The Lincoln Mks, a mid-level luxury sedan, emerged as a significant contender in Lincoln’s lineup, positioned to attract a broader audience in a competitive market. This review delves into the 2009 Lincoln MKS, exploring its features, performance, and overall value proposition to understand its place within the luxury sedan landscape.
MKS 101: Lincoln’s Stepping Stone in the Luxury Segment
Lincoln, an American luxury marque, aimed to revitalize its image and market presence with the MKS. Facing stiff competition, the MKS was launched with a focus on integrating new features and appealing to a wider demographic. This strategy mirrored Buick’s earlier efforts to rejuvenate its brand, highlighting the necessity for established brands to innovate and adapt in the evolving luxury car market. The 2009 Lincoln MKS represented Lincoln’s push to create a sedan that could genuinely compete with established entry and mid-level luxury offerings.
Pricing and Feature Highlights of the 2009 Lincoln MKS
The reviewed Lincoln MKS started at a base price of $39,105, escalating to $45,570 with the inclusion of the Ultimate Package and delivery fees. This price point positioned it squarely within the competitive luxury sedan segment. Key features contributing to this price included:
- Microsoft SYNC with Navigation: An early example of in-car infotainment integration, offering navigation and connectivity features.
- Dual Panel Moonroof: Enhancing the cabin’s ambiance and spaciousness with a panoramic view.
- THX-II Certified Audio System: A premium audio setup promising high-fidelity sound, appealing to audiophiles.
- Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start: Convenience and modern technology with keyless entry and ignition.
- Adaptive HID Headlamps: Improving nighttime driving safety and visibility with headlights that turn with the steering.
- Air-Conditioned Front Seats: A comfort feature particularly valuable in warmer climates.
Adaptive cruise control was also available, although not equipped in the test vehicle, representing another advanced technology option for the MKS. The Lincoln MKS aimed to compete directly with models such as the Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Acura RL, Infiniti M, and Volvo S80, targeting a similar market segment in terms of size and features, though not quite reaching the price range of the Audi A8.
Exterior Styling: A Blend of Inspiration and Boldness
The exterior design of the 2009 Lincoln MKS was a critical element in its mission to inject new life into the Lincoln brand. The rear of the MKS immediately stood out, bearing a striking resemblance to the previous generation Maserati Quattroporte. This similarity, whether intentional or coincidental, gave the MKS an element of high-end European design flair.
The 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan pictured at night with the Atlanta skyline in the background, showcasing its elegant design and urban appeal.
However, the front grille and window trim, heavily chromed, presented a more polarizing design choice. Described as “gaudy,” this aspect of the styling required a more acquired taste. Large 19-inch wheels (with optional 20-inch upgrades) contributed to the MKS’s substantial road presence and filled the wheel wells effectively. Lincoln prioritized ride quality over the ultra-low profile tire look, a sensible decision for a luxury sedan focused on comfort.
The rear view of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, photographed at night against the backdrop of the historic Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta, highlighting its Maserati-inspired taillights and sophisticated rear design.
The braking system was identified as an area needing improvement. The MKS was equipped with 12.25-inch front rotors with 2-piston calipers and 12.75-inch rear rotors with single-piston calipers, considered “mediocre” for a car of its size and weight. Performance in brake tests was only “ok,” suggesting a need for stronger braking components, such as larger 4-piston front calipers, similar to those found on competitors like the Acura RL.
A side profile shot of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, demonstrating its long wheelbase, elegant lines, and overall proportions.
Adaptive headlights, a feature first popularized in luxury vehicles like the Lexus RX330 and LS430, were a welcome addition to the MKS. These headlights enhance safety by pivoting with the steering, improving visibility around corners. Combined with automatic high beams, the MKS aimed to provide a safer and more relaxed nighttime driving experience.
The dual-panel moonroof of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, captured in daylight, emphasizing the open and airy feel it provides to the cabin.
The rear styling cues, including angled tail-lights and chrome trim, further reinforced the Maserati-esque aesthetic, contributing to the MKS’s distinctive visual appeal.
A daytime rear shot of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, showcasing its taillight design, chrome accents, and beveled license plate holder, all contributing to its sophisticated rear fascia.
Performance Dynamics: Engine and Handling Considerations
The 2009 Lincoln MKS, in the configuration tested, did not feature the anticipated 355 horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine, which was slated for the 2010 model year. Instead, it was equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The engine’s sound at high RPMs was described as less than inspiring, likened to a “hair dryer,” suggesting a lack of auditory excitement typically desired in a luxury sedan.
The engine bay of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, displaying the Ford Duratec 3.7-liter V6 engine, the powerplant behind this model.
The engine performance was considered subpar for a vehicle of the MKS’s size, weight (over 4,200 pounds), and price category. The absence of a V8 option for the 2009 model year was noted as surprising compared to its competitors. The transmission’s performance was also criticized, with laggy upshifts and jerky downshifts. While the all-wheel-drive system provided competent understeer management and traction through turns, torque steer was noticeable under heavier acceleration, requiring driver intervention to maintain directional stability.
Handling was characterized as “mediocre,” impacted by the car’s weight, high center of gravity, and suspension setup. Its handling dynamics were compared to the Chrysler 300C, suggesting a focus on comfort over sporty agility.
Fuel economy was predictably low, achieving around 10.1 MPG in spirited city driving and 14.8 MPG under more conservative conditions, significantly below the EPA estimates of 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The MKS featured a 20-gallon fuel tank with Ford’s “Easy Fuel” capless filler system, a convenient feature.
Performance metrics included a 0-60 MPH time of 7.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.5 seconds at 90.0 MPH, figures that positioned it as adequate but not exceptional in its class. Braking performance was deemed needing improvement, reinforcing the earlier point about brake componentry. Ride quality, while not “cloud-like,” was acceptable for its price range, described as firm but comparable to the BMW 545i and M5 (in non-M mode), indicating a balance between comfort and road feel.
Interior Ambiance and Technology Integration
Inside the Lincoln MKS, efforts to enhance the luxury experience were evident. “Bridge of Weir” leather from Scotland was used for the seats, which were perforated and offered both heating and air-conditioning. The front seats featured 12-way adjustments, including variable lumbar support, though they were noted to lack side bolstering for more secure lateral support during cornering.
An aerial view of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan’s interior at night, showcasing the leather seats, dashboard layout, and ambient lighting.
The cabin was remarkably quiet at highway speeds due to extensive insulation. However, some aspects of the interior design received criticism. The gauge cluster design was considered dated, with “fat” needles and typography that didn’t align with a modern luxury aesthetic. The key fob design was also criticized for being “clunky” and “cheap” in appearance compared to European luxury brands.
The gauge cluster of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, showing the instrument panel and information displays.
Other interior shortcomings included a small trunk opening, limited storage compartments, inconsistent panel gaps, and poorly designed front cupholders. On a positive note, the stitched top dash cover was praised for its quality and non-plastic appearance, a step above typical domestic car interiors.
The 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan with its doors open in daylight, providing a view of the interior space and design elements.
The dual-panel moonroof was highlighted as a significant feature, enhancing the rear passenger experience with an expansive sky view. Despite these criticisms, the MKS offered ample interior space, comfortably accommodating five adults with generous legroom and headroom, reinforcing its “boat-like” spaciousness as a positive attribute.
A close-up of the keyfob and engine start button in the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, detailing the intelligent access system.
Microsoft SYNC: Pioneering In-Car Connectivity
The Microsoft SYNC system was a standout technological feature of the 2009 Lincoln MKS. This integrated system managed navigation, phone, and music functions through voice control, touchscreen, and console buttons. Powered by an ARM 11 processor and Microsoft Auto OS, SYNC represented an early effort to bring comprehensive infotainment into vehicles.
The THX certified audio system logo displayed on the center screen of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, highlighting its premium sound capabilities.
Complementing SYNC was a 16-speaker, 600-watt THX-II Certified audio system with 5.1 surround sound, designed by THX. This system featured a digital signal processor and THX Configurable Speaker Array to deliver a high-quality audio experience. While the sound quality was generally praised, it was noted to be potentially less refined than systems like Bang & Olufsen in competitors.
Voice control functionality, while present, was not favored due to confirmation screen prompts and the perception that physical controls were often quicker. Navigation features were generally impressive, with detailed maps stored on a hard drive and helpful split-screen close-up views at destinations. However, the inability to input navigation commands while the car was in motion (above 3 mph) was a significant drawback. SIRIUS Travel Link integration provided real-time traffic, weather, and fuel price information, although a subscription was required.
A display of voice commands available in the Microsoft SYNC system of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, illustrating its voice-activated features.
Phone integration via Bluetooth was seamless, with address book download and voice-activated calling. The system could also read text messages aloud and offered pre-set text replies, though these features were limited to speeds below 3 mph. An emergency 911 call feature was also mentioned, potentially offering automatic emergency assistance.
The process of pairing an iPhone with the Microsoft SYNC system in the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, demonstrating its Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio playback options were extensive, including a 10GB “jukebox” for storing ripped CDs, USB and auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth audio streaming. The system displayed track information for USB and Bluetooth sources. However, the audio visualizer was basic, and equalizer settings were limited to bass and treble adjustments, lacking more advanced customization options. The THX audio system was noted to be bass-heavy, potentially causing trunk rattle at higher volumes.
The radio interface on the Microsoft SYNC system in the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, showing station information and options.
Final Verdict: Weighing Comfort, Technology, and Performance
The 2009 Lincoln MKS had notable drawbacks, particularly for drivers prioritizing performance. However, the Microsoft SYNC system was a significant positive aspect, offering seamless integration and functionality, albeit with room for interface refinement. The SYNC system, while relatively inexpensive on other Ford vehicles, was part of a more costly navigation package in the MKS.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Technology: 9.0/10
- Aesthetics: 7.0/10
- Performance: 5.5/10
- Value: 8.0/10
The anticipation for the 2010 Lincoln MKS with its EcoBoost engine was high, with hopes that it would address the performance shortcomings of the 2009 model. Ultimately, recommending the 2009 MKS was challenging, especially for performance enthusiasts. Areas for improvement included the key fob design and overall performance. The review concluded by pondering the broader appeal of the MKS and the potential for family drivers to consider it.
