2013 Lincoln MKS Test Drive

On-Sale Date: Now

Price: $42,810?$49,800

Competitors: Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS350, Infiniti M37, Mercedes E-Class

Powertrains: 3.7-liter V-6, 304 hp, 279 lb-ft; 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6, 365 hp, 355 lb-ft; six-speed auto, FWD or AWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 17?19/25?27

What?s New: Freshened for 2013, the MKS is Lincoln?s biggest passenger car, offered with front- and all-wheel drive. It shares its structure, adaptive suspension, and powertrains with Ford?s Taurus. The optional 365-hp Ecoboost V-6 carries over from 2012, but for 2013 the MKS also has an optional 304-hp 3.7-liter V-6 borrowed from the Ford Mustang, which bumps up the Lincoln?s fuel economy.

Front-end sheet metal is also new, with a redesigned hood, a more elegant split-wing grille, and adaptive headlights. Redesigned taillights, a new decklid covers, and an expanded trunk are in the rear. An updated dashboard and the latest MyLincoln Touch controls top the list of interior updates.

Tech Tidbit: The Lincoln?s growing array of passive safety features now includes a Driver Alert monitor. The system keeps tabs on driver behavior by watching for preprogrammed fatigue symptoms. If the microchip brain suspects you?re tired, then a coffee cup icon flashes on the central display screen to suggest it?s time to take a break.

Driving Character: The MKS is a big car and rarely lets the driver forget it. As speed climbs, which happens briskly with the turbo V-6, the car?s responses become reluctant. The electronically adjustable suspension, however, delivers smooth ride quality and does an admirable job managing the Lincoln?s substantial mass (two-plus tons) and minimizing body roll. Bigger brake rotors improve stopping power and the six-speed automatic transmission is smoothly responsive, with paddle shifters for effective manual operation. Demerits: Road and wind noise are a bit excessive for a luxury sedan.

Favorite Detail: Several carmakers offer lane-keeping aids that will applying corrective steering to prevent you from drifting off the road or into oncoming traffic, and the MKS joins the club for 2013. However, the MKS system also discourages frivolous antics (look, Ma, no hands) by admonishing the driver to refrain from "misuse of the system."

Driver?s Grievance: Electric power steering is new to the MKS. But, like so many systems of this type, it doesn?t deliver much tactile information to the driver, particularly on-center feel. Off-center steering effort builds as a function of vehicle speed, but actual road feel isn?t part of the equation.

Bottom Line: The MKS made its debut in 2009, but the structural lineage dates to the Volvo S80. Its styling updates give the front end a more contemporary look, similar to the new midsize MKZ. On the other hand, the high belt line and slab sides look a little dowdy and the high cowl compromises driver sightlines.

Like other recent Ford Motor Company vehicles the MKZ is heavy on touchscreen telematics, incorporating the Sync infotainment system with MyLincoln Touch, which includes voice command. The latest version is a little easier to use. Interior furnishings are attractively upscale, with comfortable leather seats, and, of course, excellent audio. However rear-seat legroom is surprisingly snug.

The base price of $42,810 gives the MKS an edge over some competitors. But you don?t have to throw in too many options before that advantage evaporates. The EcoBoost version (all-wheel-drive standard) goes from $49,800, which is a little ambitious. Add in options and the MKS can touch 60 grand. At that price, "ambitious" seems like an understatement.

rita hayworth lakers rumors alfa romeo giulietta alfa romeo giulietta xbox update xbox update nba schedule