All-new Lincoln MKZ raises bar

It commands exquisite class and style, but is also exceedingly comfortable and affordable.

As far as cars go, it’s pretty hard to find a model that reaches such a high bar. For many, that goes more so for American cars, which have often been seen as clunky and unsophisticated in Korea.

Ford’s all-new Lincoln MKZ, launched in May, proves to be different, making it easy to see why the lineup stands as Ford’s best-seller. 

When I first glimpsed the glistening vehicle sitting in the car park, it was hard to believe it was a part of the Ford family, and of the Lincoln lineage, no less.

This elegant vehicle is a far cry from its predecessors: It is completely in a class of its own, touting stylish curves and trendy design on multiple fronts.

The split-wing grille is the key distinguishing feature of the MKZ.

Resembling the wings of a bird, the grille is quintessentially Ford, yet in a much more sophisticated and polished package.

The refined interpretation is such that, to be honest, I initially mistook the car as an unidentified foreign brand.

The grille also flows with the headlamps and hood to give the impression of a keen set of eyes peering straight ahead, waiting for the signal to hit the road.

No wonder the latest MK beat even Ford’s own forecasts to sell more than 100 units since its launch in late May when Ford registered record-breaking monthly sales of 657 cars.

Elegant simplicity meets modern chic

Design, both inside and out, is the main strength of the all-new MKZ.

That the car is a carbon copy of the concept vehicle unveiled at the North American International Auto Show last year is fortunate, which is more than I can say for many a bungled vehicle that looked fine before it hit the showroom. 

And while the main concept seems to be elegance mingled with simplicity, generous touches of modern design have done wonders for this vehicle.

The roofline and steeped windshield together create a flowing profile which Ford explains is 10 percent more aerodynamic than before.

Another design plus is the trading of the mechanical shift lever for a contemporary five-button interface.

This leaves the main control stack free from clutter and flowing, while making maneuvering easier since all your commands are met with the push of a button.

The Retractable Panoramic Roof ― measuring some 14.1 square meters ― is a new signature feature that creates the illusion of being in a much larger car.

Uncompromised performance and control

The base engine is Ford’s standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four, which packs 235 horsepower and torque of 13.7 kilogram-meters.

For those who worry that the smaller engine won’t deliver, look at the figures. They are all up to par with the traditional 3.5 liter V6 engines. Not only that, but there was no compromise in performance while navigating the famously hilly neighborhoods of Northern Seoul.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the car delivers up to 12 kilometers per liter on the highway ― a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency ― and 7 kilometers per liter in downtown Seoul.

In addition to the EcoBoost engine technology, Lincoln Drive Control is another standard feature that I took a liking to as it made driving around in the mad Seoul traffic significantly more enjoyable.

Lincoln Drive Control is basically an automatic system that intuitively responds to driver commands and the road for a ride smoother than many of its rivals in the premium sedan bracket.

What it all means is that the all-new MKZ is made to please, seamlessly becoming one with the driver ― you.

Prices start at 47 million won.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)