The Zephyr becomes the MKZ, and a better car
By Sue Mead
|
March 12, 2007
Lincoln MKZ: Introduction
Lincoln MKZ - First Drive: Merlot? Crème Brule? It’s not an either or question or a waiter’s inquiry, but color choices for the 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The names are chosen to reflect the sophistication and elegance Lincoln seeks with its newly revised mid-size luxury sedan, which was introduced last year as the Zephyr. The 2007 MKZ sports a larger, more powerful and more refined V6 engine, available all-wheel drive, and a restyled front end. We’re not so sure that changing the name a year after the car was introduced is such a good idea. No matter what the name, however, the improvements that come with the new badge will do more to improve Lincoln’s image than fancy names for its paint colors will.
The Basics: Origins
Lincoln is trying to get back in the luxury vehicle game, and the controversial lettered designations now used to describe its vehicles are part of the plan. Some may have been happier with the Zephyr moniker, as MKZ is easily confused with Lincoln’s new MKX crossover utility vehicle, which itself is close to Acura’s MDX. Whatever it’s called, the new sedan is critical for this luxury marque to re-establish itself among premium sedan buyers. The car itself is based on a solid foundation: Ford’s CD3 architecture, which the MKZ shares with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, as well as the Mazda6 sedan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers.
The Basics: Model Mix
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan comes as one well-equipped model available in front or all-wheel drive. Standard features include genuine wood interior trim, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with heaters and driver memory and a manual tilting/telescoping multifunctional steering wheel. It also comes standard with remote power windows controlled via key fob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker six-CD audio system, keypad keyless entry and dual front, front side impact and side curtain airbags. In addition to all-wheel drive and chrome wheels, other options are a power glass moonroof, a THX-II 600-watt 14-speaker audio system, DVD-based navigation (which includes the THX audio system), SIRIUS satellite radio, an MP3 jack, perforated leather front seats with cooling, and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights.
The Basics: Pricing
Front-wheel-drive Lincoln MKZs start at $29,890 and AWD models sticker for $31,765. Both prices include Lincoln’s $715 destination charge. That base price gets a fairly loaded vehicle with only a handful of options left to pick. The THX-II sound system is $995, and is included with the $2,495 DVD navigation system. High intensity discharge headlights are $495, Sirius satellite radio adds $195 – the price doesn’t include subscription charges – and perforated premium leather seats with cooling are $495. If you want to offset the wood you can replace it with a satin aluminum package for $195.
What’s New: Outside
In what is becoming a signature feature for Lincoln, the grille of the 2007 MKZ extends the width of the nose and is bracketed by intricately styled headlights. In the back are large taillights, too large really, especially compared with the small exhaust outlets. The flanks of the MKZ are adorned with strips of chrome, and the trunk lid is creased to frame the Lincoln emblem in the center. In a vacuum, it’s a nice looking car, but its profile and many of its styling cues are too similar to its platform-mates – the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan – both of which cost considerably less.
What’s New: Inside
Lincoln calls the interior 2007 Lincoln MKX “unpretentious luxury.” To us, it’s a formal layout of mostly rectangular shapes combined with switches clearly sourced from Ford’s parts bin. However, real wood, chrome trim, satin nickel accents and high-quality leather add luxury touches to cabin surfaces, and the white electro-luminescent gauge lights and LED backlighting create clearly articulated and classy instrumentation. Lincoln says the 15.8 cu. ft. trunk is the largest in its class, and can be expanded further with the 60/40-split rear seat is folded down. The front seats can be ordered with premium perforated leather.
What’s New: Under the Hood
Lift the hood of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and you’ll find a smooth-revving 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 249 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s among the more powerful engines in this class, and doesn’t require premium fuel. The MKZ is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. According to Ford, the all-wheel drive is a capable of detecting and compensating for traction loss before the driver notices. Four-wheel-disc brakes with anti-lock control and electronic brake force distribution handle halting duties, and traction control is standard. The low-profile 255/50R-17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels take advantage of an independent suspension with spring and damper rates revised for 2007 for better handling.
What’s New: Safety
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ comes with an active safety system that the company says tailors airbag and seatbelt response to the severity of a collision. Dual front airbags handle head-on impacts, while front side-impact airbags help defend against injury in broadside encounters. Lincoln also touts its safety canopy side curtain airbags, which cover both the front and rear seats. The company says that its system is unique because the airbag deploys in a “rolling” fashion, helping protect occupants even if they’re out of position, such as with their head against the window. This is in contrast to the accordion-style deployment of most other automakers. We’ll take their word for it, and hope we never get to test it in person.
Driving: Test Car, Location
We drove the 2007 Lincoln MKZ over a drive of close to 150 miles, beginning our route at Blackberry Farm, one of the world’s finest luxury hotels located in the Smokey Mountains, of eastern Tennessee. Our route mixed rural and city driving, giving us ample opportunity to evaluate the engine and transmission performance of the MKZ, as well as its braking abilities and all-wheel drive prowess. A portion of our drive took us along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, where tight and twisty two-lane roads challenged the MKZ’s suspension and required careful carving in the turns and good tire adhesion.
Driving: Performance
The MKZ shares its powerful 3.5-liter engine with the MKX crossover utility vehicle. Its power is ample, but the engine sound and exhaust note under full throttle is harsh and not pleasing. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, but this is not the same transmission that’s in the MKX crossover. Having driven the two vehicles back to back, we decided that we like the big crossover’s transmission better. The MKZ’s six-speed was slower to react, less likely to hold gears and softer in its operation compared to the bigger sport utility, and we wish there was a way that Lincoln could engineer the MKX transmission into the MKZ sedan.
Driving: Ride and Handling
Customers who buy luxury sedans have different expectations of the ride character. The 2007 Lincoln MKZ delivers plush comfort and overall smoothness. That said, despite changes to spring and damping rates to improve handling, this is not a sporty car to drive. While it steers around hard corners with enough ease and precision at speed, we found its steering too light at slower speeds, with a dead spot on center. The suspension tuning clearly favors smoothness and refinement rather than performance. Despite this, the MKZ tracks straight and doesn’t wallow. The brakes, tires and all-wheel drive do their job to keep the MKZ on the path you intend.
Driving: Comfort
Once cocooned in the cabin of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ, you’ll find a warmly inviting and upscale environment. Choices of trim include maple, dark ebony, or satin nickel to accommodate different personalities, but all will find comfortable 10-way adjustable front leather seats, with the ability to heat and cool the backsides, while back seat riders get nearly three feet of leg room. The driver and front passenger won’t fight over temperature settings thanks to dual climate controls. Lincoln’s extensive work to quiet the interior is impressive, except when the engine’s harsh note intrudes under hard throttle. Visibility is good thanks to narrow pillars, although the outside mirrors are on the small side.
Driving: Controls
The MKZ’s "twin breadbox" dash harkens back to styling cues from the 60s and 70s and includes a coolly retro analog clock in the center stack. The gauges feature large numerals and eye-friendly LED backlighting. The controls are all ergonomically correct and easy to use, the gearshift is well positioned, and the adjustable steering wheel helps the driver settle into a comfortable driving position. A key highlight is Lincoln’s new DVD-based navigation system. A top vote-getter from J.D. Powers, it is large and straight-forward in its layout, using a combination of buttons and touch screen for programming.
Advice: Selling Points
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ is not simply a rebadged Zephyr, but a significantly improved vehicle all around. It offers increased power, cleaner emissions, a six-speed automatic transmission, and intelligent AWD in an affordable, premium sedan. Despite its similarity to the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, it’s a good looking car, especially with the standard 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires. The interior is pleasing with wood trim, high-quality leather, satin nickel, chrome accents and electro-luminescent lighting surrounding the chrome-ringed gauges. The MKZ has a roomy 15.8 cu. ft. of trunk space, and the DVD navigation system is straightforward and easy to use.
Advice: Deal Breakers
If you’re looking for a sporty, performance-mannered premium sedan, the 2007 Lincoln MKZ is not for you. It’s been engineered for a plush ride and lacks a manual shift mode for its automatic transmission, and the handling is tuned for cruising, not athletic handling. While the interior is mostly upscale and attractive, there are clearly Ford parts bin interior bits – such as the climate controls – which cheapen the interior’s feel. The exterior is pleasing, but it’s stately instead of hip, and the similar profile to less expensive siblings may turn off buyers looking for exclusivity. The price point also places the MKZ up against a number of choices with similar content and features, but better luxury pedigrees.
Advice: Competitors
The MKZ is smack-dab in the middle of one of the most hotly contested luxury segments, against the likes of the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350, Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300C, Cadillac CTS and many others. Few offer all-wheel drive like the MKZ, but many have luxury pedigrees that exceed Lincoln’s current credentials. Perhaps the closest competitor is the Infiniti G35. The price starts at $31,450, climbing to $33,950 for the all-wheel drive G35x. It offers a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission and standard stability control, HID bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. It offers more power than the MKZ but without much of an economy penalty.
Specifications: Test Vehicle, MPG
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKZ
Base Price: $29,890 (FWD); $31,765 (AWD) ($715 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 263 at 6,250 rpm
Engine Torque: 249 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Estimated Fuel Economy, city/hwy: N/A
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 19/27 (FWD); 18/26 (AWD)
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,469 (FWD); 3,672 (AWD)
Length, inches: 190.5
Width, inches: 72.2 inches (excluding mirrors)
Wheelbase, inches: 107.4 inches
Height, inches: 57.2 inches
Max. seating capacity: Five
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 38.7/37.8
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 42.3/37
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 15.8
Lincoln is trying to get back in the luxury vehicle game, and the controversial lettered designations now used to describe its vehicles are part of the plan. Some may have been happier with the Zephyr moniker, as MKZ is easily confused with Lincoln’s new MKX crossover utility vehicle, which itself is close to Acura’s MDX. Whatever it’s called, the new sedan is critical for this luxury marque to re-establish itself among premium sedan buyers. The car itself is based on a solid foundation: Ford’s CD3 architecture, which the MKZ shares with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, as well as the Mazda6 sedan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers.
The Basics: Model Mix
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan comes as one well-equipped model available in front or all-wheel drive. Standard features include genuine wood interior trim, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with heaters and driver memory and a manual tilting/telescoping multifunctional steering wheel. It also comes standard with remote power windows controlled via key fob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker six-CD audio system, keypad keyless entry and dual front, front side impact and side curtain airbags. In addition to all-wheel drive and chrome wheels, other options are a power glass moonroof, a THX-II 600-watt 14-speaker audio system, DVD-based navigation (which includes the THX audio system), SIRIUS satellite radio, an MP3 jack, perforated leather front seats with cooling, and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights.
The Basics: Pricing
Front-wheel-drive Lincoln MKZs start at $29,890 and AWD models sticker for $31,765. Both prices include Lincoln’s $715 destination charge. That base price gets a fairly loaded vehicle with only a handful of options left to pick. The THX-II sound system is $995, and is included with the $2,495 DVD navigation system. High intensity discharge headlights are $495, Sirius satellite radio adds $195 – the price doesn’t include subscription charges – and perforated premium leather seats with cooling are $495. If you want to offset the wood you can replace it with a satin aluminum package for $195.
What’s New: Outside
In what is becoming a signature feature for Lincoln, the grille of the 2007 MKZ extends the width of the nose and is bracketed by intricately styled headlights. In the back are large taillights, too large really, especially compared with the small exhaust outlets. The flanks of the MKZ are adorned with strips of chrome, and the trunk lid is creased to frame the Lincoln emblem in the center. In a vacuum, it’s a nice looking car, but its profile and many of its styling cues are too similar to its platform-mates – the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan – both of which cost considerably less.
What’s New: Inside
Lincoln calls the interior 2007 Lincoln MKX “unpretentious luxury.” To us, it’s a formal layout of mostly rectangular shapes combined with switches clearly sourced from Ford’s parts bin. However, real wood, chrome trim, satin nickel accents and high-quality leather add luxury touches to cabin surfaces, and the white electro-luminescent gauge lights and LED backlighting create clearly articulated and classy instrumentation. Lincoln says the 15.8 cu. ft. trunk is the largest in its class, and can be expanded further with the 60/40-split rear seat is folded down. The front seats can be ordered with premium perforated leather.
What’s New: Under the Hood
Lift the hood of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ and you’ll find a smooth-revving 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 249 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s among the more powerful engines in this class, and doesn’t require premium fuel. The MKZ is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. According to Ford, the all-wheel drive is a capable of detecting and compensating for traction loss before the driver notices. Four-wheel-disc brakes with anti-lock control and electronic brake force distribution handle halting duties, and traction control is standard. The low-profile 255/50R-17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels take advantage of an independent suspension with spring and damper rates revised for 2007 for better handling.
What’s New: Safety
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ comes with an active safety system that the company says tailors airbag and seatbelt response to the severity of a collision. Dual front airbags handle head-on impacts, while front side-impact airbags help defend against injury in broadside encounters. Lincoln also touts its safety canopy side curtain airbags, which cover both the front and rear seats. The company says that its system is unique because the airbag deploys in a “rolling” fashion, helping protect occupants even if they’re out of position, such as with their head against the window. This is in contrast to the accordion-style deployment of most other automakers. We’ll take their word for it, and hope we never get to test it in person.
Driving: Test Car, Location
We drove the 2007 Lincoln MKZ over a drive of close to 150 miles, beginning our route at Blackberry Farm, one of the world’s finest luxury hotels located in the Smokey Mountains, of eastern Tennessee. Our route mixed rural and city driving, giving us ample opportunity to evaluate the engine and transmission performance of the MKZ, as well as its braking abilities and all-wheel drive prowess. A portion of our drive took us along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, where tight and twisty two-lane roads challenged the MKZ’s suspension and required careful carving in the turns and good tire adhesion.
Driving: Performance
The MKZ shares its powerful 3.5-liter engine with the MKX crossover utility vehicle. Its power is ample, but the engine sound and exhaust note under full throttle is harsh and not pleasing. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, but this is not the same transmission that’s in the MKX crossover. Having driven the two vehicles back to back, we decided that we like the big crossover’s transmission better. The MKZ’s six-speed was slower to react, less likely to hold gears and softer in its operation compared to the bigger sport utility, and we wish there was a way that Lincoln could engineer the MKX transmission into the MKZ sedan.
Driving: Ride and Handling
Customers who buy luxury sedans have different expectations of the ride character. The 2007 Lincoln MKZ delivers plush comfort and overall smoothness. That said, despite changes to spring and damping rates to improve handling, this is not a sporty car to drive. While it steers around hard corners with enough ease and precision at speed, we found its steering too light at slower speeds, with a dead spot on center. The suspension tuning clearly favors smoothness and refinement rather than performance. Despite this, the MKZ tracks straight and doesn’t wallow. The brakes, tires and all-wheel drive do their job to keep the MKZ on the path you intend.
Driving: Comfort
Once cocooned in the cabin of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ, you’ll find a warmly inviting and upscale environment. Choices of trim include maple, dark ebony, or satin nickel to accommodate different personalities, but all will find comfortable 10-way adjustable front leather seats, with the ability to heat and cool the backsides, while back seat riders get nearly three feet of leg room. The driver and front passenger won’t fight over temperature settings thanks to dual climate controls. Lincoln’s extensive work to quiet the interior is impressive, except when the engine’s harsh note intrudes under hard throttle. Visibility is good thanks to narrow pillars, although the outside mirrors are on the small side.
Driving: Controls
The MKZ’s "twin breadbox" dash harkens back to styling cues from the 60s and 70s and includes a coolly retro analog clock in the center stack. The gauges feature large numerals and eye-friendly LED backlighting. The controls are all ergonomically correct and easy to use, the gearshift is well positioned, and the adjustable steering wheel helps the driver settle into a comfortable driving position. A key highlight is Lincoln’s new DVD-based navigation system. A top vote-getter from J.D. Powers, it is large and straight-forward in its layout, using a combination of buttons and touch screen for programming.
Advice: Selling Points
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ is not simply a rebadged Zephyr, but a significantly improved vehicle all around. It offers increased power, cleaner emissions, a six-speed automatic transmission, and intelligent AWD in an affordable, premium sedan. Despite its similarity to the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, it’s a good looking car, especially with the standard 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires. The interior is pleasing with wood trim, high-quality leather, satin nickel, chrome accents and electro-luminescent lighting surrounding the chrome-ringed gauges. The MKZ has a roomy 15.8 cu. ft. of trunk space, and the DVD navigation system is straightforward and easy to use.
Advice: Deal Breakers
If you’re looking for a sporty, performance-mannered premium sedan, the 2007 Lincoln MKZ is not for you. It’s been engineered for a plush ride and lacks a manual shift mode for its automatic transmission, and the handling is tuned for cruising, not athletic handling. While the interior is mostly upscale and attractive, there are clearly Ford parts bin interior bits – such as the climate controls – which cheapen the interior’s feel. The exterior is pleasing, but it’s stately instead of hip, and the similar profile to less expensive siblings may turn off buyers looking for exclusivity. The price point also places the MKZ up against a number of choices with similar content and features, but better luxury pedigrees.
Advice: Competitors
The MKZ is smack-dab in the middle of one of the most hotly contested luxury segments, against the likes of the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350, Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300C, Cadillac CTS and many others. Few offer all-wheel drive like the MKZ, but many have luxury pedigrees that exceed Lincoln’s current credentials. Perhaps the closest competitor is the Infiniti G35. The price starts at $31,450, climbing to $33,950 for the all-wheel drive G35x. It offers a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission and standard stability control, HID bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. It offers more power than the MKZ but without much of an economy penalty.
Specifications: Test Vehicle, MPG
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKZ
Base Price: $29,890 (FWD); $31,765 (AWD) ($715 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 263 at 6,250 rpm
Engine Torque: 249 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Estimated Fuel Economy, city/hwy: N/A
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 19/27 (FWD); 18/26 (AWD)
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,469 (FWD); 3,672 (AWD)
Length, inches: 190.5
Width, inches: 72.2 inches (excluding mirrors)
Wheelbase, inches: 107.4 inches
Height, inches: 57.2 inches
Max. seating capacity: Five
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 38.7/37.8
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 42.3/37
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 15.8
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Co.