Once again, the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is flexing its automotive muscles, as Lincoln is set to unveil a new exclusive line for its entry-level MKZ->ke456 at the show. Dubbed the Black Label line, this collection of interior and exterior dress-up packages add some extra style, class and exclusivity to the MKZ line, taking it up a notch in the luxury-car realm.

The Black Label line will eventually make its way across the entire Lincoln lineup, but for now where better to start than with its most desired model? The Lincoln->ke48 MKZ Black Label comes in three different styles: Center Stage, Indulgence and Modern Heritage. Each of the three styles are distinctly different in look and feel, and really offer a custom look to the MKZ that few other lower-level luxury car manufacturers offer.

According to Lincoln, there were more than 12 different design concepts that Lincoln Design took under consideration and these three rose to the top and made the cut. So, can this Black Label line add the premium features that the MKZ so sorely needs to catapult it above the likes of Acura TL and Lexus ES 350?

Click past the jump to read about each of the three designs and how they change the MKZ

2013 Lincoln MKZ Black Label

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lincoln MKZ Black Label
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5500
  • Torque: 270 @ 3000
  • Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, there are not too many additions to any of the Black Label models. All three variants receive blacked-out chrome badges and brake-light-bar surround on the backside.

The Modern Heritage model is highlighted by its Confidential White tri-coat paint, the Indulgence model features a Chroma Couture exterior hue and the Center Stage model has a Black Tie exterior.

We're sure that more exterior feature will roll out as the package get closer to its official release date, but this is all we have for now.

Interior

On the inside is where you can see the majority of the changes, as all three variants feature massive upgrades over the base MKZ. They feature carefully selected leather that delivers a pillow-soft feel and a stunning appearance. Lincoln Design wrapped the seats in Venetian leather for that million-dollar look and feel. Also wrapped in leather is the center console, instrument panel and door panels. The Diamond-L and linking-L stitch patterns on the doors trims and seats further enhance the entire package.

Also included is premium wood trimming on the instrument panel, door appliqués and steering wheel for a woodsy, yet premium look and feel that is unmatched by Lexus or Acura.

Alcantara is oft recognized as the best complementary material for a premium interior and Lincoln spared no expense in adding it to the Black Label packages. All three variants have their headliners, sun visors and floor mats coated in this luxurious material.

Onto the specifics for each Black Label model:

Modern Heritage

The Modern Heritage flavor takes the classic black-and-white approach and kicks it up a notch with the addition of slight red accents throughout. Wood trimming with flakes between its layers is the perfect complement to the supple, white leather throughout the cabin. This is far and away the most classically beautiful of the three models.

Indulgence

The Indulgence model changes the Venetian leather to a truffle -- light tan -- and ganache combination. Exclusive to this model is the highly desired Ziricote wood trimming with a natural grain that adds an even more classic feel to this modern interior, as it isn't dyed or stained. This wood often sees use in million-dollar yachts; so, yeah, it's pretty dang fancy...

Center Stage

Center Stage is for clients that want just that: to be on center stage. Thanks to its Jet Black interior with Foxfire Red Alcantara headliner and center console, this MKZ is set to draw all eyes to it. Also strewn throughout the interior are mild red highlights, which you can find on the instrument panel and on the uniquely perforated seats.

Drivetrain

The Black Label packages offer nothing more then aesthetic additions, so the drivetrain remains unchanged. As standard, the MKZ features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger with a respectable 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The standard setup is front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option with the 2.0-liter engine.

Independent testing pegged the base MKZ with AWD at 7.2 seconds to 60 mph and we assume the front-wheel-drive model will come in just a few ticks slower.

With the optional 3.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 300 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and optional AWD, the MKZ drops to a quick 6.7-second spring to 60 mph.

Pricing

The Black Label is simply a optional package, so buyers can check the box on the options list and it adds to the base price of the MKZ. Lincoln has yet to announce the package pricing.

Competition

2013 Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 does not have a package that truly rivals the class of the Black Label, but it does have the optional Ultra-Luxury Package, which adds $9,230 to the ES 350's base $36,370 price and tons of premium features to the model, like bird's-eye maple wood trimming, semi-aniline perforated leather seating and ambient interior lighting.

The ES checks in with a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph. Unfortunately, the ES line does not offer a base four-cylinder model for entry-level shoppers.

2013 Acura TL

The 2013 TL is another car that doesn't really have a package to compete with the Black Label MKZ, but its Technology Package has a few features that rival the Black Label, like Milano Premium Leather.

The TL comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that puts down 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 6.9-second run to 60 mph. The optional 3.7-liter with SH-AWD jumps the output to 305 ponies and 273 pound-feet and drops the 60 mph sprint to 5.7 seconds.

Conclusion

The Black Label package is a welcome addition to the MKZ lineup. Overall, the MKZ hasn't had a lot of success and it needed a shot in the arm to boost it a little. These three new package may as well be the injection it needed.