| The styling and presence of the MKS are pure Lincoln: bold, sturdy, impressive.
This luxury marque has been busily searching its past design DNA for usable yesteryear styling symbols that will play well in the present.
According to company stylists, the aggressive boat prow-like MKS grille recalls the classic pre-war Lincoln Continental; yet in the same gesture, they say, this stands as a symbol of the new Lincoln's aggressive thrust forward into the 21st century.
While appearing rock steady in profile, the MKS has a dynamic stance that seems ready to pounce.
And viewed from the rear on the interstate, this car has the imposing presence, in scaled-down form, of an ultra-luxury sedan.
The MKS makes generous use of chrome highlighting, supported by understated side sculpting in profile view.
In addition to the usual variety of paint colors, the MKS is available in a new paint finish called Tuxedo Black Metallic.
This black is similar to a metallic finish, except that in place of metallic flecks in the paint, it features brilliant, tiny flecks of glass.
The result is a highly reflective finish that will wow some buyers.
To others, Tuxedo Black will seem an extraordinarily coarse metallic more suited to bass boats.
The MKS, with an overall length of 204.1 inches and dignified height of 61.6 inches, is a fully found luxury sedan that will earn its place in the rivalries of valet parking.
However, as with many luxury sedans that aspire to sleekness (Jaguar sedans come to mind) its handsomely rounded forms leave the impression that it is smaller than it really is.
On the plus side of this undersizing, the air passing over the MKS at 70 mph flows smoothly and silently, yielding both a peaceful commute and startlingly efficient EPA Highway mileage of 25 mpg in EcoBoost trim, impressive for this full-size entry.
(The non-turbocharged 3.7-liter V6 yields 24 mpg on the highway.
When it's time to refuel, the MKS features a refueling receptacle that eliminates the messiness of a gas cap. |