For years, I’ve juggled my tech interests with a genuine love for cars. From attending the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to road-tripping across the East Coast exploring sustainable SUVs, and even hitting the SCCA Nationals, my automotive enthusiasm runs deep. So, when Lincoln reached out to offer a review of their 2009 Lincoln Mks luxury sedan, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan – Atlanta Skyline
Elevated view of a dark blue 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan at night, parked on a rooftop with the bright lights of the Atlanta skyline in the background, emphasizing the car’s urban appeal.
Disclosure: Lincoln provided me with the 2009 MKS as a loaner for five days. However, this review is unbiased and reflects my honest opinions, just as my readers have come to expect over the years.
Note: Click on any image to view a high-resolution version. Photos were captured from the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center parking deck in Midtown Atlanta using a Nikon D90.
Understanding the Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS was strategically positioned as Lincoln’s mid-level luxury sedan, sitting just below the iconic Town Car. Recognizing increasing competition in the luxury market, Lincoln launched a significant marketing campaign with the MKS at its core. Similar to Buick’s revitalization efforts, the MKS aimed to inject new energy into the Lincoln brand by offering a range of contemporary features designed to attract a broader audience. The 2009 MKS was intended to be a strong contender in the entry to mid-level luxury sedan segment, and this review will explore whether it achieved that goal.
Pricing and Key Features of the Lincoln MKS
The 2009 Lincoln MKS loaner I tested had a base price of $39,105, which escalated to $45,570 with the inclusion of the Ultimate Package and delivery charges. This model was equipped with a suite of notable features, including:
- Microsoft SYNC with integrated navigation system: A pioneering infotainment system for its time.
- Dual Panel Moonroof: Enhancing the cabin’s openness and light.
- THX-II Certified Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound: Promising a premium audio experience.
- “Intelligent Access” with Push-Button Start: Keyless entry and ignition for added convenience.
- Adaptive HID Headlamps: Headlights that turn with the steering wheel for improved visibility.
- Air-Conditioned Front Seats: A luxury feature for enhanced comfort in warm climates.
While my test vehicle didn’t include it, adaptive cruise control was also available as a high-tech option. The Lincoln MKS aimed to compete with established luxury sedans such as the Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Acura RL, Infiniti M, and Volvo S80. While not reaching the price point of the Audi A8, it was comparable in size, placing it in a competitive segment of the luxury market.
Exterior Styling: A Nod to European Design?
For a vehicle intended to rejuvenate the Lincoln brand and effectively bridge the gap in their mid-size luxury sedan offerings, the 2009 Lincoln MKS made a strong initial impression with its exterior design. The rear of the car, in particular, resonated positively. Its resemblance to the previous generation Maserati Quattroporte’s rear styling was immediately apparent and quite striking. Whether this was intentional or coincidental, the similarity was undeniable and gave the MKS an air of European sophistication.
2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan – Biltmore Atlanta
Rear view of a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan at night, highlighting its taillights and chrome trim against the backdrop of the historic Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta, emphasizing the car’s elegant rear design.
However, the heavily chromed front grille and window trim might be considered excessively gaudy by some, requiring an adjustment in taste. The large 19-inch wheels (with optional 20-inch versions available) effectively filled the wheel wells, giving the Lincoln MKS a substantial presence on the road. Lincoln made a sensible choice with tire profile; opting for anything too low-profile could have negatively impacted the ride quality, which is crucial for a luxury sedan.
2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan Side Profile
Side view of a silver 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, showing its long profile, 19-inch wheels, and chrome accents, highlighting the car’s overall proportions.
Unfortunately, the view behind those wheels was less impressive, revealing small and somewhat unattractive brakes. The 2009 MKS was equipped with 12.25-inch front rotors with 2-piston calipers and 12.75-inch rear rotors with single-piston calipers, a setup that was merely adequate. Considering the MKS’s “okay” performance in braking tests, larger 4-piston front brakes would have been a welcome improvement. Lincoln could have taken inspiration from Acura, whose competing RL model featured black 4-piston calipers adorned with the Acura logo, adding a touch of performance aesthetic.
Dual Panel Moonroof – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Interior view of a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, showcasing the dual-panel moonroof and light-colored leather seats, emphasizing the car’s spacious and airy cabin.
Adaptive headlights, a feature I first encountered in the Lexus RX330 (though initially debuted in the LS430), were a highlight. These headlights pivot with the steering, enhancing visibility around corners. While not essential for city driving, the adaptive headlights in the MKS were a surprisingly enjoyable feature, adding to nighttime driving confidence. Combined with automatic high beams, the MKS was well-equipped for safe night driving. The automatic high beams intelligently toggled on and off based on detecting other light sources, seamlessly switching to low beams when other vehicles or streetlights were present.
Rear – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Daytime rear view of a silver 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, focusing on the angled taillights, beveled license plate holder, and chrome trim, elements that contribute to its Maserati-inspired styling.
The angled taillights, beveled license plate holder, and prominent chrome trim collectively reinforced the Maserati-esque styling cues at the rear of the Lincoln MKS.
Performance: Lacking the Expected Power
The 2009 Lincoln MKS, unfortunately, did not feature the highly anticipated 355 horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers, which promised 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. This more powerful engine was slated for the 2010 Lincoln MKS model. The 2009 MKS I tested came with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 273 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
The engine’s sound under full throttle was less than inspiring, described as more akin to a hair dryer than a refined performance note. My initial impression was that this powertrain was inadequate for a vehicle of the MKS’s size, price, and weight. After driving it in various conditions for several days, this feeling persisted – the car simply needed more power. The absence of a V8 option in the 2009 MKS was particularly surprising when compared to similarly priced competitors in the luxury sedan market. The hope was that the 2010 MKS with the EcoBoost engine would resolve this power deficit.
Engine Bay – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Open hood of a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, showing the engine bay with the Ford Duratec 3.7-liter V6 engine, emphasizing the car’s power source.
Weighing in at over 4,200 pounds, this AWD Lincoln MKS was comparable in weight to the Lexus GS and AWD Volvo S80. Combined with the underpowered engine and a somewhat sluggish automatic transmission, the MKS’s performance was underwhelming. The transmission exhibited lag during upshifts and jerky downshifts. While the all-wheel-drive system effectively minimized understeer and aided in cornering, it also introduced torque steer under moderate to hard acceleration, requiring constant steering correction.
Given its weight and relatively high center of gravity—resulting from 19-inch wheels (P255/45R19) and a taller suspension setup—the Lincoln MKS’s handling in twisty roads was also mediocre. Its handling characteristics were reminiscent of my experience driving a Chrysler 300C of similar size. Pushing the MKS through high-speed curves revealed its limitations, with oversteer becoming a factor and tires squealing under stress.
Fuel economy was on the lower side, as expected for a heavy, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with an automatic transmission and a 3.7-liter Duratec engine that seemed to struggle to move the vehicle efficiently. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. However, during five days of mixed city driving, I averaged around 10.1 MPG with spirited driving and 14.8 MPG when attempting a more normal driving style. The MKS featured a substantial 20-gallon fuel tank with Ford’s ‘Easy Fuel’ capless filler system, a convenient feature also found in the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Performance metrics included:
- 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds (7.4 seconds with power braking)
- 0-100 MPH in 19.9 seconds
- 1/4-mile in 15.5 seconds at 90.0 MPH
While I couldn’t measure braking distances, there was clearly room for improvement in the MKS’s braking performance. As mentioned earlier, it used 12.75-inch front rotors with 2-piston calipers, a similar setup to my older, much lighter 2002 Mustang GT, which I found inadequate and eventually upgraded. The MKS would greatly benefit from 4-piston calipers to enhance braking power.
The ride quality of the Lincoln MKS, while not exceptionally plush, was acceptable for its price range, leaning slightly towards the firmer side. The ride felt comparable to that of a BMW 545i or M5 (in P400/non-M mode), suggesting a balance between comfort and handling.
Interior Design and Comfort: Mixed Impressions
2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan Interior
Nighttime aerial view of the interior of a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, showing the dashboard, leather seats, center console, and ambient lighting, highlighting the cabin’s layout and features.
Stepping inside the Lincoln MKS revealed areas where Lincoln aimed to impress. The seats were upholstered in “Bridge of Weir” leather from Scotland, known for its quality, and were perforated to allow for ventilation. The air-conditioned seats were particularly appreciated on hot Atlanta days. The front seats offered 12-way adjustability, including variable lumbar support with both pressure and vertical placement adjustments. However, the seats lacked lateral support, and I found myself sliding around during cornering. Adjustable side bolsters, common in other luxury sedans, would have been a valuable addition.
At highway speeds, the MKS cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to extensive insulation. Unfortunately, the praise for the interior ends there.
Gauge Cluster – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Close-up of the gauge cluster in a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan in daylight, displaying the speedometer, tachometer, and other vehicle information, critiquing the design as dated.
The gauge cluster was the first element that disappointed me. The needles appeared too thick, and the typography seemed outdated rather than modern and sophisticated. The chrome trim further detracted from the desired contemporary luxury aesthetic. For gauge cluster design inspiration, Lincoln could look to Lexus, whose recent models, even entry-level ones, featured excellent and stylish gauges.
Open Doors – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Daylight view of the front doors open on a silver 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, showcasing the interior door panels, seats, and spacious entry, emphasizing the car’s accessibility.
The Lincoln MKS included an intelligent access system with push-button start, a feature becoming increasingly common across vehicle segments. This system allowed for keyless entry and ignition as long as the key fob was nearby. However, the key fob itself was bulky and poorly designed, lacking the sophisticated feel of key fobs from brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Acura.
Keyfob and Engine Start Button – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Close-up of the Lincoln MKS key fob and engine start button in daylight, highlighting the plastic key fob and simple start button design.
Other interior shortcomings included a narrow trunk opening, limited storage compartments throughout the cabin (despite the car’s large size), and inconsistent fit and finish, with uneven panel gaps in places. The front cupholders were also poorly designed, non-adjustable, and made using both simultaneously nearly impossible. Adjustable cupholders have been standard in minivans since the 1990s, so their absence in a luxury sedan like the MKS was surprising. On a positive note, the stitched top dash cover was a welcome touch, avoiding the hard plastic look often found in domestic vehicles.
The dual-panel moonroof in the Lincoln MKS was a standout feature. While the rear section didn’t open, it provided an expansive sky view for rear passengers.
Despite these criticisms, the MKS was undeniably spacious. Its size was reminiscent of a “boat,” which in this context, was a positive attribute. Comfortably accommodating five adults was effortless, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers.
Microsoft SYNC System: A Tech Highlight
THX Certified System – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Daylight view of the center display in a 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, showing the THX Certified audio system logo at startup, emphasizing the premium audio feature.
Upon starting the Lincoln MKS, the center display greeted you with the THX certified audio system logo, immediately signaling a focus on in-car technology.
The SYNC system, developed by Microsoft, was a key technological feature of the Lincoln MKS and was increasingly being implemented across Ford vehicles. Even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was known to drive a SYNC-equipped Ford. In essence, SYNC integrated navigation, phone, and music functions into a cohesive, voice-controlled system. Technically, the SYNC system was powered by an ARM 11 processor, 256MB of RAM, and Microsoft Auto OS version 4.0.
Beyond SYNC, the MKS boasted an impressive audio setup. Hidden within were 16 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer, powered by 12 channels of amplification totaling 600 watts. A digital signal processor managed the system, ensuring controlled and high-quality sound. The result was a THX II certified car audio system supporting 5.1 surround sound, delivering a premium listening experience, though perhaps not quite at the level of Bang & Olufsen systems found in Aston Martin and Audi models.
The THX audio system in the MKS was specifically designed by THX, featuring THX Configurable Speaker Array (CSA) and THX Slot Speaker technologies. These technologies aimed to widen the soundstage and precisely distribute audio throughout the cabin, creating a more immersive and natural listening experience for both CDs and MP3 files.
The SYNC system could be operated via the touchscreen, center console buttons, or voice commands activated from the steering wheel.
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Voice 1
Screenshot of the Lincoln MKS SYNC voice command menu, listing available voice commands for phone, navigation, and audio, demonstrating the system’s voice control capabilities.
While voice control systems of the late 1990s left a negative impression on many, the SYNC voice control was surprisingly accurate. However, its usability was hampered by confirmation screens for most commands, requiring an extra “yes” or “no” input, a somewhat cumbersome design choice.
The navigation features of the MKS were generally impressive, with one significant drawback: destination input and route modifications were only possible when the vehicle was stopped or moving very slowly (under 3 mph). While intended as a safety feature, this restriction was inconvenient for passengers who might otherwise handle navigation adjustments. Maps were stored on an integrated hard drive, resulting in quick route calculations and detailed map displays. A helpful split-screen feature appeared near destinations, showing a close-up map of exits and final turns. The system also intelligently muted other audio sources through the front speakers during voice prompts for clear navigation instructions.
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Nav Map
Screenshot of the Lincoln MKS SYNC navigation map display, showing a detailed map with route guidance, emphasizing the system’s navigation functionality.
GPS updates were responsive, ensuring the map kept pace with the vehicle’s movement. However, a feature missed from other GPS units was internet connectivity for live local searches. While the MKS had points of interest stored on the hard drive, searching for specific businesses or real-time information required the integration of SIRIUS Travel Link. Travel Link offered features like fuel price information, traffic data, and weather updates. Unfortunately, the test vehicle did not have an active SIRIUS subscription, so Travel Link features could not be fully evaluated.
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Nav 1
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Dest 1
Pairing a phone with the SYNC system via Bluetooth automatically downloaded the phone’s address book, enabling voice-activated calls by name. Hands-free phone integration and call quality were excellent, and there was no need to raise voice volume for clear communication. For compatible phones, SYNC could also read text messages aloud and offered 15 pre-set text message replies for quick responses while driving under 3 mph.
Pairing iPhone – 2009 Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan
Screenshot of the Lincoln MKS SYNC system displaying the iPhone pairing process via Bluetooth, highlighting the system’s phone integration features.
Another convenient SYNC phone feature allowed seamless transfer of ongoing calls from a mobile phone to the car’s system via a steering wheel button. SYNC also included an automatic 911 call feature (available via software update), designed to place an emergency call with a pre-recorded message after severe accidents that triggered airbag deployment. It was unclear if this system shared GPS location with emergency services, but it aimed to provide similar functionalities to services like GM OnStar, BMW Assist, and Lexus Link.
Regarding audio sources, the MKS included a standard radio with RDS station information display, but lacked HD radio support at the time of this review (though Lincoln mentioned it as a future option).
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Radio
Screenshot of the Lincoln MKS SYNC radio interface, showing station information and options, highlighting the system’s audio source capabilities.
A notable feature was the “jukebox” function, providing 10GB of onboard storage for music. Users could rip CDs directly to the car’s hard drive or transfer music from mobile devices. The system included a CDDB/Gracenote database to automatically add track information. For mobile devices and MP3 players, the MKS offered Bluetooth (A2DP for stereo, though iPhone support required OS 3.0 and an adapter) and USB connectivity, as well as an auxiliary line-in jack. SYNC displayed track information for USB and Bluetooth playback.
2009 Lincoln Mks Sync Juke 2
However, the audio visualizer was basic, offering only on/off settings without customization. For a THX-certified system, the lack of advanced equalizer settings was surprising, limited to just bass and treble adjustments.
Overall, the THX system delivered excellent sound quality with a clear and crisp treble and powerful bass. However, the system tended to be overly bass-heavy even at lower volumes, and at higher volumes, trunk rattling became noticeable, similar to aftermarket subwoofer installations with insufficient insulation.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Tech Appeal
The 2009 Lincoln MKS presents a mixed impression, particularly for those prioritizing performance. However, the Microsoft SYNC integration is a significant redeeming quality. While the interface could be more refined, it functioned effectively as advertised. The touchscreen, though, was prone to fingerprints.
While SYNC was a relatively inexpensive option on other Ford vehicles, it was part of a more costly navigation package in the MKS, adding significantly to the price.
Ratings:
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Technology: 9.0/10 (with room for advancements like BMW Night Vision/Mercedes Night View Assist)
- Aesthetics: 7.0/10
- Performance: 5.5/10
- Value: 8.0/10
The hope was that the 2010 Lincoln MKS, with its more powerful 355 horsepower EcoBoost engine, would better position Lincoln in the luxury sedan market. As for the 2009 MKS, recommending it widely is challenging due to its performance limitations. Lincoln could start with refining details like the key fob to enhance the overall luxury experience.
What are your thoughts on the Lincoln MKS and the Microsoft SYNC system? Could you envision someone in your family driving this car?
