2013 Lincoln MKS 3.7L Ti-VCT AWD (304 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lincoln unveiled the refreshed version of the MKS lineup at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show for the 2013 model year, and the changes were massive in all areas.

While former Lincoln vehicles were known for being brawny and having old-school styling, there was nothing about these attributes on the 2013 MKS. Its smooth lines, modern features inside, and punchy engines with all-wheel drive systems, either standard or optional, were far from being considered outdated. However, Ford’s luxury brand remained true to its core values of offering comfortable and smooth rides for its customers. These attributes didn’t change, and buyers appreciated them. However, sales could barely get into the five-figure territory. At the same time, the Ford Taurus, which had the same D3 platform as the MKS, enjoyed strong sales. As a result, Lincoln pulled the plug on this full-size luxury car in 2017, replacing it with the Continental.

At the front, the refreshed 2013 Lincoln MKS had a new interpretation of the split-wing design grille inspired by the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr. However, the lines on the updated model were smoother. The high-intensity discharge headlights that flanked it sported curved lines and had a swept-back shape with corner-mounted turn signal lamps. Lower on the bumper, the automaker placed a broad hexagonal air intake with two horizontal slats between the side-mounted fog lamps integrated into individual clusters featuring chromed surroundings.

Despite being a luxury full-size sedan, the 2014 Lincoln MKS had a sporty look, with an ascending waistline that visually connected the headlights with the tall rear deck. The chromed trims that surrounded the window line had a thicker area on the rear doors. To make the vehicle look sportier, the automaker offered 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels, which was daring for a brand that promised a comfortable ride. Finally, at the back, the trunk space was increased, and the lid that covered it had a wider access area, easing loading and unloading.

While the car’s exterior didn’t differ significantly compared to its predecessor, the cabin was completely overhauled. Lincoln created a much more modern cockpit, with a redesigned dashboard that featured touch buttons on the center stack instead of the regular knobs and dials. Furthermore, the infotainment system had an eight-inch touchscreen featuring MyLincoln Touch connectivity. In addition, two configurable 4.2-inch screens were placed inside the instrument cluster, flanking the speedometer. To become even more attractive to its customers, Lincoln added two sunroofs, one at the front and one for the rear-seated passengers, with retractable shades.

However, the 2013 Lincoln MKS impressed buyers with its drivetrains. Even though it kept the same engines as its predecessor, it bumped the power levels by 34 hp (35 PS) for the 3.7-liter unit and by 10 hp (10 PS) for the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 powerplant. In addition, the automaker introduced an advanced electronically-controlled damping system named CDC (continuous damping control), which increased the vehicle’s ride quality and speed cornering. Power went to the front wheels or in all corners, depending on the engine version.