Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, MKS EcoBoost

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?

Download the podcast via iTunes here or listen in a browser here.

2010 Lincoln MKZ Priced Just Under $35,000

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.

2010 Lincoln MKZ: Video

In the past, the Lincoln MKZ has lagged behind its luxury sedan competitors and left our reviewers lukewarm. At the L.A. auto show, Kelsey Mays found reason to be optimistic about the prospects for the 2010 MKZ, which gets key improvements and new safety systems, like blind spot warning and cross-traffic alert.

Up Close: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

The new MKZ makes larger leaps on the inside than its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings did, in part because the previous Zephyr/MKZ had, to put it charitably, a pretty lackluster cabin. Gone are the shaded plastic buttons, boxy shapes and grainy dash materials. Now the cabin resembles the MKS', complete with a first-rate navigation system and cleverly stacked wood and aluminum trim.

The show car had Lincoln’s Bridge of Weir leather. It’s rich and inviting, but not dramatically better than the cowhide in a Lexus ES or Cadillac CTS. As long as we’re comparing cars, Lincoln’s center controls aren’t terribly attractive; they’re too small in an arbitrary sort of way, as there seems to be plenty of real estate for them to spread out a bit.

I’d like to see Lincoln do a bit more with the car’s rear styling. The front looks like the MKS — opine on that as you will — but the rear perpetuates the outgoing car’s robotic look. I find the MKS’ rear quite attractive, actually, so it’s a shame Lincoln didn’t translate some of that look to the smaller canvas here. More photos below.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

• Competes with: Honda Accord, Saab 9-3, Acura TSX
• Looks like: Lincoln will be adding the MKS grille to every product from here on out
• Drivetrain: 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Ford’s trio of midsize sedans is topped by the Lincoln model, the MKZ. The previous MKZ didn’t do much to distinguish itself from its less-expensive Ford and Mercury siblings, but the 2010 edition looks to add more luxury touches inside to help set itself apart.

The dashboard is definitely different, with the LCD navigation screen mounted high on the dash, unlike its low position in the Fusion and Milan. This is the same exceptional unit found in the larger Lincoln MKS. Also borrowed from the MKS are the upgraded leather seats. Lincoln says that leather is the same covering that’s found in the MKS, which we found exceptionally comfortable.

What Lincoln and Mercury Will Look Like in 2010

Earlier we took a peek at what Ford’s future lineup is expected to look like after today’s announcement about integrating European models into the U.S. sales channel. Ford also announced that it would stand behind its Lincoln and Mercury brands. There had been rumors that at least Mercury might meet its maker thanks to Ford’s tough economic times, but now it’s slated to get a unique small car in 2010. Below is our look at what the two companies will field in the near future.

Ford Announces Sync Strategy, Price

Ford’s new Microsoft Sync in-car entertainment and communication system has a price tag, and it’s not that bad. For $395, buyers will be able to add the option onto selected Ford and Mercury vehicles and it will be standard equipment on Lincoln models.

Besides Lincolns, higher-end trims of Ford and Mercury vehicles will eventually come with Sync standard. The first models to get Sync will be the 2008 Ford Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Taurus X, Edge, Explorer and Sport Trac, and the Lincoln MKX and MKZ. Sync should start becoming available on those models before the end of the year. 

Sync has Bluetooth capability and integrates peripherals like MP3 players into the system using voice recognition software. That means you can surf through your iPod’s playlists with voice commands. It also will read text messages from your phone aloud, even translating abbreviations like LOL. Plus it’s multilingual for English, French and Spanish speakers. Check out the video below for Ford’s promotional take on the new technology.

And on a personal note, as a Zune owner, I’m excited to finally see a press photo with something other than an iPod in it.

The Urban DINK: 2007 Lincoln MKZ AWD

This is going to be a tough one. Let me just say it right off, the Lincoln MKZ — formerly Zephyr — is not going to make it on my list of most noticeable test cars. In fact, it has stirred up some major feelings of dissatisfaction, starting with my No. 1 complaint: sticker price.

The all-wheel-drive Lincoln MKZ starts at $31,050, and my test car with navigation and the premium sound package ($2,495), heated and cooled seats ($495), interior satin/aluminum trim ($195), Sirius Satellite Radio ($195) and HID headlamps ($495) totaled $35,640 after destination. Yes, $35,640 for what is basically a tarted-up Ford Fusion.

I’m not one of those message-board lurkers who routinely rail against what many call “badge engineering.” That’s when a company like Ford uses the same platform for various models under various nameplates. However, this is one case of badge engineering that has gone completely awry. The MKZ and Mercury Milan are basically no different from a much more affordable Fusion; similarly equipped with AWD, leather and navigation, the Fusion costs $28,265. The Fusion, with all of its trim levels and options, is actually a very competent midsize sedan, and it’s priced properly.