LexFather

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Well, now it's official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced Lexus HS250h, and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What's more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn't be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.

Mister Two

Toyota needs to replace the age-old 2.4 AZ engine with the new-generation 2.5 AR, or they'll be left in the dust. 41mpg city is much more like it. Not digging the old-man styling inside and out though.

Fizzboy7

I agree with all your points. What it comes down to is a base Fusion can be had for under $20k. Then you have this $35k sedan that roughly shares the same body. Even with the hybrid powertrain, there's just not enough differentiation between these two presentations.

SLegacy99

You could make the exact same argument about the Camry and the ES.

lex

the rear looks REALLY bad. Otherwise 2 thumbs up

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I wouldnt definitely have this over the HS 250h. Nice car for Lincoln.

bagwell

+1

hate the tails

caddyowner

The new exterior and interior styling are both an improvement over my 2007 1st gen MKZ. But, the cabin is still too tight.

mmarshall

You would or you wouldn't? Your post is unclear.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Sorry Mike

I think this thing is much better looking than the HS and should return better MPG too. If I was in the market for something like this, I'd purchase the MKZ hybrid first.

mmarshall

I would consider it, too...especially if they can combine the hybrid drive train with its AWD option. But that would (probably) be an expensive package.

mmarshall

That's virtually identical to the bright-colored, circus-like hybrid gauge-layout in the Ford Fusion. I remember it from the Fusion Hybrid test drive/review.

GS69

FoMoCo Says Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is Better than the Lexus HS250h

* Key Competitors: Buick LaCrosse, Lexus ES350, Infiniti G37 sedan… doesn’t really matter because they don’t offer hybrid versions.
* Power: 156-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder combined to electric-motor; net output equals 191-hp/136 lb-ft.
* Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
* Performance: 0-60 mph in around 9 seconds.
* Availability: Late 2010.
* Pricing: TBA.

FoMoCo is all about comparing the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid to the Lexus HS 25oh. Here are just a couple of things Ford made sure to point out that are better in the MKZ Hybrid when compared to the Lexus HS 250h:

* Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’s projected fuel economy tops its nearest competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – by 6 mpg.
* Lincoln MKZ Hybrid can cruise up to 47 mph in pure electric mode – Lexus HS 250h battery-only mode allows just 25 mph.
* Lincoln MKZ Hybrid comes standard with features and technologies that are either not offered on the Lexus HS 250h or are available only at an extra cost.
* Lexus HS 250h prices start at $34,650 – Lincoln MKZ Hybrid starts at… well, we’ll have to wait and see if the the MKZ Hybrid wins here as well.

IS-SV

Agreed, I remember it from a cab ride in SF last year. And another example of badge-engineering by the Big 3.

(Cj)

This was bound to happen. Toyota/Lexus put up a half @$$ed effort into the HS and made it easy for the competition to trump them.