Lincoln town cars are as infamous as the boat-like Cadillacs that use to dominate the urban streets of yesteryear. Good men and bad hailed their drivers from the back seat while important people relied on them as transportation to and from social events. And Lincolns added a sense of flair and prestige to whomever graced those couch-like seats.
To stay ahead of the future, Lincoln has updated their lineup and offer younger generations a wider array of vehicular options. The 2019 Lincoln MKZ might well be one of the last luxury sedan generations produced by the marque. Let’s take a closer look at some of the characteristics that put this luxury sedan near the top of your list.
Performance Specifications
Customers can choose from the following colors on their new 2019 Lincoln MKZ:
- Iced Mocha Metallic
- Crystal Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Rhapsody Blue
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Ceramic Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat
- Blue Diamond Metallic
- Infinite Black Metallic
- White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat
- Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Ingot Silver Metallic
Consumers who purchase the 2019 Lincoln MKZ can choose from 3 engine variants. While the basic 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is capable of 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 packs 350 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel drive variants, and up to 400 horsepower in all-wheel drive variants. Both of these engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission capable of front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Hybrid models are powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, making a combined 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. This model is shifted by what is called an eCVT. All-wheel drive is not available on the 2019 Lincoln MKZ hybrid model.
Entertainment and Safety Features
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ received 5 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but has not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on all 2019 MKZ models include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB, Lane Keeping System with Driver Alert, Rear View Camera, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps.
Base models of the 2019 Lincoln MKZ begin around $36,000. Equipped with Bluetooth, cloth seating, remote start, heated front seats, push button start, and rain-sensing wipers, even the most basic models are sumptuously appointed. Customers will enjoy the walnut and ash interior accents, amongst the many fine touches this introductory model provides. Choose the base hybrid model for the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
At the Reserve I tier, buyers will gain leather seats, auto-fold side mirrors, a powered trunk with soft close, and a Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System. All models at the Reserve I level are equipped with Adaptive Cruise control with Stop-and-Go, regardless of powertrain.
Reserve II models are at the top of the food chain, with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats are also massage capable. Consumers may also enjoy the rear window power sunshade and power moonroof.
Accessory packages on the 2019 Lincoln MKZ include the Reserve Plus Package and the Luxury Package. Reserve Plus brings you heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power moonroof, 19-inch wheels, and a Revel audio system with 14 speakers. Choose the Luxury Package and your moonroof will fully retract. You’ll also get LED headlights and the Revel Ultima audio system with 20 speakers for that surround-system effect.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ achieves the following EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings.
Front-wheel drive models powered by the 2.0-liter engine rank in at 20 city and 31 highway MPG. Similar models equipped with the 3.0-liter engine come in lower at 18 city and 27 highway MPG.
All-wheel drive models fair about the same compared to the front-wheel drive variant, with 2.0-liter powerplants seeing 20 city and 29 highway MPG and 3.0-liter variants just under that, at 17 city and 26 highway MPG.
Finally, hybrid models achieve 42 city and 39 highway MPG. It may be important to some consumers to note that the 2019 MKZ hybrid does not qualify for federal tax rebates. Only plug-in hybrids and strictly electric vehicles are eligible for this tax credit.
How the 2019 Lincoln MKZ Compares
As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Lincoln MKZ is one of the few competitors to still occupy the luxury sedan segment. However, the 2019 MKZ finds direct opposition from models like the Lexus ES, the Ford Fusion, the Acura TLX, and the recently-split Hyundai and Genesis duo.
Leaders in the luxury segment include much higher-priced marques like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Maserati. You’ll pay nearly twice as much for any of these models. Add in all those safety aids and creature comforts and that price tag will continue to climb. With all this in mind, Lincoln’s 2019 MKZ ranks near the middle of the pack, staking its claim without drawing too much attention to itself.
Pros
- No upcharge for choosing the hybrid variant
- Affordable luxury
- Comfortable ride
- Hefty list of standard (safety) features
Cons
- Interior materials lack luxurious feel
- Competition offers more dynamic models
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ fulfills the definition of luxury sedan. Interior upgrades, stylish exterior accents, and a pedigree to match bring this town car to present day. With plenty of standard features, including safety aids, the model is definitely one to make the short list.