MKZ sedan glows with ultra-modern features

Premium automaker Lincoln launched the new MKZ on Monday, demonstrating a full evolution of one of the brand's most popular nameplates.

Since its introduction to China in late 2014, the Lincoln MKZ has proven to be popular with customers for its elegance, power and technology.

"In the past two years, we have been constantly listening to Chinese customers, studying how they use their cars and transforming that knowledge into product blueprints," said Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln China.

"The new Lincoln MKZ has evolved with dozens of upgrades inside and out. With consistent elegance, it has more exquisite craftsmanship, more effortless performance and more intuitive technologies. It will not only meet general demands for a luxury vehicle, but also exceed customers' expectations."

The newly upgraded Lincoln MKZ is available in four trim series: the Premiere, the Select, the Reserve and the Preferred, priced at 284,800 yuan (42,497), 304,800 yuan, 332,800 yuan and 388,800 yuan respectively.

Elegant design

The new Lincoln MKZ boasts class-leading dimensions: 4,925 millimeters long, 1,864 mm wide and 1,477 mm high.

Its sleek and elegant style hints at a spirit of modernity and progressivism, while not being overly aggressive.

A raised Lincoln badge surrounded by a span of repeating Lincoln star emblems form Lincoln's new one-piece signature grille.

The jeweled LED headlamps shine in harmony with the new signature grille, and adapt to the movements of the vehicle and the steering wheel, delivering cleaner, clearer lighting in case of sharp turns and other visual limitations.

The car sports a 1.4-square-meter, fully retractable panoramic sunroof, offering the largest open-air space in its segment.

The integrated LED tail lamp is inspired by the Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System used on aircraft carriers.

Exquisite craftsmanship

Lincoln said it has made several improvements in the new model based on customer feedback. Comfort has been enhanced, along with mechanical reliability.

The model features Lincoln Experience for the first time. When the driver approaches with the key knob, an illuminated welcome mat with the Lincoln logo appears on the ground, followed by the lighting of the doorlatch, headlamps and tail lamp.

Upholstery made of Wollsdorf leather from Austria gives the cabin a more luxurious feel. Crafted after 160 procedures, its soft and natural texture embraces the steering wheel and air bags.

Effortless performance

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces a maximum output of 253 horsepower and a top torque of 389 Nm.

Drivers can choose among three drive modes - comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping and electric power-assisted steering, which makes adjustments based on the drive modes and terrain for comfortable steering.

Ergonomic seats with the Active Motion massage function relieve fatigue during daily commutes and long trips through its 11 air mats that automatically shape and fit human body curves.

The new Lincoln MKZ has improved its noise control specifically for Chinese customers.

Lincoln said special absorption materials are used on the engine hood, flanks and trunk to minimize voice and vibrations, along with acoustic front-side glass and a sealed cabin. The Active Noise Control system has also been enhanced for a better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, said the automaker.

Intuitive technologies

The new Lincoln MKZ carries 11 new features, bringing personalization to the model as well as additional security.

Harman's advanced Revel? audio system is for the first time available in the new Lincoln MKZ.

The Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function keeps the car at a consistent, safe space from vehicles ahead. The system brakes automatically to a full stop if the driver fails to do so.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and cameras to scan the roadway ahead and warn the driver of collision risks with vehicles and pedestrians.

The new Lincoln MKZ is also the first Lincoln nameplate equipped with the SYNC? 3 plus MyLincoln Mobile App.

Through SYNC? 3, users can connect their cellphones with the vehicle's infotainment system through a friendlier interface with a faster response time.

With the new MyLincoln mobile app, vehicle owners can remotely lock or unlock their vehicles, control the air conditioning and check routine maintenance records.

(China Daily 07/19/2016 page12)