All-New 2017 Lincoln MKZ Makes Surprise Debut at LA Auto Show
The completely redesigned 2017 Lincoln MKZ made its world debut at the L.A. Auto Show and will likely be one of the show’s most surprising reveals.
Sporting a stunning new look that takes everything we liked about the Continental concept and applying it to a production car, the new MKZ will set Lincoln in a new design direction in hopes of finding more fans with drivers under the middle aged mark and customers in China. The biggest stylistic change is the grille; the split wing design is gone in favor of a strong rectangular mesh grille that gives the mid-sized luxury sedan a more mainstream look. (If you squint, the MKZ looks like the American lovechild of an Audi and a Jaguar, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.) The front end also gets new adaptive LED headlights.
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The elegant design continues in the back, where Lincoln opted to keep the signature light bar that spans the width of the entire back end.
Under the hood, the Lincoln MKZ will have two engine/powertrain options: a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque with AWD and torque vectoring, or a 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid with 245 hp and front-wheel drive. Lincoln promises that both options focus on “smooth, refined power” and “quiet luxury.”
The MKZ also gets a lot of new tech and safety features: collision assist, adaptive cruise control with the ability to drive in stop-and-go traffic, park assist for parallel and perpendicular parking (driving in and driving out), an auto holding brake, quick charge USB ports, pedestrian detection, and active noise control.
Inside, there is also a push-button gear shift, new storage cubbies, an available fully retractable panoramic sunroof, and the option of two new Revel audio systems, one with 14 speakers and one with 20 speakers.
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ, which is the highest volume seller for Ford’s luxury brand, goes on sale in summer 2016. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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I think it's great! Too bad it's not called something else. 2017 Lincoln Versailles sounds nice.
I'm not feeling this grill at all. I feel that the previous grill looked good and was distinctive. This grill here makes this car look like a knock-off to anything mistaken for a Jaguar or Bentley. Maybe a 300.