With distinctive styling, a powerful engine and plenty of built-in tech, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ made a lasting impression on Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley. Check out this video as Hanley takes you through the luxury sedan and explains why — if you’re test driving cars in this segment — you might want to add the MKZ to your list.
The current state of Lincoln as a brand is debated among the editors as they discuss two of its recent sedans that visited the Cars.com offices. Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder discuss the redesigned 2010 Lincoln MKZ and the 2010 Lincoln MKS with the twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. Can either or both help a brand struggling to define itself in a competitive environment?
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Two models recently earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class and 2010 Lincoln MKZ both earned Good ratings in frontal offset, side-impact and rear crash tests.
For the R-Class, the designation applies to models manufactured after September 2008 with the standard side airbags. The MKZ rated is the new 2010 model that recently went on sale.
Last year, Lincoln debuted an all-new sedan called the MKS. It was a leap forward for the company in terms of interior and exterior styling. That left the smaller MKZ sedan waiting for a redesign, and now that it has its new look, price will be the deciding factor in whether it’s a success. Today, Ford announced the 2010 Lincoln MKZ will start at $34,115 with front-wheel drive and $36,005 with all-wheel drive, not including an $850 destination charge.
The MKZ includes a 263-hp V-6 and comes standard with leather, Ford’s Sync entertainment system, heated and cooled front seats, and parking sensors.
We’re a bit surprised Ford would raise the price of the MKZ almost $1,500 without adding much extra content. The 2009 model started at $32,695, and at that price it couldn’t compete with the likes of the Infiniti G37 ($33,250), Audi A4 ($31,000), Acura TL ($34,955) and Cadillac CTS ($36,560). We haven’t driven the 2010 MKZ, but with such a high sticker it will be tough to get shoppers to put it on their test-drive list when there are so many other options out there. Some of the competition also come with things like a power moonroof standard, while that remains a $1,200 option on the MKZ.
The MKZ is also priced near the MKS, which starts at $38,490.
Check below for a list of options and pricing.
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