Car Review: 2015 Lincoln MKZ 3.7 AWD
Story and photo by John LeBlanc
One of the show tunes from the 1950s Broadway musical The Sound of Music comes from the frustration the Nonnberg Abbey nuns suffer reining in a problematic Maria von Trapp. Since sales peaked a quarter-century ago, America’s Ford Motor Co. has had a similar disciplinary challenge with its luxury brand: how do you solve a problem like Lincoln?
When it arrived for 2013, the second-generation Lincoln MKZ midsize luxury sedan was promoted as the first in a series of answers to that question. Although based on a plebeian Ford Fusion platform, the MKZ sported a decidedly different exterior styling (highlighted by one of the largest sunroofs this side of Toronto’s Rogers Centre, née Skydome), the availability of a six-cylinder engine, and customizable driving modes.
Since then, Lincoln has also added Motor Co. to its title, started selling cars in China, launched the all-new MKC compact crossover and redesigns of its mid-size MKX crossover and full-size Navigator sports utility vehicle, and promised a return to the full-size luxury sedan game with this year’s Continental concept. So now that it’s one of the oldest models in Lincoln’s lineup, how does the 2015 MKZ 3.7 AWD stack up in the ever-competitive, entry-level luxury sedan segment?
You can order your 2015 MKZ with three distinct powertrain choices. First, there’s a $40,260 (including freight and pre-delivery inspection fees) front-wheel-drive version with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine that makes 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Traction at all four wheels is optional. For buyers who want to save a bit more fuel at the pumps, for the same price, you can opt for the FWD Hybrid model that produces 188 hp and 129 lb.-ft.
My tester was a top-line $44,400 MKZ 3.7 AWD. As its name implies, a 3.7L V6 and traction at all four wheels come standard. Both of the MKZ’s gas engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (the Hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic). My loaded MKZ tester also added $9,780 worth of goodies such as a navigation system, blind spot detection with cross-traffic alert systems, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, a power trunk lid, larger 19-inch aluminum wheels, an upgraded THX II audio system and that massive sky roof that slides all the way back over the sedan’s rear glass.
Keep in mind, the MKZ’s four-cylinder gas and hybrid powertrains and all-wheel-drive can be had on the Fusion too. One reason, though, to opt for the Lincoln sedan over the Ford sedan is its 300-hp and 277 lb.-ft. V6.
While those numbers sound impressive, a fully-optioned, all-wheel-drive $47,805 2015 Buick Regal GS — another FWD-based entry-level, domestic-brand luxury sedan with similar interior dimensions — has a turbocharged 2.0L four that makes 259-hp and 296 lb.-ft. and matches the MKZ with a mid-six-second zero to 100 kilometres per hour time.
For those who still think you need six-cylinders for a car to be called “luxurious”, the MKZ’s 3.7 unit makes sense. In a straight line with all four wheels grabbing, it feels quick. And the V6 makes decent noises via a system that embellishes the engine sound through the MKZ’s sound system. The trouble is, while Lincoln’s exterior designers were let loose, the interior staff seem to have been bridled. The MKZ’s interior design and execution does not separate itself too far from its Fusion sibling in regards to touch and feel.
To offer a clean and uncluttered centre console, Lincoln designers have eschewed many traditional knobs and buttons with the SYNC MyLincoln Touch (also seen as SYNC MyFord Touch) infotainment system that deploys the audio, hands-free functions, navigation and other vehicle info through a large touchscreen. However, all the touchscreen interactions are slow to react — much slower than traditional knobs and buttons. That doesn’t seem very “luxurious” to me. Plus Lincoln’s signature dash-mounted push-button transmission pad frees-up centre console space, but it feels unintuitive in use.
Now, if the MKZ, particularly in full-on 3.7 AWD mode, made up for its lack of premium interior feel and questionable functionality with a sparkling driving demeanour, buyers may be able to justify its premium pricing. However, like the challenges with its interior, the Lincoln luxury sedan’s ride and handling do not stand out.
Again, like the Ford it’s based upon, the MKZ’s basic architecture is solid, resulting in a nice blend of comfortable ride quality and controlled body motions. Its electrically powered steering is quick and accurate but could be more communicative.
Unique to the MKZ is Lincoln’s three-mode — Comfort, Normal, and Sport — Drive Control, which affects the vehicle’s steering feel, throttle sensitivity, transmission gear changes and handling with semi-active, electromechanical shock absorbers. However, even in Sport mode with AWD engaged, when pushed hard on a twisty back road, the MKZ’s FWD roots sprout through, with understeer the predominant characteristic.
So, is the 2015 Lincoln MKZ 3.7 AWD worthy of your attention if you have $50,000 to spend on an entry-level luxury sedan? Part of the problem in answering that question is how you define “luxury”. If you prefer its exterior styling, V6, humongous sunroof, and adjustable Lincoln Drive Control, you may be able to justify the premium-priced MKZ over its mainstream Fusion (which is no dog in the exterior looks and features departments, either).
But domestic luxury brand rivals like the Regal or Cadillac ATS (not to mention a host of import brand rivals) offer not only more fun from behind the wheel, but also don’t scrimp on the luxury goodies.