2009 Lincoln MKS

Ford Motor Company's luxury Lincoln Division has a new flagship offering in the 2009 model year to do battle with large-scale rivals from such worthy competitors as Acura, Cadillac, Lexus and BMW.

The Chicago-built MKS joins two other sedans in Lincoln's 2009 line up: the slightly smaller MKZ (formally known as the Zephyr when it debuted in the 2006 model year) and the long-standing Town Car. Both MKS and MKZ are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive while the Town Car remains rear-wheel drive. Rounding out Lincoln's 2009 line up is the MKX five-door mid-size crossover and the larger-than-life Lincoln Navigator Sport Utility.

Wow. MKS, MKZ, MKX. Lincoln has taken a page out of the Asian marketing handbook for devising hard-to-remember car names (ES 350, TL, FX45 etc). However, there is rhyme and reason to Lincoln's name game. Think of MK as an abbreviation for "Mark." Lincoln has used the "Mark" name in the past for referencing the Mark VII, Mark VIII and other generations of the luxurious Mark sedans. In this abbreviated-laden, texting world, brain trusts in the Lincoln Marketing Department concluded MKS, MKZ and MKX worked better in relating to a younger-generation of buyers than the Mark S, Mark Z and Mark X. I'm old school when it comes to names, so to keep these vehicles clear in my own mind, I still revert back to Mark Zephyr (for MKZ) Mark Crossover (for MKX) and Mark Sedan (for MKS).

The all-new 2009 Mark Sedan (or MKS if you prefer) shares a basic architecture with Ford's largest front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive sedan, the Taurus (formerly named the Five-Hundred). The same platform is also used on the Taurus X crossover and Mercury Sable sedan and is actually a platform borrowed from Ford's Volvo subsidiary. All four are assembled in Chicago at one of Ford Motor Company's oldest assembly plants, the Torrence Avenue facility. If back seat leg room is a priority, Taurus, Sable and MKS are worth a look.

With an overall length of 204.1 inches, MKS is classified as a large sedan. It's 2.3-inches longer than the 2008 Ford Taurus with a revamped rear suspension providing a softer glide. No exterior Lincoln MKS sheet metal is shared with the Ford Taurus. The 2009 MKS began arriving in dealers in August of 2008. The all-wheel drive system utilizes a system of clutches to automatically distribute torque between front and rear wheels; up to 100 percent in either direction, with no driver input.

The sole 2009 MKS powertrain is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine cranking out 273 horsepower matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. It's similar to the powertrain found in the popular Ford Edge crossover and its sister-vehicle, the aforementioned Lincoln MKX. Fuel economy is 17 miles per gallon city and 24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and one less mile per gallon in both categories for all-wheel-drive editions. The fuel tank holds 19 gallons of regular 87-octane fuel. Many import brands require higher-priced premium fuel for their flagship vehicles. Keep in mind, Lincoln incorporates a nifty gas-cap free design so when filling up, no gas cap needs removal. The fuel nozzle taps directly into the fuel tank lead. In the 2010 model year, second engine will be offered: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an estimated 340 horsepower. This engine promises to provide the horsepower of a V-8 engine with the economy of V-6.

The turbocharged engine will be a welcome addition. Lincoln's current 3.5-liter V-6 could use more punch when traveling uphill. Nissan/Infiniti's current naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 cranks out 297 horses.

The MKS trim level structure is broken down by front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Several options and option packages (Navigation, Technology) are available for each trim. The front-wheel drive MKS sedan starts at $37,665 and the all-wheel version checks in at $39,555. Competitive luxury sedans include the Lexus ES 350 and Cadillac CTS.

During the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Lincoln Marketing representative Mark Shirmer shared thoughts with area journalists on the show floor concerning the new 2009 Lincoln flagship. "Those who enjoy a touch of technology with their luxury sedan will want to give MKS a peek," Shirmer stated. In fact, entering and starting the vehicle is accomplished without ever taking a key or key fob out of a pocket or purse.

At one time, Lincoln utilized a mechanical pad near the exterior driver's door handle to punch in a unique numerical code to unlock the door sans a key. The MKS replaces the mechanical pad with a flat, electronic SecuriCode Keyless entry touch pad on the driver's side exterior B pillar. With the fob in a pocket or purse, just a touch of the heat-sensitive flush-mounted numerals along the B-Pillar region, unlocks the driver's door. Once behind the wheel, the driver simply engages the foot brake and pushes a dashboard 'start' button to rumble the V-6 to life.

Exteriorwise, MKS lacks the chiseled look of a Cadillac CTS sedan. The new Lincoln flagship instead opts for more flowing exterior nuances. The understated sedan features a double wing grille which is inspired by a 1941 Lincoln Continental. A large rear window and narrow rear "C" pillars help minimize driver blind spots.

Built with ultra high strength steel, the small, raised rear deck lid compliments a long, sculpted hood. Chrome accents surround the door frames. Long, wide doors swing open wide enough, making entering and exiting a breeze, especially in back, where the extended leg room comes into play. Remember, MKS has the largest rear-door opening in its class. Strap-like door handles retain the body color.

On the inside, MKS scores points, especially with tech-savvy shoppers. SYNC, a voice-activated hands-free communication system developed in tandem between Ford and computer software giant Microsoft, fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into MKS. Simply put, iPod music-like devices and portable phones can be plugged into the MKS and activated by speaking. SIRIUS Travel Link is also available, providing up-to-the-minute information including weather and gasoline prices at nearby stations through the touch navigation screen.

Soft yet supportive leather surfaces come standard with perforated patterns on inserts assisting to heat and ventilate the seats on command. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood trim along the top quarter incorporates all cruise control functions and secondary audio controls.

A foot-operated parking brake opens up room between the front bucket seats for dual beverage holders with a sliding cover. Ventilation functions include two small dials to monitor the dual zone climate controls and small push buttons for fan speed. Ventilation controls may also be regulated through the all-purpose 8-inch navigation touch screen. A padded dashboard adds to the elegance and the flat instrument panel features two large analog gauges with two smaller ones atop along with a rectangular digital message window along the bottom. Door map pockets and the glove box are rather diminutive. The trunk release button is conveniently found on the dashboard, left of the power tilt and telescoping steering column. Open the trunk, and a cavernous 18.7 cubic feet of room awaits. It's one of the largest trunks in the segment with shock-absorber-style hinges conveniently located outside the cargo area.

Three adults fit nicely in the ample-spaced back bench seat with spacious leg room and decent head room. A center arm rest folds down revealing two more cup holders. Behind the arm rest is a pass-through window for toting skis or other long items.

Front dual airbags, side curtain airbags, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic stability control adaptive collapsible steering column and front side-mounted air bags come standard. Options include a dual-pane sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, backup camera with feed through the navigation screen and laser-guided adaptive cruise control.

Expect a floaty ride with precise steering. The comfy interior includes an array of sound-deadening technologies including a six-millimeter-thick laminated windshield, laminated side glass, sound-absorbing carpet and acoustic headliner. Lincoln continues closing the gap with industry leader Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) as far as interior quietness is concerned, but sill has a little ways to go.