The 2013 Lincoln MKZ replaces the Lincoln Zephyr as the entry level sedan in Lincoln’s luxury vehicle line up. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ showcases modern interior and exterior design while incorporating the latest technology. With the available Ford Ecoboost engine and paired with the traditional Lincoln lavishness, you will be hard pressed to find a better combination of power, fuel efficiency, elegant design and luxury in the $40,000 price range.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ comes equipped with the 2.0L turbo charged Ecoboost engine outputting 240 horsepower. Ecoboost is a type of engine created by Ford and is based on turbo charging and using direct injection on a smaller engine, which leads to more power with 20% less fuel consumption and %15 lower emissions than comparatively powered engines.
The 2.0L Ecoboost engine is paired with a six speed automatic transmission to deliver a fuel economy of 10.7 L/100km in the city and 7.1 L/100km on the highway. Having test driven the 2013 Lincoln MKZ for 150 kms, the car recorded a combined fuel economy of 9.8 L/100km, well within the stated mileages.
The actual drive of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is both smooth and quiet. Although the acceleration is a bit slow for the rated horsepower, the smooth gear shifts and the quiet engine more than make up for it. Driving the MKZ you will notice the perfect pairing of the classic Lincoln smooth, quiet ride with present day technology and conveniences.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ is also offered with a 3.7L V6 engine (as an upgrade) or a 2.0L Hybrid gas-electric engine. Typically hybrid versions of the same model of vehicle will increase the price tag by $5K – $10k, but surprisingly, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ hybrid is offered at the same price as the entry level 2.0L Ecoboost engine.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ showcases the unique and modern looking interior dash and the sleek and aggressive exterior design. This combination makes the MKZ a truly distinctive vehicle, which I have grown to really appreciate.
The sleek exterior design includes the updated but traditional Lincoln split grille paired with smooth lines, a full width LED tail light bar, large dual exhausts and a full length sunroof.
The interior of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is what truly sets it apart for any other vehicle I’ve seen. Without a physical shifter, the center console is freed up to provide more storage space and an extended design. The long center console flows seamlessly into the dash providing a few storage spaces and an armrest (which seems like it’s placed a bit too far back).
All the controls of the dash are touch sensitive and are also integrated into the main touch screen using the Ford Sync technology, which controls navigation, stereo, phone and climate. Along the side of the dash are the push button start and the buttons used for shifting gear.
Riding inside the cabin of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ feels both luxurious and exciting for all your senses. The soft, plush leather seating is extremely comfortable, the deep and full depth THX stereo is pleasing to the ear and the LED ambient lighting provides a nice interior glow. You also have many options for changing the colour and brightness of the ambient lighting.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The super modern design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ sets it apart from any other vehicle while keeping all the performance, luxury and smoothness for which Lincoln is well known. This luxury sedan is entry-level priced at $41,700 for your choice of either the 2.0L Ecoboost Engine or the hybrid model. With the price tag, beautiful design and the technology on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, I’m surprised I haven’t seen more of these cars on the road.
