But the feature that really stands out for us is the ability to set complex routes. Each time you enter an address, you can make it a waypoint or the final destination. It lets you enter addresses, choose points of interest, pick freeway on- or off-ramps, and choose spots on its map. And once you've entered a list of places you need to go, you can touch the onscreen optimize button, which will sort your destinations along the most efficient route.
There is no hands-free cell phone option in the MKZ yet. You will have to wait until Ford integrates the Sync system from Microsoft in the 2008 model year.
Under the hood
The Lincoln MKZ isn't as sedate as its luxury interior might suggest. Its 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine produces 263 horsepower, plenty to make this relatively small sedan go fast. And its 249lb-ft of torque doesn't hurt, either. Unfortunately, initial throttle response is very laggy--the car hesitates for a moment or two before deciding to get up and go.
This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic, a nice, modern transmission that shifts smoothly. The sixth gear is great for the freeway--at times we noticed the tachometer holding steady at 1,500rpm at speeds of around 65mph. And for the first time in an automatic, we actually wanted a manual gear selection mode. The MKZ only has Drive and Low for gear-range choices.
However, the poor throttle response negates this car's potential for sport driving. If you try to lay on the power going through a turn, you'll be halfway through before the power is running to the wheels.
Under the EPA's new fuel economy testing, the Lincoln MKZ with all-wheel drive gets 16mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. During our test period, we came in at 19.4mpg overall, a reasonable number for a car with this kind of power. On emissions, the MKZ isn't bad, earning a ULEV II rating from the California Air Resources Board.
In sum
Our 2007 all-wheel-drive Lincoln MKZ had a base price of $31,050. Its options included heated and cooled seats ($495), high-intensity discharge headlights ($495), Sirius satellite radio ($195), and the navigation and THX audio package ($2,495). The total, with a $715 destination charge, comes out to $35,445. You can also get the regular front-wheel-drive MKZ for a base price of $29,305, and the THX audio system can be had separately from the navigation system for $995.
The full price of our MKZ comes close to the base price of a BMW 328xi, another all-wheel-drive sedan with generally better performance. Among cars that only have two wheels driven, the Nissan Maxima can be had with more tech for about the same money. If you want to tone down the luxury and spend a lot less, the Saturn Aura is a good choice. But none of those cars, or any other for that matter, can match the quality of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ's audio system.
