Lincoln MKS 2010

Vehicle Summary
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan competes with the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. Lincoln has at least one advantage going in: The MKS is based on the Ford Taurus, a car whose full-size dimensions mean more interior room than most of the midsize offerings in the luxury-sedan segment.

Vehicle Overview
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan competes with the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. Lincoln has at least one advantage going in: The MKS is based on the Ford Taurus, a car whose full-size dimensions mean more interior room than most of the midsize offerings in the luxury-sedan segment.

New for 2010
The Lincoln MKS gets Ford's newest V-6 engine: a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6. Other updates include an updated Sync system, available adaptive cruise control and a self-parking system.

Exterior
It's difficult to tell the MKS is related to the Taurus, as Lincoln has done quite a bit to differentiate its version. Styling elements include Lincoln's familiar waterfall grille, cut by a vertical strip with Lincoln's crossbar logo. The thin, horizontal headlights look a lot like the ones on an Acura TL.

Around back, the taillights flow toward a high bumper. There are chrome elements on the window frames, door sills and outlines on the lower air dam. The EcoBoost MKS features a unique grille, side rocker panels and a rear spoiler.

* Available 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
* Keyless-entry keypad
* Capless refueling system
* Fog lamps
* Automatic high-intensity-discharge headlamps
* Dual chrome exhaust
* Optional dual-panel sunroof
* Optional adaptive headlights

Interior
Inside, the MKS' interior comes with lots of leather; it covers the seats, door panels and dashboard. The center controls flow seamlessly toward a center tunnel that supports the gearshift and two independently adjustable armrests. For 2010, an updated Sync system provides real-time traffic, turn-by-turn navigation, and news and sports updates.

The MKS' passenger volume totals 105.9 cubic feet. That beats the Cadillac STS (102.9), Acura RL (99.1) and Infiniti M (105.2). The difference is most noticeable in the backseat.

* Leather seating surfaces, shifter and steering wheel
* Powered tilt/telescoping steering wheel
* Dual-zone automatic climate control
* Ford Sync system
* Heated front and rear seats
* Ventilated/cooled front seats
* Optional voice-activated navigation
* Optional THX 14-speaker surround-sound stereo
* Optional adaptive cruise control and self-parking system

Under the Hood
The MKS' 3.7-liter V-6 is a unique engine, not found on the Ford Taurus. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, the MKS gets a new EcoBoost, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 powertrain. The engine has the power output of a 4.6-liter V-8, but with V-6 fuel economy. According to Ford, the EcoBoost V-6 will achieve 16/25 mpg city/highway. The EcoBoost powertrain comes standard with all-wheel drive.

* 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque
* 355-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with 350 pounds-feet of torque
* Six-speed automatic transmission
* Available front- or all-wheel drive

Safety
Ford's Sync system also features a 911-assist feature that connects the vehicle's occupants to an emergency operator when an airbag deploys.

* Side curtain airbags
* Traction control
* Antilock brakes
* Electronic stability system
* Reverse-sensing system
* Optional rearview camera