2011 Lincoln Mks in Southern Pines, NC - $7,199

The full-size Lincoln MKS sports an updated, sleeker style for 2013 that headlines a range of improvements that rivals more expensive luxury-class contenders.

Better handling, increased power, improved fuel efficiency, additional standard equipment, more refinement and new technologies that help drivers reduce accident risks provide luxury customers with important new reasons to consider the new MKS.

Exterior styling updates include new grille, hood, front fenders, HID headlamps, front fascia, 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels, decklid, rear fascia, LED tail lamps and exhaust tips. Improving quietness, additional noise barriers and absorbers have been placed in the front wheel wells, around the shock towers, under the hood and in the trunk. Redesigned exterior rearview mirrors reduce wind noise

Available in MKS and MKS EcoBoost models, base power for the Lincoln flagship is generated by a 3.7L V6 prime mover bolted to a 6F-50 SelectShift six-speed automatic. The MKS EcoBoost is powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine matched to a 6F-55 SelectShift six-speed automatic. Both transmissions are equipped with paddle-shift activation. All-wheel-drive is standard with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and an available option with the 3.7L V6 engine.

The MKS is also equipped with Lincoln Drive Control. This is an automatic system that delivers an ideal balance of a smooth ride with confident handling as it intuitively responds to the driver's commands and the road itself. Lincoln Drive Control enables drivers to purposefully change the on-road personality of the MKS. Moving the gear selector from Drive to Sport automatically shifts handling performance, ride firmness, throttle response, shift feel, steering response and traction control/electronic stability control parameters

Throughout the decades of the automobile's development, suspension engineers have worked tirelessly to find an ideal balance between smooth ride and satisfying, confident handling. Traditionally, smooth-riding cars have not handled well, and sharp-handling cars have ridden harshly. The new Lincoln MKS solves this dilemma with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) as standard equipment.

Regardless of road conditions, drivers will enjoy a markedly smoother, more controlled ride because CCD is always tuning and refining the ride quality. The result of some 4,000 hours of development time, CCD delivers its on-road benefit by significantly extending the chassis' capabilities compared to a chassis with non-adjustable struts and shock absorbers, known as "dampers" by chassis engineers.

Inside the passenger cabin, a newly crafted interior features an all-new instrument panel, MyLincoln Touch and rich new color schemes complementing new premium materials and genuine stitching.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 112.9; overall length: 205.6; width: 79.4; height: 61.6

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.7L V6 – 304 hp at 6,500 rpm and 279 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.5L EcoBoost V6 – 365 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500 – 5,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed automatic with paddle shift activation

EPA Fuel Economy: 3.7L V6 – 18 city/27 hwy. (FWD), 18 city/26 hwy. (AWD); 3.5L EcoBoost V6 – 17 city/25 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 19.2 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, curve control, torque vectoring control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, SYNC communications system, adaptive high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with automatic high beams, fog lamps, universal garage door opener, intelligent access with push button start, remote start system, front/rear sensors, and tire pressure monitoring system.

Optional safety features include: blind sport information system with cross traffic alert, driver alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning system with brake support, active park assist, navigation system, power adjustable pedals with memory, rearview camera, lane keeping alert, and lane keeping aid.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 6-year/70,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan starts from $42,870 for the MKS and $49,860 for the MKS EcoBoost. Destination charges add $995.