Lincoln MKZ: A Design Dilemma

Thanks to some Friday afternoon traffic I ended up following a brand new Lincoln MKZ for quite some time giving a perfect opportunity to study its design. When the Lincoln MKZ first debuted I was intrigued by its unique design, especially at the back. A couple of years later the MKZ is still one of the most unique designs for under 40k. Considering that the MKZ hasn't had a serious sales breakout perhaps unique really means polarizing instead. The sharp edges and strong surfacing around the rear fender and trunk area are still amazing design elements. A thin single tail light spans the entire width and hidden tail pipes round out a rear view that has a lot going on. The thick C pillar as well gives the MKZ a strong if slightly heavy look. Up front the design is simpler with a restrained Lincoln grille that does little to hint at the design at the back. Overall, the MKZ is an incredibly interesting design that each time I see I struggle to make up my mind if it's a winner or a loser. The rear end design is so strong but there isn't much design flow from the front to the back. It's a car that I would like to see more often on the road but not necessarily a car that I would want to drive on my own and it appears that I am not the only one with such an impression.



One of the most unique looks

The side profile is the weakest view

The simpler front end clashes with the rear

2013 Lincoln MKZ Is Styled

With the latest Ford Fusion receiving unanimous praise for bringing high end styling to the mainstream sedan category, the upscale Lincoln MKZ sibling had big shoes to fill. The MKZ designers certainly dreamt big with the latest version resulting in a bold yet possibly polarizing design. Upfront small headlights are part of a restrained horizontal grille that is a step forward from recent baleen whale Lincoln designs. However, the new MKZ looks the best from the 3/4 angle rear as a thin full width LED bar  serves as the taillight while a compact trunk and a thick C-pillar gives the sedan great visual appeal. The rear fender design is excellent.  From the side the sedan has a set back design with a large rear window giving the impression of a hatchback such as the last generation Mazda 6 offered.

Smaller horizontal grille is a great improvement over recent Lincolns

From the profile the area around the C-pillar is a bit awkward

But the rear 3/4 design is excellent, the rear fender shape is amazing

Full width LED bar serves as the taillight

The large retractable glass roof is large

The interior is a huge upgrade over the current MKZ but looks much like the Fusion