The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury sedan that went under the Zephyr name when first launched in 2005 as a 2006 model year, but was renamed as the MKZ from the 2007 model onwards. The Lincoln entered its second-generation with a complete redesign for 2013, so this year it benefits from a mild mid-cycle refreshing.
To compete in any luxury segment a car has to have at least some degree of imposing presence, and there's no denying the 2017 Lincoln MKZ has plenty. While there's an undeniable similarity to its Ford stable mate the Fusion, there's also a hint of days gone by when the Blue Oval owned Jaguar as there's definitely an XF and XJ influence in there somewhere as well. It's no surprise either that the MKZ also adopts a number of cues from the recent Continental concept. The familiar Lincoln twin-wing grille has been dispensed with now, to be replaced by a somewhat more ubiquitous mesh grille in a round trapezoidal shape. Lincoln's signature four-pointed enclosed star sits proudly in the middle, and is now flanked by a smart pair of slim LED headlamps that wrap inward just a small amount.
The inside is every bit as stylish and luxurious as you'd hope a car of this type would be and the Chalet, Thoroughbred, and Vineyard Lincoln Black Label themes deliver mixes of coordinated trims and surfaces that allow for some degree of customization.
Although outright speed and performance aren't necessarily requisite of a luxury sedan, engines do need to be powerful enough to be smooth and refined. There are no problems is this important area as both available engines more than fit the bill. The standard engine is an inline-four, 2.0-liter GTDI offering a highly respectable 245 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, which is definitely a match for some V-6 units. However, once you leave the entry Premiere trim, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 becomes an available option, and this unit really ups the power ante with 350 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, which rises to 400 horsepower with all-wheel drive versions. All variants of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ feature a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle activation, and all three trims of Premiere, Select and Reserve can be had with front or all-wheel drive.
If you do a lot of driving, fuel economy may be a concern even in a luxury sedan such as the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. If that is the case, there's even an MKZ Hybrid that will return seriously impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined.
*All vehicle mileage based on 2016 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Source: //www.thecarconnection.com/overview/lincoln_mkz_2017
//www.auto-brochures.com/makes/lincoln/MKZ/Lincoln_US%20MKZ_2017.pdf