By Charles Donaldson
In life, there are things we enjoy doing and on the flip side there are things we do not enjoy doing. When it comes to cars, we enjoy cruising in comfort and style. We enjoy it when our vehicle turns heads and gets noticed – unless we are in the witness protection program. We enjoy the performance and handling; enhancing our driving experience. We enjoy the technology and good fuel economy. We enjoy it when our golf clubs fit in the trunk. Yes, we enjoy life.
Most of us do not enjoy the task of parallel parking, manually setting navigation systems, or changing radio stations. Let’s not think of it as being lazy, but instead label it as being safety conscious. If you agree the 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan will agree with you.
For 2010, there are three variations of the Lincoln MKS: Front-wheel drive with a 3.7-liter V6 ($42,095), All-wheel drive with a 3.7-liter V6 ($43,985) and All-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine ($48,985). All prices include destination and delivery fees.
The 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan is a showcase of technology with elegant styling. Ford Motor Company’s best marketed tech feature is their Microsoft-cobranded voice activated Sync system. At the touch of a button, you can call out a phone number and have your phone start dialing; (requires your phone to be Bluetooth enabled). You can recite an address for the navigation system; or request a radio station or song off of your iPod or stored music jukebox. The navigation system is one of the best that I have seen. Not only does it display directions, but also what radio station and artist you are listening to. Be informed and comfortable with outside and inside temperatures.
The next cool piece of techno-wizardry is the self-parallel parking. Again, at the push of a button the MKS begins looking for an open parallel parking spot. Once it has located a proper size space it alerts the driver and informs them how far ahead of the spot to go. You will be directed to let go of the steering wheel and slowly press the gas. The MKS begins to steer itself perfectly into the parking space with the driver operating the gas and brake.
Other enhancements include rearview camera, secure-code keyless ignition, adaptive HID headlamps, capless fuel cap, THX II audio system, heated front and rear seats, push-button start, active cruise control with collision warning and MyKey, which allows you to set radio volume, top speed and other features for when your children get behind the wheel.
OK, so we now know it is a technology-wonder, but how does it look, drive and perform? Starting with the exterior, the MKS has a dynamic stance like a panther on the prowl. The body lines flow fluidly from the rear to the front. Its profile manages both elegance and power. The chrome features make it pop.
The interior has a rich feel with dark wood and two-tone trim. The large control screen and buttons allow for easy visual use of the navigation, radio and other features. The extremely comfortable front seats both heated and cooled their occupants. Storage compartments were plentiful and the optional dual panel moon-roof provides lots of fresh light.
Room for improvement:· In extremely tight cornering you might feel like it will over-steer
Cool Features:· Sync Voice Activated System
· Smart Key Keyless Entry with Push Button Start
· Self-Parallel Parking System
· Pre-collision Warning System
I have driven the MKS with both engines and each is plenty fast. The 3.7-L V6 cranks out 275-horsepower; however, the EcoBoost with its twin-turbo rip-roaring 355 HP V6 is one of the smoothest accelerating cars I have ever driven and way too much fun. Even with all that horsepower it still delivers 25 mpg on the highway. You can switch the automatic transmission into manual mode and change gears using the paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. I may be dating myself a little, but this engine reminds me of the song “Hot Rod Lincoln”, and truly does turn this luxury car into a Hot Rod.
In Summary – The 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan fits comfortably in any high-end golf course setting. It takes Lincoln Lincoln
Specifications
2010 Lincoln
Base price: $47,760 as driven: $53,930 (with destination charges)
Golf Bag Count: Holds Two Standard Golf Bags!
Engine: 3.5-Liter V6 Twin-Turbo
Horsepower: 355 @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 350 pound-feet @ 3500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed Automatic with SelectShift
Drive: All-Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 39.7 feet
Cargo space: 18.4 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4305 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
EPA mileage: 25 highway, 17 city
Wheel Base: 112.9 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Also consider: Acura RL, BMW 535i xDrive, Cadillac DTS, Volvo S80 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic
Future changes: All-New in 2009
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