2009 Lincoln MKS Review

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 self-confident presence, in scaled-down form, of an ultra-luxury sedan.

As befits a full-size American 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, however, Tuxedo Black will look like an extraordinarily coarse metallic blend more suited to bass boats, especially when illuminated under bright spotlights.

The MKS, with its overall length of 204.1 inches and dignified height of 61.6 inches, is a fully found luxury sedan that will surely earn its place in valet parking. However, as with many luxury sedans that aspire to sleekness (Jaguar sedans come to mind) its handsomely rounded forms leave it the impression of being 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 24 mpg, impressive for this full-size entry. When it's time to refuel, the MKS features a refueling receptacle that eliminates the messiness of a gas cap.