Lincoln automobiles are bred and born in the United States of America. It is a brand known throughout the world and is synonymous for being big, spacious, and having a huge engine. The goal of this article is to provide a review on the 2011 Lincoln MKS, categorized as a large luxury car, which placed 14 out of 16, based on two dozen published reviews, test drives and specification analysis. The goal of this article is to provide a brief but comprehensive review of the 2011 Lincoln MKS. This review will comprise of the average price, available trim, performance, interior, exterior, safety features, reliability, pros and cons as well as other cars to consider.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $41,500.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) | MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 204.1 in. (518 cm) | Width: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm) |
| Height: 61.6 in. (156 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.9 in. (254 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4127 lbs (1872 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.7L 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6 | Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1 |
| Horsepower: 274 HP | Max RPM: 6250 RPM |
| Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Selectshift Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds* | 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds* |
*Based on 3.5L Ecoboost
| Option:MKS Ecoboost | MSRP: $48,390; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
Performance
Most reviewers do not approve of the Base models engine but raves about the high performance twin turbo V6 of the EcoBoost model. Regardless of the stellar performance of the bigger engine the 2011 Lincoln still lags behind its competitor in overall drivability and performance.
The Base model comes standard with front wheel drive but can be upgraded to all wheel drive and has a powerful 3.5L engine. The EcoBoost comes standard in all wheel drive and has a huge twin turboV6 engine that performs like most V8’s.
Exterior & Interior
The 2011 MKS received a rating of 8.6 over 10 with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Most reviewers like the oversized double winged grill which is distinctively Lincoln, coupled with a linear and muscular appearance that gives it a distinct American style.
The interior is finished in leather and soft touch materials inside the cabin and seating is both spacious and comfortable. However reviewers have noted some plastic trims that are not appropriate for a luxury class sedan.
Safety
The federal government has not yet crash tested the 2011 Lincoln MKS however the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has, and rates the 2011 Lincoln MKS a Top Safety Pick for having scored “Good” on every standard crash test. Standard safety features include:
- front, side and side-head-curtain airbags
- anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist
- Traction and stability controls
- Blind spot mirror.
- SOS Post Crash Alert System
Reliability
Based on a 3 year trending, the MKS also received substantially high marks for reliability. A standard 4-year warranty comes with the Lincoln MKS.
Pros
- Large and comfortable cabin
- Beautiful exterior
- Excellent safety
Cons
- Some cheap materials are used
- Lack of engine power
- Low drivability
Overall the 2011 Lincoln MKS scores 7.7 out of 10. Most reviewers like what has been done with the car but fears that it is not enough to persuade serious buyers to forgo more established luxury SUV makes and models that offer better performance. The sad reality is that while it can be said that the base Lincoln MKS is a lot cheaper than its competition it is too far behind in terms of engine performance to be a serious threat. The EcoBoost, which sports the better engine, is actually priced higher than its competitors at a little bit over $48,000.
The Competition
Other cars to consider maybe the Cadillac STS (MSRP $47,280; 18 city / 27 hwy) which also offers front wheel drive and provides a smoother ride with a stronger engine or the Infiniti M37 (MSRP $47,050; 18 city / 26 hwy)which offers better performance, a more powerful engine and more standard tech options.
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Lincoln MKS won’t win over the Town Car or the M5 crowd, but it’s blessed with smart performance, subdued good looks, and a roomy interior.”Car Connection
“Despite additional power assist at low speeds, MKS suffers from a large turning radius, which complicates close-quarters maneuvering. ”Consumer Guide
“This large sedan, based on the Ford Taurus, has a 3.7-liter V6 that provides good power but isn’t particularly refined. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Though boasting a plethora of standard features and substantial interior space, the 2011 Lincoln MKS is outclassed by the competition and less expensive sedans alike.”Edmunds
“While Lincoln’s flagship sedan punches most of the right buttons, competition at this level is tough. Most competitors offer rear-wheel drive, available higher performance and better-respected brand names.”KBB
