Lack of reviews for 2017 MKZ?

[Zalvern]

Ok so, got to play around with a 2.7T AWD Conti. In terms of its cushion feel and comfort, it feels VERY nice. This was a little extra-featured model but not the full package (So didn't have the signature LED headlights and what not). Not to get too off topic since this is about the MKZ, but I think its worthwhile to share comparison between the two newcomers in the Lincoln lineup.

 

Interesting thing is the car, didn't feel THAT big to me compared to the MKZ. It's spacious, but not absurdly in feel. I sat in a MKS for a moment, and they're close but the Continental seems different in how it portrays being larger than the MKZ, yet not bloaty like an MKS. It's hard to explain, like its something in between mid-size and full-size sedan and I don't find that bad really. You guys definitely should check one out and test it. Wait till a 3.0T one comes along though for the full performance potential. The 2.7T is good, and its got good grunt...less than a 3.0T will have, so my MKZ still definitely was king there. But the suspension with drive control in comfort felt even more "floaty" than it does in my MKZ. I'm cool with that though, as I'm happy with my Z's suspension feel for a Sporty Mid-size sedan.

 

The Continental would definitely be my choice to tour passengers around in though. Not that the MKZ is bad, but just the Continental flat out wins for being superior due to its focus on it. Though give it a 3.0T and it'll be a fun grand touring car too, maybe not as hard cornering the MKZ is but still will be able to outperform the average car by a long shot in both power and handling. The 30 way seat was crazy in customization, bit jealous the MKZ can't have that. Didn't have the rear seat "Royal Package" though to try out or the twin-moon roof.

 

Overall it's a pretty calm, cool, and collected car. Seeing a 3.0T Continental get tuned and hit a drag strip/track would be hilariously awesome.

Edited September 17, 2016 by Zalvern

[brucelinc]

Seeing a 3.0T Continental get tuned and hit a drag strip/track would be hilariously awesome.

 

Yes, and that is precisely what I plan to do if I like the Conti after reviewing and driving one.  

[brucelinc]

I also just returned from a test drive of the new Continental.    I won't spend a lot of time discussing it since this is an MKZ forum but I would urge anyone who is thinking of an MKZ with the standard 2.0 Turbo engine to cross shop it against a Continental with the base 3.7 engine.  

 

I agree with Zalvern.  The Continental drives much smaller than it is.   It is definitely not as sporty as the MKZ but it is not a big ponderous barge, either.     The car is exceptionally quiet and the ride is superb whether it be in Comfort, Normal or Sport modes.  The car I drove only had the base 3.7 engine but it is quieter, smoother and more powerful than the 2.0 turbo in the MKZ.   It likely uses more fuel than the 4 cylinder MKZ if that is a concern but I found the 3.7 to be a more satisfying base engine.   I can't wait to get my hands on a Continental with the 3.0.  It may not be quite as strong as a 3.0 MKZ, but since I am not really looking for sportiness or handling prowess, I think the Continental will suit me better than the MKZ.

 

Etiher car - MKZ or Continental - is a big step forward for Lincoln.

[BizzyGeek]

Thanks for the good observations, Brucelinc. I want to get the 18-inch wheels - which design I like - along with the 400-hp engine. I am glad to hear that the "regular" AWD chassis/diff/suspension will be up to the task..

If anyone finds decent deal on the 18"s or even an attractive looking aftermarket wheel setup, I'm looking to keep a set mounted with snow tires to install in the winter

[BizzyGeek]

New review: hates on the performance of the 3.0t, plaudits for luxury, and knocks the price. This seems to be a trend.

 

http://doubleclutch.ca/2017-lincoln-mkz-3-0t-awd-reserve/

[Airflow]

The thing reviewers don't understand with the msrp is that you don't pay anywhere near msrp when you buy or lease the car. And as to the acceleration, I am waiting to see some instrumented tests as I feel the smoothness and quietness of the car makes the acceleration a little deceiving.

[longislander]

The reviews all seem Canadian-sourced. Where are Motor Trend, Car and Driver, etc.?

[brucelinc]

I am getting a little tired of reviewers complaining about the price.   A very nicely equipped Reserve with the 3.0 can be in the low to mid $50s MSRP by paying attention to the options.   Also, these can be purchased or leased all day long at dealer invoice - not MSRP.    

 

When I drove one, I also thought the engine felt a bit soft considering its rating but I chalked that up to only having 32 miles on it.   I am not as critical of the transmission although the car I drove seemed to downshift more that I expected.   Again, the car was not broken in nor gone through the adaptation process that is normal with the transmission.

 

Often, transmissions with 8 and 9 speeds have a tendency to "hunt" for the right gear.  I don't like that.  They may produce better EPA fuel economy numbers but not so much in the real world.  Also, high torque turbo engines with flat torque curves do not benefit from an acceleration perspective as much from more gears.   Each gear change is accompanied by some torque management to make the shifts smooth so more gear changes can actually hurt acceleration.  My tuned MKS will go from 0-60 in 3.94 seconds and only use 2 gears in doing so.

[newlinux]

I have a hard time believing this car is overpriced (I may be biased because I ordered one). It's more than I wanted to pay for car (I mean, I want it free, right - but I paid invoice and I'm okay with the price), but it's priced competitively, and I researched a number of other models. I did pay a bit of a premium for the Black Label, but there some options there I wanted. A nicely equipped reserve can be a downright bargain! I think people often compare this car to the wrong models on pricing, especially with the 3.0T engine.

 

As for engine and handling, I'm far from an expert, but I too was originally worried about the 6 speed transmission. After a couple of test drives, however, I found the shifting to be just fine. I found power available whenever I wanted, which is what was most important to me. My 6 speed CTS has some "dead zones" in shifting sometimes when I want power, but I felt none of that with the MKZ. Again, I haven't driven it all that much, but my test drives eased my worries about the transmission.

[International J]

I have a hard time believing this car is overpriced (I may be biased because I ordered one). It's more than I wanted to pay for car (I mean, I want it free, right - but I paid invoice and I'm okay with the price), but it's priced competitively, and I researched a number of other models. I did pay a bit of a premium for the Black Label, but there some options there I wanted. A nicely equipped reserve can be a downright bargain! I think people often compare this car to the wrong models on pricing, especially with the 3.0T engine.

 

As for engine and handling, I'm far from an expert, but I too was originally worried about the 6 speed transmission. After a couple of test drives, however, I found the shifting to be just fine. I found power available whenever I wanted, which is what was most important to me. My 6 speed CTS has some "dead zones" in shifting sometimes when I want power, but I felt none of that with the MKZ. Again, I haven't driven it all that much, but my test drives eased my worries about the transmission.

 

 

 

Here's the thing it's both overpriced and fairly priced. Here's why I say this. It's a beautiful car but it could be so much more than what it is, it's fairly priced if you look at the starting price, buy the add on prices are ridiculous! The price for the black label is silly, and the fact that they are going after other luxury brands with these prices is ludicrous. You can't got after Acura and Cadillac (closest comp) pricing vehicles like that it just won't work and as much as i hate to admit it the car is an upgraded Fusion! The starting price is on point however buy considering you can get a Mercedes for a little bit more and Mercedes has the biggest slice of the pie, you're pricing the car for failure!

[shortspark]

Today I went to see a 2017 Buick LaCrosse.  It was as beautiful as the MKZ and the interior seemed even a tad better than the Reserve, although the Black Label edition is more impressive.  I did not have time for a test drive but the build quality was also equal to Lincoln.  It does not have a 400hp motor of course.  There are other problems with the Buick such as stop/start that can not be disabled, no power folding mirrors, no cd player, no sun glass holder, variable cylinder deactivation and a couple other things.  The MKZ has a few problems of its own such as to get the driver's package you are stuck with the black interior.  If you want something other than black and have the driver's package you have to move all the way up to Black Label.  These cars are priced about the same, at least in the configurations I want.  It use to be Lincoln competed with Cadillac but it appears this new Buick is a solid competitor with Lincoln, at least up to MKZ.  However, I am sure the Continental will blow any Buick out of the water.

 

On Thursday I go to the big city to test drive a Merc CLS 550 and I am really looking forward to that.  Of course, at $30,000 more than the MKZ it is in a different category but it will be fun to compare nonetheless.

[brucelinc]

The LaCrosse is Buick's top of the line sedan while the MKZ is Lincoln's lowest priced sedan. It isn't too surprising to me that they could compete for similar buyers. However, the Lacrosse offers nothing similar to the 400 HP MKZ. The Buick is also a natural competitor for the Lexus ES.

[newlinux]

I think the MKZ  with 400HP compares more to the ATS-V (which is a little smaller), the CTS V Sport (not the V), the Mercedes AMG C43, the Audi S4, the BMW 5 series... Similarly equipped it competes well against and beats most on price, but doesn't have their name or pedigree. It's all down to personal preference

[longislander]

I think the MKZ  with 400HP compares more to the ATS-V (which is a little smaller), the CTS V Sport (not the V), the Mercedes AMG C43, the Audi S4, the BMW 5 series... Similarly equipped it competes well against and beats most on price, but doesn't have their name or pedigree. It's all down to personal preference

I fully intend to replace my 2014 Cadillac CTS with a 400-hp '17 MKZ when the lease ends but to be perfectly honest I don't think the MKZ competes with any of the cars you listed above. Rear wheel drive cars built on "dedicated" luxury-car platforms are a cut above an FWD car that shares its platform with a family sedan...IMHO.

A car with luxury features isn't the same thing as a luxury car. 

[newlinux]

It certainly competed with all of those for me. For the 2.0 or 3.0 FWD I completely agree with you. But having driven and compared most of those cars when selecting the 3.0 AWD with the drivers package and having owned a CTS for the last 7 years that is just how I saw it from my shopping/driving perspective. From a market perspective it is probably different though.

[International J]

As much as I luvvvvvvvv the car.... The LS will always be my favorite! It was Lincoln's most unique vehicle hands down!

[schteve]

On the trans ... I would have to tend to lean toward the reviewers. The 6spd is not responsive to input and just don't have the "oomph" of a ZF. Which I would say is the gold standard and used by Jag, Audi just to name a couple. If you put the ZF trans behind this motor it could be silky smooth in normal and wicked quick in sport. My biggest complaint with the 6spd is that it just don't "Listen" to my paddle inputs. This is most aggregious in sport mode.

[newlinux]

That's what I was worried about. It didn't seem that bad when I drove it, but it definitely could have been better. I've heard others say the same thing about the paddle shifters... But I'm still pretty sure it's better than my current car.

[Zalvern]

One characteristic hiccup with the 6F transmission family is fluid cavitation. These transmissions need a slight overfill to counter it (the shift lag noticed between 2-3 shift is due to said fluid cavitation issue). I added an extra pint of fluid and its worlds better. Recently changed my transmission fluid to high performance and added extra, which now even the paddle shifters do what they're told now, and shift nicely. I do not have any issues with the paddle shifters. In fact I now use them a lot in Sport gear thanks to having extensions. No stock car is ever truly optimized, and requires a little more effort from the user to awaken. Some preferred to be carried by OEM products all the way, and that is fine but there are always better options. OEM only wants to get the car through warranty periods and then be done with it.

 

I think some people who complain about these transmissions do not realize there is a difference in feel depending on if the engine is forced induction or not. Forced induction vehicles have higher torque response in lower gears, and all the torque energy has to transfer somewhere. The only short coming on Ford's part is Mercon LV's consistency and their tuning on transmissions is known to be lazy. 

Now if wanting high performance shifting, that requires a tuning strategy change and thus, requires an aftermarket tune to change it. Simply because: this car is driver street tuned, not track tuned. The MKZ is also catering to the demographic average in mind, which is...55+ folks still mostly. They're not expecting a bunch of young folks to suddenly want "Hot Rod Lincolns" and know there is no need to tune it aggressively. If anything I find the stock Sport gear well serving. But it can easily be changed if not afraid to do tuning and fear the whole "warranty voided" fiasco. If you want OEM to do it, you go for a more performance proven model then like those luxury performance cars that apparently everyone and their mom should own, according to car reviewers who love them so much.

In regards to these reviews, I really don't pay them much mind other than to get baseline stock averages. From that 3.0T review, the person used 91 octane which is going to yield less performance and didn't seem to mention summer tires, so most likely on the generic all season rubber. Tires make a big impact on outgoing handling feel and performance, and octane on Ecoboost type engines have greater effects especially the larger the displacement.

 

This MKZ's charm is its quietness honestly. That's the whole reason Lincoln coined the "Quiet Luxury" motto. They pulled off an arguably powerful sedan that is extremely quiet for a gasoline engine vehicle.

 

In the end it is up to the buyer in question to test and wager their risk in vehicle purchasing. I say risk because no one will not know how a car will behave without years of daily experience.

 

Oh and the whole platform thing (ex. MKZ is a fancy Fusion) is so tasteless to complain about. Why do people try to pull this? I mean its obvious MANY cars of today share platforms and use alternative body kits on them in a nut shell. Especially among daily driver class vehicles. Any reviewer or person who thinks the MKZ and Fusion are nearly the same other than platform, are just keyboarding their thoughts. As an owner of both car types, I know their night and day differences. The Fusion feels really poor in comparison, and hardly anything similar. That goes for the 2017 Platinum and Sport model which feel like a divided car, whereas the MKZ gets it all...and for a good reason.

Edited September 28, 2016 by Zalvern

[BizzyGeek]

http://www.exhausted.ca/2016/09/28/test-drive-2017-lincoln-mkz/

[Zalvern]

http://www.exhausted.ca/2016/09/28/test-drive-2017-lincoln-mkz/

Its interesting how review opinions go.

 

I honestly like the push button gear selector. That feature is going to be a hit or miss, you either like it or you don't. Better than the dial shifter or even the stick shifter which really only is nessecary in a manual.

[newlinux]

http://gearpatrol.com/2016/09/29/lincoln-mkz-review/

[KenZ]

Its interesting how review opinions go.

 

I honestly like the push button gear selector. That feature is going to be a hit or miss, you either like it or you don't. Better than the dial shifter or even the stick shifter which really only is nessecary in a manual.

 

Me too.  I have both a MKZ and MKC with the buttons and I love them.  I recently had to rent a car on a trip that had an actual gear shift.  My first gearshift since mid 2014.  It made me crazy.   

[Airflow]

We have an MKX and love the buttons.  It makes the dash to storage area really clean and getting used to the buttons didn't take very long at all.  A reviewer stepping into the car should consider "muscle memory" as why the buttons get easier to use over time.  Every car is different, placement of window and lock switches, vent controls, charging ports, flasher lights, the list goes on and on.  I'm tired of seeing reviews with these types of trivial complaints.

[longislander]

I wonder how the buttons would work when you need to "rock" the car to get out of snow or sand?

I'm pretty adept at that, using the shift lever to switch back and forth, through Neutral, between Reverse and Drive. 

There are other times when I "coast" in Neutral while switching between Drive and Reverse and it's very natural - one sequential move with the shift lever - but strikes me that it would be awkward pushing 3 buttons to accomplish the same thing.

Edited September 30, 2016 by longislander