Choosing Wisely: The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve Hybrid

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve Hybrid.

The math behind hybrids is critical:  How much more will you pay for using less gasoline?  And how long will it take to make up in fuel savings the extra outlay for the hybrid?

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve makes it a no-brainer.  Both the gasoline and the hybrid versions cost the same...a base price of $39,670.

Never Upstage The Star: The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve AWD

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ.

The striking face you see in the picture above is the new look of Lincoln---debuting on this year's much-awaited Continental.  The Continental is meant to establish that the days of Lincolns being gussied-up Fords are now over.

Which is why putting that face on the mid-size MKZ the very same year as the Continental's launch is a monumental error.

Lincoln Hybrid MKZ Unveil At NYC Auto Show

Lexus is rolling out the hybrids, so why not Lincoln? Expect an announcement this week at the New York Auto Show that there will be a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Not that big a stretch, really...given that the MKZ is a derivative of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, both of which have hybrid models. We loved the Milan Hybrid...but will the MKZ be different enough to justify the Lincoln price tag?

The Detroit News talked to at least one analyst who isn't so sure. Story here.

Lincoln MKZ Review

Refinement.

Sometimes that's all a car needs.

Three years ago, the Lincoln MKZ (briefly named "Zephyr") was a gussied-up Ford Fusion...not bad...but certainly not worth an extra ten grand above the Ford. For starters, it looked like a Fusion with a Lincoln grille slapped on. The interior had some Lincoln trim bits, but nothing truly unique.

Well, for 2010, Lincoln gets the message, and its customers get the goods. The MKZ looks, feels, drives and rides completely differently from the Fusion.

A 3.5 liter V6 is standard, as is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The MKZ rides on 17 inch wheels...with 18s optional (as on our tester).



As you can see, the interior is much more luxurious...and the designers have gone a long way toward hiding the common bits the MKZ and the Fusion share.

The test MKZ had a base price of $34,115. Options: The Ultimate Package (THX II sound system, power moonroof, Technology Package and Navigation Package) for $5,595, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat Paint ($495) and the Sport Appearance Package (18" wheels, floor mats, interior aluminium trim, leather steering wheel and dual-zone A/C for $795).

Total price: $41,850 (including $850 destination and delivery charge).

And the experience was like driving a 3/4 scale MKS...not a bad thing at all.

Another plus: The EPA mileage estimates are 18 city/27 highway.

I'm not a big fan of re-badges (as someone who lived through the Lincoln Versailles, can you blame me?), but platform sharing is here to stay. It's nice to know there's a right way to do it and people who know how.