| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Lincoln |
| Model | MKS |
| Style | 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) |
| Base MSRP | $40,355 |
| Options on test vehicle | Ultimate Package -- includes rain-sensing wipers, dual-panel moonroof, adaptive headlamps with auto high beam, Forward Sensing System, voice-activated nav system, Technology Package, intelligent access push-button start, rear window power sunshade, Navigation Package, rearview camera, THX-II sound system with 5.1 Surround, 19-inch premium paint cast aluminum wheels |
| As-tested MSRP | $46,070 |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Engine type | V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 3.7-liter/227.4 |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.3 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,500 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 270 @ 6,250 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 265 @ 4,250 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | First: 4.48:1; Second: 2.87:1; Third: 1.84:1; Fourth:1.41:1; Fifth:1.00:1; Sixth: 0.74:1; Reverse: 2.882 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 17:01 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle RS-A |
| Tire type | All season |
| Tire size, front | P255/45R19 |
| Tire size, rear | P255/45R19 |
| Wheel size | 19-by-8 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Painted alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.7 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 7.5 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 10.9 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.4 @ 90.0 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 7.2 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 130 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 60.8 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.75 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 44.0 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 74.5 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 64.6 |
| Acceleration comments | Adequate low-rpm power. Shifts come 500 rpm before redline. Manual shift gate goes the right way (upshift = back, downshift = forward). Best run with brake torque to 1,500 rpm. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Long, soft brake pedal could be more confident. Strangely erratic stopping distances. Still, at 130 feet it's not bad for a car this size. |
| Handling rating | Average |
| Handling comments | Don't be in a big hurry and the MKS does respectably well. Manageable understeer around skid pad. Soft with little roll stiffness as expected. Still, fairly easy to drive through the cones. Well-mannered enough to suit its target audience. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 86.0 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 5.4 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 17 city/23 highway |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 19.0 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,276 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 4,349 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 59/41 |
| Length (in.) | 204.1 |
| Width (in.) | 75.9 |
| Height (in.) | 61.6 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.9 |
| Track, front (in.) | 65.0 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 65.4 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 39.7 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.9 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 38.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.7 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.6 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 58.6 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 57.4 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 18.4 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 18.4 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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