[dropcap]M[/dropcap]odern and with a more original look than previous model years, the 2015 Lincoln MKZ has undergone a facelift inside and out. Aside from the details on the outside, such as new LED lights and a sleeker look, the interior has also been touched with a modern twist and the center console no longer has knobs, which makes for a minimalistic futuristic look.
The MKZ ride, however, is still the same — smooth and comfortable. The MKZ comes with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the base power, generating 240 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. It clocks 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and with FWD gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (22 city/33 highway); AWD models get 25 mpg combined (22/31).
Under the Hood
A 3.7-liter V-6 is an option and it produces 300 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, also through a six-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive, and it clocks 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Front-drive V-6 models get 22 mpg combined (19/28), while all wheel- drive models get 21 mpg combined (18/26).
Hybrid power is a second option and it mates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce 188 hp. The hybrid is available in only FWD and uses a continuously variable transmission for 38 mpg combined (37 city/38 highway).
Features
For 2015, the MKZ has such standard equipment as SYNC with MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.
Connectivity is to the MyLincoln Mobile app through an available 3G embedded modem. Remote start is also standard equipment, as is a 60/40 split rear seat, a 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster, Active Noise Control, an eight-inch touch screen, inflatable rear seat belts and an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler. Standard Lincoln Drive Control monitors the performance of multiple systems — including suspension, steering and noise control — to deliver an optimal blend of handling and ride comfort. A five-button interface shift mechanism replaces the old gear shift lever to open up the center console.
A cool available option is a 15.2-square foot retractable panoramic glass roof, one of the largest such rooftop openings available. Exceptionally comfortable multi-contour front seats with Active Motion are also optional, as well as the THX II Certified Audio System with 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers.
The MKZ also offers the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the Lane Keeping System utilizes a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read the lane markers ahead.
Price
The MSRP on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ is $35,90l.
[author image=”http://www.communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grant-Miller-4-C.jpg” ]Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.[/author]
