Reviewers and test drivers were ambivalent about the 2012 Lincoln MKS. Though they liked the large luxury vehicle’s roomy interior and features, they found the handling boring and interior materials as the anti-Lincoln.
The car is for someone who enjoys a big luxury vehicle with sufficient room, power, luxury, and is willing to meet with its financial demands that come with owning one.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $41,500.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.7 gallons (70 l) | MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Length: 204.1 in. (518.4 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.9 in. (286.7 cm) |
| Height: 61.6 in. (156.4 cm) | Width: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4151 lbs (1882 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.7L Duratec V6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1 |
| Horsepower: 274 HP | Max RPM: 6250 RPM |
| Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs* (454 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
*Properly equipped
| Option:MKS AWD | MSRP: $43,390; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:MKS EcoBoost AWD | MSRP: $48,390; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
Engine
Some were disappointed with the base model’s lack of power. You can opt for the MKS EcoBoost. The base model and the EcoBoost have different engines, though they both offer a six speed automatic transmission that comes with paddle shifters.
Some complained that the paddle can’t be used unless the car is in manual, and the transmission downshifts too much on the base model. The base car, which has front wheel drive, has a 3.7 liter V6 engine that delivers 273 horsepower and 270 lbs ft of torque, while the EcoBoost has a 3.5 liter twin turbo V6 engine that brings 355 horsepower and 350 lbs ft of torque. All wheel drive is standard in this model. Both trims of the 2012 Lincoln MKS get 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Performance
Because of its wishy-washy handling, the MKS can’t really compete with most other cars in its class. Reviewers claim the all wheel drive version of the car handles a bit better than the front wheel drive version, but all wheel drive also slows the acceleration.
Not only is the handling dull, but the ride is rougher than it should be. The car also has a large and unwieldy turning radius. The brakes, however, seemed to be competent.
Exterior
Reviewers liked the 2012 Lincoln MKS’ doughty, gleaming looks. The grillwork got especially high marks for esthetics. At least on the outside, the MKS looks like the luxury car that it is.
Interior
Reviewers really appreciated the MKS’ passenger and cargo space. There’s lots of head and leg room for five grown-ups. The car also has leather seats, a moon roof, USB ports, heated back seats, a power sunshade for the rear, a state of the art THX surround sound audio system and climate control that covers the front seats. Inspite of all these goodies, reviewers complained that the MKS lacks the flair of a luxury car.
Frankly, according to these test drivers, the interior trim sported too much hard plastic. The trunk is capacious, with 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The drawback was that its opening is small and so it might be challenging to load big items, and the car’s interior doesn’t have adequate small item storage.
Safety
The 2012 Lincoln MKS got quite high marks for safety, though it hasn’t been fully tested by the federal government. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety chose the 2012 Lincoln MKS as a top safety pick and gave it its highest marks in all tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only gave the car its rollover test, where it scored a four out of five.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the MKS a three and half out of five rating for reliability. It has a four year or 50,000 mile warranty and a six year of 70,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Pros
Reviewers loved the MKS’ comfortable space and cargo capacity.
The Lincoln MKS can be compared to two other vehicles, the Lexus GS (MSRP $46,900; 19 city / 28 hwy) and the Infiniti M (MSRP $47,700; 18 city / 26 hwy).
Overall Rating
77 out of 100
What others say:
“This is no Continental: the Lincoln MKS has big-car interior room, sure, but the cabin’s awash in high-dollar trim and the seats are hours-long comfortable.”Car Connection
“Handling is competent, but neither athletic nor fun. MKS is predictable and composed in most driving situations. All-wheel drive offers improved grip. The steering is tuned for comfortable cruising, rather than sporty response. ”Consumer Guide
“The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is now optional on the Lincoln MKS. The system acts as a digital eye, detecting when vehicles move into the Lincoln’s blind spots and alerting the driver via a light on the side mirrors.”KBB
“Spacious interior; plentiful standard features; good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged V6… Lackluster base V6; strange combination of soggy handling and firm ride; mediocre interior materials; overpriced for what you get.”Edmunds
