The available EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging to give six-cylinders the power of eight. The 355 horsepower engine reaches peak torque, 350 foot-pounds, at 1500 rpm. The engine runs on regular gas and averages 25 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

A six-speed automatic transmission transmits the engine power to the wheels in seamless fashion. All-wheel drive, standard on EcoBoost models, enhances traction on wet and snow-covered roads.

 Segment-leading safety features including adaptive cruise control with collision warning, active park assist, a rearview camera, SOS post crash notification and Ford’s safety canopy side airbags protect occupants in all kinds of weather. MyKey enables parents to limit the speeds and audio volume when their kids are behind the wheel.

Capable wet weather performance

I drove the 2011 MKS this week, including a weekend road trip to Tucson. I was lucky to be driving the Lincoln when a thunderstorm north of Tucson made navigating the highway a challenge.

When rain comes to the southwest, it typically roars through with an abundance of wind and dust. During the summer and early fall, rains are part of monsoonal patterns that move north from the Pacific, and the Gulf of California.

As I approached the outskirts of Tucson, the sky turned from bright sunshine to ominous black. Within minutes, I found myself in the midst of a dust storm with limited visibility.

The east-west wind that preceded the rain pushed surrounding vehicles out of their lanes. The Lincoln, however, was solid as a rock. A pull-drift compensation feature uses sensors to measure the driver’s steering input and automatically compensates for changes due to crosswinds. While other drivers struggled to keep from going off the road, I relaxed and let the MKS do the job for me.

All-wheel drive automatically transfers engine power to the wheels with the best traction, giving the MKS exceptional grip on waterlogged thoroughfares.

High-intensity discharge headlamps project a beam that’s brighter and longer than traditional halogen, giving the driver good visibility in low light situations. The headlamps automatically swivel according to steering inputs, lighting dark corners in the road.

Rain-sensing wipers react automatically to changes in precipitation. This is especially useful in typical southwestern storms, where a couple drops of rain are followed by a deluge.

Blind spot mirrors in the corners of the outside mirrors allowed me to monitor all lanes of traffic with minimum distraction.

Power to spare

Ford’s EcoBoost engine, which also appears in the Taurus SHO, F-150 and 2011 Explorer, is an amazing piece of work. While most consumers look at horsepower as an indicator of performance, torque is more relevant to everyday driving. Torque gives the engine low-end power for acceleration off-the-line and onto the highway.

Because the EcoBoost engine develops peak torque at such low engine speeds and maintains it throughout the power band, the engine is ideal for both high-performance and towing applications.

At the same time, the engine spins at relatively low speeds while cruising on the highway, translating to surprisingly good gas mileage. Average fuel economy for my test drive was 22 miles-per-gallon: two miles-per-gallon better than the EPA estimate.

Paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually select gears for more aggressive performance.

A four-wheel independent suspension consists of a MacPherson setup in front and multi-link in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stops the car in a firm, linear fashion.

Engineers tuned the electric power assist steering for ample assist at low speeds, with positive on-center response on the highway. A 39.7-foot turning radius is adequate for U-turns on wider suburban roads.

Head-turning design Lincoln MKS Interior

While it isn’t a radical design, the MKS has a presence on the road that sets it apart from the pack. A strong coupe-like profile combines a long hood a short rear end for a sportier appearance. A strong beltline leads the eye from the front of the car to the back. Large wheel arches frame the 20-inch rims and low-profile tires on the test car.

Numbers for the keypad entry system are concealed in the B-pillar until the driver runs his hand over it. Body heat illuminates the keypad. Keyless access allows multiple passengers to enter the car without a fob: ideal for sharing the car at a trailhead or ski resort.

Brown leather upholstery on the test car is attractive and comfortable. I found both the driver’s and front passenger seats comfortable for trips several hours in duration. Redundant steering wheel controls minimize driver distraction.

Both the gauge cluster and navigation screen are easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions. Buyers who purchase the optional adaptive cruise control with collision warning should note that the system does not work in some low light situations.  For example, it did not work during the dust and rainstorm I drove through outside of Tucson. An indicator light in the gauge cluster indicates that the system is inactive.

Dual-zone climate controls, heated and cooled front seats keep the driver and front passenger comfortable in temperature extremes. Vents behind the center console circulate air through the back of the cabin.

Designers included an abundance of 12-volt power points in the car, with access for both rows of passengers. Standard auxiliary and USB ports interface with portable music devices.

The optional two-panel moonroof floods the interior with light. Because of the car’s high floor tunnel, two passengers will be more comfortable in the back of the MKS than three. Seats in the outboard positions have seat heaters. Cupholders in the fold-down armrest are large enough for 20-ounce water bottles.

The sedan’s spacious trunk has plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and golf bags. Cyclists will be better served with the Lincoln MKT cross-utility vehicle.

Standard safety

All models come with front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, stability and traction control. Ford’s sync system allows the driver to pair up his telephone with the car and use voice commands for infotainment functions.

Ford’s six-year/70,000 mile warranty includes free roadside assistance and complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 12 months or 15,000 miles.

Likes: An elegant full-sized sedan with segment-leading technology and safety features.