Moving you onward 

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ offers a different type of luxury experience than those you'll get from its German rivals. It’s still powerful and surefooted but is much more concerned with keeping its occupants comfortable and relaxed. It recalls the luxury cars from Lincoln’s glory days and is determined to delight occupants with its technological innovations and smooth yet energetic ride.

Performance

The current MKZ has always been a solid and serene luxury car in the Lincoln tradition, but for 2017 it gets an extra dose of performance. Headlining the upgrades is a new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine shared with Lincoln’s Continental flagship. This engine produces 350 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque with the standard front-wheel drive, or 400 hp and an identical 400 lb-ft with optional all-wheel drive.

Add the Driver’s Package, and the all-wheel drive system gets a torque-vectoring feature that sends extra power to the outside rear wheel during cornering, helping to rotate the car around bends. The Driver’s Package also includes an adaptive suspension that can change settings for different driving conditions. This is controlled via the Lincoln Drive Control unit, which includes comfort, normal, and sport modes. These modes also affect the character of the electric power steering.

For buyers wanting maximum fuel efficiency, Lincoln has other options as well. The MKZ is still available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 245 hp and is offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The MKZ Hybrid returns good fuel economy as well. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. Total system power output is 188 hp. 

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is strong across the lineup, with the standard 2.0-liter engine returning 24 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway) and the Hybrid earning an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway).*

Features 

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a four-door, five-seat luxury sedan. It is available in three trims (Premiere, Select, and Reserve) with pricing starting at $35,170.** 

Even at its starting trim level, the Lincoln MKZ is all about bathing its occupants in luxury, comfort, and value. Standard highlights include 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way-adjustable front seats with heating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED taillights. Standard technology features include a rearview camera, Lincoln SYNC® 3 infotainment system, and smartphone integration.

The MKZ Select adds additional features like power-folding outside mirrors, leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and front seats with four-way power lumbar. Select models also benefit from ambient lighting that elevates the cabin's environment. 

The Select trim can also be upgraded with an available Select Plus package, which adds a navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert system. 

Finally, the Reserve trim gets all the contents of the Select Plus package, along with 19-inch wheels, a power trunk lid, ventilated front seats, and more.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ can also be optioned with a number of additional packages to ensure all of your driving needs and preferences are met. For detailed information regarding these, please contact us at 3Birds Template. 

Design

The biggest apparent change to the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is likely in the realm of styling. The previous MKZ had a distinctive look, but the latest MKZ benefits from a new styling theme inspired by the well-received Continental. The result is a car that boasts impeccable design and supreme comfort throughout. 

Because this is a mid-cycle refresh, the styling changes combine new elements with some aspects of the outgoing MKZ, and it all works out rather well. The sleek roofline and elegant taillights remain, but at the front, there’s an entirely new face. The grille and headlights are bolder and more upright. The headlights feature LED elements that give the MKZ a light “signature” like those adopted by other car brands. Take a closer look at the grille, and you’ll notice the mesh is made up of repeating outlines of the Lincoln emblem.

The interior also gets a major overhaul. Lincoln says engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of the new switches and dials, which replace slider adjustments for climate and audio controls. Commonly used buttons and USB ports were also moved to make them easier to access. The doors were also specially designed for optimal placement of the available Revel® audio system’s speakers.

But what’s the point of an ergonomic interior if it isn’t comfortable and nice to look at, too? The center console flows downward from the dashboard to the central tunnel, making a statement while moving the touchscreen display and other important controls closer to the driver. Naturally, there’s lots of leather, and the optional Black Label design themes add even more high-end materials.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include an auto hold feature that keeps the car stationary without the need to depress the brake pedal, park assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Verdict

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a real-world luxury sedan that provides all the comfort and quality buyers are looking for. It boasts a handsome design and an occupant-focused interior that will leave owners pleased with their choice long after they've driven off the lot. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to 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. A, Z and X Plan prices are for qualified customers and exclude document fee, destination/delivery charge taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan.

Image: Lincoln