In January, before the world as we know it blew up, Lincoln announced it was permanently shelving production of the MKZ luxury sedan, by the end of this year. That marks the end of the sedan’s 13-year run.
Related: 2020 Cadillac CT4 is for hardcore driving enthusiasts only
Then in July, Lincoln announced the Continental was following the MKZ onto the chopping block. What will take its place are Lincoln’s stylish line of SUVs, like the Corsair (pictured above), as well as trucks and crossovers.
Now that’s too bad, for several reasons. In terms of premium sedans, the MKZ we drove earlier this summer was marked by several more-than-redeeming qualities. First and foremost were all the things you get for your buck. The 2020 MKZ, if you are going out to buy one before they are gone, is priced at $55,400.
Our guests really appreciated a panoramic glass sunroof that rolled back almost the entire length of the roof panel. Summer-time driving doesn’t get much more fun than this, both for those in the front and back. The roof technology closes securely, air tight, shutting out all outside noise. Lincoln likes to call it “quiet luxury.”
The Lincoln MKZ offers a full array of bells and whistles for the money, a sleek, sporty look, and a spacious luxury interior that breathes.
Plenty of pep
Our Lincoln MKZ was equipped with a hybrid alternative, with a 2.0-liter GTDI, 245-horsepower four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Also available is a 3.0-liter GTDI V6. When paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the twin-turbo engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
A concert-quality Revel audio system was another highlight of the interior experience, with specially designed doors, to strategically position the speakers. The Lincoln trademark one-piece grille and adaptive LED headlamps mark the exterior. Get it while it lasts!
Lincoln Corsair
The aforementioned Corsair is sleek and stylish as well, when the topic of SUVs comes up. Autotrader announced its 10 Best Car Interiors Under $50,000 in February. The Corsair made the list because Lincoln has been able to capture the luxuriousness and spaciousness of the interiors in the Navigator and Aviator in the smaller Corsair as well. The interior blends glossy and matte surfaces.
Like the larger-sized Navigator and Aviator, the line that connects all three Lincoln luxury SUVs are the quietness of their interiors, matched with a nimble, powerful driving experience. Lincoln offers two turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine options. There is a standard 2.0-liter with 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.3 liter with a bulkier 295 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
And oh, yes, bang for your buck. The 2020 Corsair we drove, with ceramic pearl metallic exterior and premium leather sandstone seating, was priced at $68,175.
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
