2014 Lincoln MKZ Review: Luxury Redefined
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Driving Experience of the 2014 Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln, Ford's luxury division since 1922, is renowned for producing elegant and high-end vehicles. Like many brands, Lincoln has had its ups and downs but has made numerous updates to stay relevant in the luxury market.
The brand has consistently aimed to stand out, evident in initiatives like the Lincoln Design Studio. They have sought to redefine conventions and move away from traditional thinking. Recently, I had the opportunity to test one of their successful models. Here’s my experience with the 2014 Lincoln MKZ.
Elegance
It's undeniable that Lincoln is a product of Ford. The MKZ shares its foundation with the Ford Fusion, showcasing Swedish design influences. However, the styling is beautiful and captivating. I appreciated the red color of the car. Many car manufacturers prefer a winged appearance in their logos, similar to Bentley, Aston Martin, and Chrysler. The wings on the MKZ are part of the front grille. While some claim it resembles a man's mustache, I find it to be a very attractive front grille.
Interior Materials and Quality
Upon sitting in the car, I imagined that one of Lincoln's designers must be a fan of history and ancient artifacts. I noticed several cobra and Persian sword motifs throughout the cabin. The center console extends from behind the front seats and curves like a cobra's shape. The steering wheel resembles a cobra's head from the back, and the clocks mimic a cobra's face. You can see Persian swords on the dashboard and in multiple locations.
These shapes ignite your imagination, which is precisely what Lincoln intended. The interior is interesting and engaging, setting it apart from other vehicles.
You can see Volvo's influence, but the design team has refined it by separating the lower section of the dashboard. The gear shift has been moved next to the screen. However, I must say they used lower-quality leather and some lightweight plastic. The buttons don't feel as premium as those found in a BMW or Mercedes. The buttons are also quite close to the paddle shifters.
Cabin Space and Visibility
The car gives you the feeling of being someone important. Upon entering, the seat and steering wheel automatically adjust to your preference. The screen immediately informs you that you are inside a Lincoln. The seats are comfortable but may feel a bit cramped for larger individuals.
You feel safe inside the car, equipped with numerous safety mechanisms. Visibility is average, much like other sedans. There are blind spots, and the mirrors can exaggerate distances, but there is a blind-spot alert system. The rear windows are not very helpful for visibility, but opening the sunroof gives a view akin to that of a sports car.
The rear seats are also not the most comfortable for larger passengers. Legroom is adequate but may feel tight for those over six feet tall. The trunk space is not large, so you may need to fold down the rear seats occasionally due to a curved frame reducing space.
Technology and Cabin Features
There are numerous features, making it difficult to cover them all. The MKZ offers three technology packages: 14, 24, or 34, with higher numbers indicating more advanced technology. I experienced the 34 package, so I'll summarize. Keyless entry, along with a pin code system if desired, sound controls, LCD, and THX surround sound with 14 speakers. However, I don't think that's necessary. The seats have 10 positions, memory, heating, cooling, and even massage functions. It was odd while driving, but my wife loved it.
What I wasn't sure I liked was the control panel. There are no buttons; everything is touch-operated. Whenever I wanted something, I had to look down to ensure I was touching the right spot, distracting me from the road. Additionally, the positioning of the touchscreen causes it to reflect sunlight, making it difficult to see during the day.
Safety Features
This car can practically drive itself, showcasing how advanced technology has become. On the highway, I used the adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. I appreciate this feature and believe all cars should offer it. Then, I tried the lane-keeping technology. However, this doesn’t mean you can close your eyes and sleep; it simply means the car will assist you in driving and alert you to potential hazards, so keep your hands on the wheel. The car will visually and audibly alert you if it senses lane deviation.
The MKZ is equipped with all the latest technologies and more. Rear passengers have inflatable seatbelts. The driver has an SOS alert for collision risks and additional knee airbags. The MKZ has received awards for its safety features.
Powertrain and Transmission
The MKZ is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower. The torque is good, but I wasn't fond of the six-speed transmission. You need to be very careful with the accelerator. Yes, the ride is smooth, but it can be annoying. In sport mode, the car becomes eager to accelerate, often too eager. When you press the gas, it launches forward but seems to pause for a second to ensure everything is fine before taking off again, giving the impression that your body has surged ahead of the vehicle. Therefore, I usually drove in normal mode. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in 7.2 seconds, which is close to Lincoln's claim of 6.8 seconds.
Handling and Suspension
Electric steering? Not a fan. Many manufacturers use it, making the road feel disconnected. This car is no different; you won't feel the road through your hands. When you accelerate hard, the car feels light. Yet, it remains stable, and the balance is good, except in sport mode, where you can feel the stability control technology working when navigating corners.
The suspension is robust, and you can feel the difference when driving in sport mode. The handling of the MKZ during turns is commendable, enhancing the reputation of American cars in terms of cornering.
Braking
I tested the brakes on two different roads: one dusty and sandy, and the other regular. First, on the sandy road, I accelerated to 100 km/h and braked. The car remained straight while activating the ABS and stability control. It stopped in 3.62 seconds. On the regular road, I accelerated to 100 km/h and braked, stopping in 3.02 seconds.
However, I expected the car to perform better. I have driven trucks that stop at the same speed, and many SUVs stop faster than this car. Even if it’s just a slight difference, those are heavier vehicles, and this one is significantly lighter.
Conclusion
I enjoyed this experience, and it's great that Ford hasn't abandoned Lincoln as many anticipated. This car promises a bright and beautiful future for Lincoln vehicles. Just as the Burj Al Arab is iconic for Dubai, the MKZ is poised to become a signature model for Lincoln. This car is a strong competitor against the Lexus IS and Cadillac CTS 3.6. With some tweaks, it could compete well with the Germans. However, I must emphasize one point: Lincoln needs to rediscover its "splendor."
