Lincoln Goes Green with 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Lincoln is one of the dwindling numbers of luxury automakers that doesn't currently offer a hybrid-electric vehicle, but that will all change with the introduction of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Ford and Mercury already offer hybrid versions of the MKZ's sister cars, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but the MKZ Hybrid will finally give some competition to the Lexus HS 250h. Ford Motor Company is already the largest hybrid-selling domestic company in America, and the addition of the all-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid should further cement that status.
Other luxury automakers ranging from Cadillac to Porsche have introduced an assortment of hybrid vehicles (mostly being full-size cars and SUVs), but Lexus has been the only one so far to venture into entry-level hybrid cars. Introduced at the 2010 New York International Auto Show Lincoln is betting that the MKZ Hybrid can compete against Lexus when it comes to these smaller hybrids like the HS and the upcoming CT 200h hatchback. Aside from the Lexus HS, the smallest hybrid luxury sedans currently available on the market are full-size sedans such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class and more are on the way. For those looking to stand out from the sea of mid-size hybrid sedans, the all-new MKZ definitely delivers with unique styling, an elegant interior and excellent fuel economy.
Powering the greener MKZ is a 156-horsepower, 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 paired up with a 106-horsepower electric motor and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack. The total combined output of this system is 191 horsepower which should help it feel not so underpowered compared to the base MKZ's 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. The more powerful electric motor allows the MKZ Hybrid to operate under full electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour, while the Lexus HS turns the engine on at 25 mph. As such, the MKZ Hybrid will get much better fuel economy than the smaller HS with expected EPA estimates of 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway (matching the Fusion and Milan hybrids). Lincoln has always been known for its luxury, but the MKZ Hybrid will also be known for its class-leading fuel economy
"Lincoln's hallmarks are design, technology and comfort. Now, Lincoln also delivers the best fuel efficiency of any luxury sedan in America," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas.
Following a significant redesign for 2010, the styling of the MKZ is left untouched on the hybrid model except for hybrid badging on the front doors and decklid. Likewise, the only change made inside the MKZ Hybrid was the addition of Ford's SmartGauge with EcoDrive system that was introduced on the Fusion and Milan hybrids to train drivers how to better maximize fuel economy. The SmartGauge features a large analog speedometer flanked by two LCD screens. When the car is off, the entire cluster appears black, but upon entering and starting up the new Fusion or Milan, the cluster welcomes the driver with a soft blue color and a myriad of customizable display screens. The new display promotes greener driving by showing a digital tree on the display screen that adds leaves when the car is driven more efficiently and loses leaves when the driver gets a little too heavy footed.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, but judging by pricing of the 2010 Fusion and Milan models, a starting MSRP around $40,000 is a likely scenario. This may seem like a huge premium to pay over the $27,625 base price of the 2010 Fusion Hybrid (2011 pricing has yet to be announced), but the MKZ does deliver more luxury and a more stylish interior than Ford's hybrid sedan including a distinguishable cabin design. While the Fusion and Milan interiors are very similar, the MKZ gets a more upscale look that includes a cleaner, two-tiered instrument panel and distinguishing leather coverings on the seats and center console armrest. The cabin is accented with bright metallic and dark, rich wood trims.
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will give Ford Motor Company its fifth HEV including the other mid-size sedan offerings, the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In addition to this new Lincoln hybrid, Ford is planning to offer five new EVs or HEVs over the next two years. Later this year, Ford will launch the Transit Connect Electric expected to be used initially for fleet duty, while the Focus Electric will follow next year with larger scale production and sales. In 2012, Ford will unveil the Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) as well as its next-generation hybrid system that will be introduced on an undetermined model.