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined (37 city/38 highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Lincoln MKZ starts at $35,190** and is available in two trim levels: MKZ and MKZ Hybrid.

Both trims are well-equipped and come with a similar features set. Standard equipment for both models include 18-inch wheels, automatic and adaptive LED headlights , LED taillights, keyless ignition/entry, and dual-zone climate control.

For the tech savvy, both models come with standard SYNC® voice command system; MyLincoln Touch™ infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen interface; a rearview camera; rear parking sensors; and an 11-speaker sound system, complete with CD player and USB/iPod® support.

Further cabin refinement can be seen in the MKZ’s leatherette upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats with power lumbar support, driver memory settings, auto dimming rearview mirror, and much more.

The MKZ and MKZ Hybrid can be further customized by selecting from a list of packages and standalone options. Packages range from the Select package, which includes highlights such as leather upholstery and steering wheel, as well as a Technology package that bundles driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and front-collision warning. Individual options run the gamut from massaging front seats to a panoramic sunroof.

Design

The 2016 Lincoln MKZ captures the bold and sophisticated nature of the luxury sedan market with its signature wing grille and curvaceous sheet metal. At the back, dual flathead exhaust tips add a sprinkle of sportiness to the car’s design, while LED-infused rear taillights jet across the rear decklid and sit right below the iconic Lincoln name.

Overall, it’s a very cohesive look, and adheres well with Lincoln’s overarching corporate design language. Where other luxury sedans pepper their models with superfluous flourishes and cheap parlor tricks, the MKZ sports an honest and refreshingly simple yet sophisticated design.

That design philosophy carries on into the MKZ’s interior, where occupants are bathed in the lap of luxury the very moment they step inside. Material quality is pleasing both to the eye and to the touch, and the layout of the MKZ couldn’t be more driver-focused.

A flowing center stack houses the MKZ’s infotainment system, and is easily identified by its crisp eight-inch touchscreen. Here, driver and front passenger have access to the MyLincoln Touch™ system that handles Bluetooth®, audio, navigation, and other vehicle functions.

In addition to ample room and adjustable seating for occupants, the 2016 MKZ provide an excellent amount of cargo space. A full 15.4 cubic feet is at your disposal in non-hybrid models, with a fully configurable 60/40 split-folding rear seat available to help ferry more awkwardly shaped cargo.

Safety

The 2016 MKZ is packed with standard safety features designed to keep drivers and passengers protected. Standard features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. The 2016 Lincoln MKZ also features the programmable MyKey system, allowing parents to set limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume for their young drivers. SYNC® also offers emergency crash notification that automatically dials 911 in the event of an airbag deployment.

For drivers looking for even more peace of mind, the MKZ is available with blind-spot monitoring; rear cross-traffic alerts; a lane-departure warning system; a lane-keeping assist system (which automatically helps the driver keep the car in its lane); a forward-collision warning system with brake priming; and inflatable rear seatbelts.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to take one look at the 2016 Lincoln MKZ and be smitten by its bold looks but that’s only a fraction of what this luxury sedan has to offer. Indeed, the 2016 MKZ sports an elegant interior designed for the most discerning drivers while providing an excellent range of engines, available all-wheel drive, and some truly stellar fuel economy.

Despite all of that, the MKZ comes in at a fraction of the cost of its European and Japanese competitors without skimping out on all of the features that make this vehicle one of the most visually arresting luxury sedans available.

To experience all that the 2016 MKZ has to offer, be sure to contact or visit 3Birds Template and schedule a test drive.

*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary.

**Base MSRP and base plus package price exclude destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included.

Image: Lincoln Motor Company (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)