The Lincoln MKZ full-size luxury sedan doesn’t conceal its appeal. Everything in the cabin—from the perforated black leather seats with white piping (part of the Sport Appearance package) to the easily reached, right-sized audio/heating/air conditioning controls—is spot-on. MKZ’s interior is an oasis of quietness, and the lack of nagging noise is a credit to the engineers who re-addressed nearly every piece of the sound package. The resonators on the air induction system were re-engineered; the body and door sealing was improved; and there’s an all-new acoustic headliner in addition to several other sound-minded changes. Simply put: driver and passengers appreciate the ‘sound’ decision-making.

MKZ’s six-speaker audio system includes a speaker on top of the dashboard and its central location correlates to good sound distribution. But there’s also an aesthetic appeal from breaking up the dashboard with a different texture. The MKZ retains the previous model year’s 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine (263 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 249 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4500 rpm) to deliver on-command power. Even during heavy acceleration, the MKZ doesn’t lose its calmness—attributable to various vehicle control improvements. Exterior-wise the MKZ sports a new front end, and a new decklid with LED tail lamps. The front wheel drive Lincoln MKZ with V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission has estimated mpg of 18 city and 27 highway and carries an MSRP of $34,240.