Practicality and elegance meet in the new 2017 Lincoln MKZ Black Label. The MKZ received high scores in reliability and safety, which makes the list as the most coveted car of the year.
Not only is it packed with pragmatic efficiency, but it is also affordable, considering the list of standard features which come in many over-priced luxury sedans. So if you are on a budget, but still want some bang for your buck, the 2017 MKZ should be your vehicle of choice.
The significantly refreshed 2017 MKZ has a Continental-inspired front end — which is to say it bears a strong resemblance to modern Jaguars — and offers a Lincoln-exclusive twin-turbo V-6 engine. The MKZ is Lincoln’s next step toward revolutionizing itself.
The car’s base engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder, has enough power to keep any driver satisfied. If you are looking for an extra dose of power then you will want to consider grabbing the MKV with a twin-turbo V6 engine, but if you lean more towards the environment, then Lincoln also offers a hybrid powertrain with a four-cylinder engine, which is available at no extra cost.
I’m a huge fan of midsize luxury sedans because of their versatility and sleek design. The MKZ is a front-wheel drive, which means that the drive is smooth, and the tail follows the front with ease. The body of the car also is fluid from front to back, boasting a smooth minimalist design.
Considering that this is among the least expensive midsize luxury sedans of the year, there is no other luxury car that can beat the MKZ in budget-friendliness and style.
Lincoln packs this sedan with a ton of value, without seeming too gaudy. The interior has a greater level of sumptuousness than the Acura TLX or Lexus ES, two of Lincoln’s competitors this year.
In the MKZ, you will find a five-seat arrangement, and obviously the best seats are always in the front. They are equipped with 10-way adjustments, adjustable air cushions, and a feature for massages — so finding a comfortable position will not be a problem.
And, of course, there is a full load of standard and optional technological wizardry: lane-departure warning, parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and almost everything buyers have come to expect in this segment. There also is pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection.
All things considered, the Lincoln MKZ packs a punch. Not only is it one of the least expensive luxury midsize sedans available on the market, but it also abounds in features that should put it way over its actual price.
MKZ prices start as low as $35,445, and can go up to a base price of $50,000, which is the top trim level with all-wheel drive. Aside from the base model and top trim, the MKZ also comes in the Select, which is $37,195, and the Black Label AWD — the one I tested — which is $49,560. But with all the optional equipment I had, including the Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine, panoramic roof, the Black Label Driver’s Package, and the MKZ Technology Package, this car topped out at $61,765.
Fuel economy ratings are 17 city and 26 highway miles per gallon.
I truly enjoyed my experience with the Lincoln MKZ Black Label, and fully attest to its versatility, elegance, and comfort, without hesitation.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
