Lincoln->ke48 has always been Ford'->ke31s luxury brand, but when stacked against other luxury brands like Mercedes->ke187 and Lexus,->ke47 some feel Lincoln just doesn’t compete. Even with the release of the MK series, Lincoln still couldn’t get the following it really wanted. That said, Lincoln felt it was necessary to redesign it for the 2017 model year with some new features and styling.

Most of the time, a “redesign” in the automotive world isn’t really a redesign as much as it is an adjustment to current looks – but that isn't exactly the case with the 2017 MKZ.->ke456 It features a new grille design and some new features, but it looks a lot like the 2013 concept we saw a couple years back.

In a press release announcing the 2017 MKZ, Kumar Galhotra, President of Lincoln, said, “Our customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan->ke142 – technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive.” He continued, “The new Lincoln MKZ elevates all of these attributes – and many more – to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.”

The new MKZ has a lot of available options like adaptive cruise control, a concert-quality audio system, and enhanced park assist, among others. Lincoln customers can even get exclusive in-home design consultation if they option for a Black Label interior package. So, the real question is whether or not the 2017 Lincoln MKZ will live up to the luxury hype and actually be able to fully compete in the luxury segment.->ke505 We’ll have to see how things go, but for now we’ll take a look at what Lincoln has done to step its game up and better compete in the luxury segment.

Updated 06/02/2016: Lincoln has released prices for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Check the "Prices" section below for all the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ.

2017 Lincoln MKZ

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 400
  • Torque: 400
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Up front, the MKZ can be fitted with adaptive LED headlights, while the fog lights have been replaced with slimmer LED lights. The corner vents below the lights have been made a bit taller. The most noticeable difference is the single-piece front grille, along with chrome accenting around the fog lights and lower air vents. The hood carries the same design as concept model, but the outside body lines make it look like the hood is a bit taller and more aggressive.

The side of the MKZ is virtually unchanged from the 2013 concept model. It still has that lower body line that runs between the front and rear wheels on the bottom of the doors. Even the mirrors and side markers look the same. The MKZ can also be equipped with an optional, fully retractable panoramic glass roof.

To the rear, the car looks almost identical to the concept as well. It has the small LED taillights, and the LED bar that runs along the deck lid between the lights. The lip on the deck lid remains the same, as does the high-mount brake light.

Interior

Lincoln payed a little more attention to the interior than they did the exterior. Simple improvements include how switches feel and operate – now much smoother than previous models. Even the audio and ventilation adjustments can be made easier than before. USB ports and commonly used buttons are said to be easier to access.

An available Drivers Package offers Ebony interior with carbon fiber accents, customizable multi-color seats, and aluminum pedal covers. The seats themselves have a refined, yet elegant look that should make the MKZ a comfortable place to be on long road trips.

As we can see from the interior images, the 2017 MKZ has a floating center console, which is becoming more common these days, but provides addition storage space below and an elegant look. With a push-button shifter, the cabin seems more open, since there is no lever taking up space in the middle of the center console. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with navigation and smartphone compatibility. The instrument cluster is sleek and pleasurable to look at, with a driver’s information center located between the speedometer and tachometer.

The MKZ is offered with three Black Label interior packages, all of which offer optimal speaker location with the addition of specially designed door panels. As you can see in the images, the speakers are pointed so that sound waves from the all the speakers will converge in the center of the passenger cabin. Overall the audio system will have a total of 20 speakers.

Drivetrain

The 2016 MKZ is offered with a 2.0-liter GTDI EcoBoost, four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine, or a 3.7-liter, 24-valve V-6. Horsepower ranged from 188 for the 2.0-liter, to 240 for the EcoBoost and 300 for the 3.7-liter. The new 2017 model, however, will be offered with an available 3.0-liter GTDI V-6 that Lincoln claims will put out 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, that is a huge gain in performance over the current model. The MKZ will also provide a 2.0-liter GTDI hybrid engine as well, but that will only be front-wheel drive.

The Drivers Package with the 3.0-liter engine also offers 19-inch wheels and Ebony-painted calipers. Ultrasonic sensors are used for the enhanced park assist system. Previous generations were offered with a six-speed automatic or an electronic CVT transmission, so it is likely those transmissions will remain, however I expect to see a beefed up trans for the 3.0-liter engine to accommodate the extra torque and horsepower.

Safety

The MKZ can be equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. It has the ability to automatically slow and increase cruise speeds on demand with traffic conditions. The system is also capable of automatically stopping if the driver fails to apply the brakes in time. Enhanced park assist is available to parallel parking and departure, and a pre-collision system helps to avoid frontal collisions and has the ability to detect pedestrians and react accordingly to limit severity of accidents.

Prices

The new Lincoln MKZ starts out at $35,010 for the entry-level MKZ 100A with front-wheel drive and climbs to has high as $45,400 for the range-topping Lincoln MKZ Reserve 300A all-wheel drive with the 3.0-liter V-6. There are a number of add-on packages available, with the cheapest being the Climate Package at $695. You could also opt for the Technology Package for $2,395, the Driver’s Package for $3,395, the Luxury Package for $4,400, or the Select Plus Package for $1,255. Going with a panoramic glass roof with offer a splendid view of the sky from inside the cabin for $2,995, but a single-panel moonroof is available for $1,200. For those interested in quality audio, the Revel Audio system with HD radio and 14 speakers can be had for $1,180. As you can see the new MKZ actually starts out a bit cheaper than the 2016 model, but could climb well into $50,000 territory if you go for one of the upper trim levels and start marking off option boxes.

Model

Price

2017 Lincoln MKZ Premiere 100A FWD

$35,010

2017 Lincoln MKZ Select 200A FWD (2.0 inline-4)

$36,760

2017 Lincoln MKZ Select 200A FWD (3.0 V-6)

$39,510

2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 300A FWD (2.0 inline-4)

$39,510

2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 300A FWD (3.0V-6)

$42,260

2017 Lincoln MKZ Premiere 400A FWD Hybrid

$35,010

2017 Lincoln MKZ Select 500A FWD Hybrid

$36,760

2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 600A FWD Hybrid

$39,510

2017 Lincoln MKZ Premiere 100A AWD

$36,900

2017 Lincoln MKZ Select 200A AWD (2.0 inline-4)

$38,650

2017 Lincoln MKZ Select 200A AWD (3.0 V-6)

$42,650

2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 300A AWD (2.0 inline-4)

$41,400

2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 300A AWD (3.0V-6)

$45,400


Packages

Technology Package

$2,395

Climate Package

$695

Driver's Package

$3,395

Luxury Package

4,400

Select Plus Package

$1,255

Panoramic Glass Roof

2,995

Single Panel Moonroof

$1,200

Revel® Audio with HD Radio™ and 14 speakers

$1,180


Competition

2016 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is a fair competitor in the introductory luxury market. It offers an estimated 270 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter V-6. The 2016 model is estimated to hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Inside, the ES offers leather interior and wood-grain trim. Safety-wise, the ES provides similar options like a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, steering assist and radar cruise control. It starts out around $38,000, which is roughly the same territory the MKZ will call home.

Read our full review on the Lexus ES here.

Conclusion

I always felt the MKZ was underpowered with a maximum of 300 horsepower, so I really like the idea that the MKZ will now come with an optional engine that puts out 400 horsepower. I like the design of the interior with the floating console and even the instrument cluster is reminiscent of higher-end luxury models. Lincoln is on its way to successfully competing with the entry level luxury market, but I’m curious to see how this model compares once it is released in the summer or 2016.