slipping unheard through the nighttime. It is eerie. It is creepy. But, somehow, it seems incredibly normal.
This is not exactly what one expects from Lincoln, home of the Navigator, purveyor of all things Town Car, and imbued with the spirit of Continental. Lincolns aren’t exactly known for subtlety, what with their flashy chrome teeth, slab sides, and limousine stretches. Shake your head a couple of times and prepare for an American luxury car that achieves 41/36-MPG city/highway. Quit wiping your eyes, you read it correctly.
The soul of this eco-gent is a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that works mob-style with batteries, electric motors, and regenerative brakes that recapture energy during deceleration. Full-on power nets 191 horsepower, but driven discreetly, the car can run on electricity alone up to 47 MPH over short distances. Hybrids typically achieve better mileage in town because they can run on batteries more often. That also allows them to creep down dark alleys, looking for attendees to houses of il-repute.
To encourage assorted affairs, the MKZ has a partial-LCD instrument cluster that shows power usage, battery recharging, and gas mileage. There’s also a cool display in which leaves and flowers “grow” when the car is driven ecologically and disappear as the scourge of Gore when leaden feet apply. I’m happy to report that after a duration of 400 miles, I have grown a full bouquet.
Even with all of this high-techery, there is plenty of old-world Lincoln luxury inside. And, there might be a little more high-techery. Seats are trimmed in Bridge of Weir™ leather, known for its refined grain, just like the ’56 Continental. It is pretty refined. Front buckets are heated and cooled and enjoy a view of genuine wood trim on the dash and doors. Blind spot warnings and a rear backing camera keep everybody safe while Lincoln SYNC® serves up voice-activated audio and navigation. iPODs can be connected to the car’s controls through a USB port while Bluetooth links in cell phones. The theatre-quality THX speakers are divine.
There’s nothing but discreet Hybrid badges on the decklid and doors to reveal this car’s inner soul. If you want a flash, look-what-I-bought hybrid, go shop the Lexus HS250h. Most MKZ drivers will be thrilled that they enjoy obscene fuel economy while slipping by unnoticed. They don’t want an arcade of buzzes and video screens. The car’s shape is Euro-conservative, but delights with a “bow wake” grille inspired by the ’40 Continental, wide rectangular taillamps from the ’61 Continental, liberal use of chrome, and 17” alloy wheels from no Continental. Puddle lamps under the mirrors let you arrive like a movie star should you want to dispense with the shady alley slinking.
I remember first driving the Ford Fusion, on which the MKZ is based, back in 2004. The Mazda6-derived chassis was precise and controlled. I drove the Fusion from Memphis, TN to Indianapolis, IN and back. It never put a wheel wrong and was comfortable the entire time. I’ve driven several Fusions, a Fusion Hybrid, and the similar Mercury Milan since. The MKZ was first introduced as the Zephyr. I liked that car – it had a slight float in the suspension as it wafted down the highway. After the name change to MKZ and a slight re-engineering, I drove the car from Memphis to Chicago and back. By then, it had the tighter suspension of the Fusion. It just didn’t seem Lincoln enough. This latest one feels somewhere between firm and float, which strikes me as Goldilocks perfect.
Long drives are required for appreciating the attention to detail in the MKZ. That Bridge of Weir leather from Scotland is milled for up to 12 hours, and uses a chromium-free tanning process so it touches your behind as buttery and can be easily recycled. Interior sounds are reduced through an acoustic laminated windshield, body and door sealing to squelch wind noise, expandable stuffers in the fenders and pillars, acoustic headliner, and damping material on the floor to defend against road rumble.
A hybrid so serene you barely know it is a hybrid, the MKZ slips through the night to wreak havoc among the unaware. If this is what the new fed mandates produce, then praise Nader, build a temple to the EPA, and bring on the mandates. Lexus didn’t see this one coming, but it is about to know where the MKZ has been as the hybrid is currently taking 25% of MKZ sales. Other foes include the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Nissan Altima HEV. Prices start at $34,330, but came to $38,775 equipped with Navigation, blind spot warning, rear view camera, and rear cross traffic alert systems. If you’re comparing, that’s the same price as a non-hybrid V6-powered MKZ.
Didn’t want it to slip by you.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Five-passenger, FWD Sedan.
Powertrain: 191-HP 2.5-litre gas engine,
hybrid electric drive.
Suspension f/r: Ind./Ind.
Wheels: 17”/17” f/r.
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS.
Must-have feature: Obscene mileage
Manufacturing: Hermosillo, MX
Fuel economy: 41/36-MPG city/hwy.
Base price: $34,330.
By Casey Williams - MyCarData
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