2012 Lincoln MKZ AWD 0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ AWD is a All-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valves engine which outputs 263 hp @ 6250 rpm and is paired with 6-speed automated sequential transmission with manual mode gearbox. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ AWD has cargo capacity of 467 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1757 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ AWD has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers Rear park distance sensor and Rear view camera. Safety features also include Driver side front airbag and Passenger side front airbag. The front suspension is Independent front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a Tire low-pressure warning system It has 17'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 287 N.m of torque and a top speed of 235 km/h. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ AWD accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds and hits quarter mile at 13.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.3 L/100km in the city and 8 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 41,100

2012 Lincoln MKZ Used Price Estimates

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a competent midsize premium sedan, but it does not represent enough of an improvement over the similar Ford Fusion to justify its Mercedes-like price.

As much as we disliked the subject in school, there are times in the course of evaluating cars when we find it necessary to step back and do a little math. After putting our pencils to the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, we conclude that things just don't add up.

To be sure, the midsize MKZ sedan has a number of good qualities, including decent handling, an attractive and comfortable interior and a long list of available high-tech doodads. The problem is that the littlest Lincoln still just doesn't feel as substantial or polished as you'd expect an entry-level luxury sedan to be.

To get a better handle on this equation, it helps to understand the MKZ is actually a rebadged version of the mass-market Ford Fusion sedan. Nothing wrong with that per se, as the Fusion is one of our favorite midsize sedans. So good in fact, that Lincoln's engineering team made relatively few changes under the skin.

The problem, of course, is that it takes a lot more than a few exterior styling tweaks and interior upgrades to compete in a category full of excellent luxury sedans, which ultimately leads us to conclude the MKZ just doesn't compute.

This is especially true when you consider just how many excellent cars there are to choose from in this price range. Specifically, we'd recommend cross-shopping the 2012 Audi A4, 2012 BMW 3 Series, 2012 Cadillac CTS, 2012 Hyundai Genesis, 2012 Infiniti G37, 2012 Lexus ES 350 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which show more attention to detail and a greater degree of engineering excellence.

The lone exception to this sentiment is the Hybrid version of the MKZ, which offers fuel-sipping powertrain technology that's not available in the others. Perhaps the smaller 2012 Lexus HS 250h (hybrid) might be considered a competitor to the MKZ Hybrid, but the Lincoln bests it in both passenger space and fuel economy. However, it should be noted that the less expensive 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid is essentially the same car as its upscale Lincoln cousin -- albeit without the fancier styling and plusher cabin trimmings.

In sum, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a good car that represents the best of the Ford Fusion's attributes, combined with a compelling array of luxury features. But, unless you're considering the Hybrid, it just isn't the equal of its competition.

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury sedan that's offered in two trim levels -- base (V6) and Hybrid.

Apart from their powertrains, both MKZs are identically equipped. The long list of standard features includes 17-inch wheels, foglights, rear parking sensors, keyless entry with an outside keypad, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats with driver seat memory, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, auto-dimming driver side and rearview mirrors and full power accessories. Also standard are Ford's Sync system and a nine-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary/USB audio jacks and satellite radio.

Options include a Navigation package that bundles the expected navigation system with a rearview camera, a blind-spot warning system, a single-CD/DVD audio player, digital music storage capability, HD radio and Sirius Travel Link service. On the Hybrid, the Navigation package also includes a premium surround-sound audio system. The Ultimate package features all the above (including the premium sound) and adds 17-inch chrome wheels, a sunroof (also available as a stand-alone option), adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and ambient lighting.

The Sport Appearance package (not available on the Hybrid) adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and distinctive details including contrasting seat piping, aluminum interior trim and darkened exterior trim. The Executive package adds upgraded leather upholstery and real wood interior trim.

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard. Lincoln offers the MKZ in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is respectable, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and 17/24/19 for all-wheel-drive versions. In performance testing, an all-wheel-drive MKZ accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is a midpack time in this segment of entry-level luxury sedans.

The MKZ Hybrid is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor that together make 191 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). EPA estimates stand at 41/36/39 mpg. Though we haven't tested an MKZ Hybrid, we did test the similar Ford Fusion Hybrid, which ran from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is reasonably quick for a hybrid.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ also gets Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume for their teenage drivers.

In government crash tests, the MKZ earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with a three-star rating for frontal impacts and four stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the MKZ its top "Good" rating in both frontal-offset and side-crash tests. In brake testing, an MKZ Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in 132 feet -- which is longer than expected from a luxury sedan.

Behind the wheel, the 2012 Lincoln MKZ is perfectly competent, if not very exciting, which makes it a good match for buyers looking for a quiet and comfortable luxury sedan. The V6 offers decent acceleration, though the exhaust note lacks the throaty growl of some of its competitors. The Hybrid provides relatively brisk performance as well as composed handling that's similar to that of the non-hybrid version.

Add the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels that come with the available Sport Appearance package (not available on the Hybrid), however, and things get a bit more interesting. In fact, the MKZ becomes downright fun to drive. The trade-off to this firmer suspension setup, of course, is a rough ride that doesn't feel particularly Lincoln-esque.

The 2012 Lincoln MKZ's passenger cabin gets some nice feature upgrades and better materials than those found in its Ford Fusion cousin. That said, the interior seems more like something you'd find on a top-of-the-line mainstream sedan than a car meant to compete with European luxury marques like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

On the upside, the seats are comfortable and both front and rear seat passengers enjoy a good amount of head- and legroom. Out back is an equally generously sized trunk, with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the base model; the Hybrid has only 11.8 cubic feet, due to the battery pack that intrudes into the trunk space.

The MKZ's range of available technology is another positive here, especially the navigation system's Sirius Travel Link service. Audiophiles will also want to make sure to give the excellent THX surround-sound system a listen.

Despite the competence of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ sedan's Ford-Fusion underpinnings, it will likely not be confused with luxury cars that were engineered to that calling from the beginning. We like the V6 powertrain and its performance, and the 2012 MKZ certainly drives with competence and predictability, but other mid-size luxury entrants offer superior driving experiences. It's competent and smooth enough, if not exciting, and more enthusiastic drivers will undoubtedly shop for something else, while those who do test-drive and choose the MKZ will almost certainly find it to be more than just satisfactory. There is one positive note for hybrid enthusiasts, however: The MKZ Hybrid can travel up to 47 miles per hour on the battery alone.

Hybrid DrivetrainThe 2012 Lincoln MKZ is a leader in its adaptation of a hybrid drivetrain to near-luxury architecture. And the result is compelling, with 191 total system horsepower and an EPA city fuel-economy rating of 41 miles per gallon.Duratec 3.5 liter V6An all-aluminum, DOHC V6 producing 263 horsepower while running on 87 octane gasoline is a beautiful thing, and Lincoln offers it. When connected to the standard-equipment 6-speed automatic, the V6 delivers competitive fuel economy, with an EPA city rating of 18 and highway rating of 27.

Inside the ultra-quiet, premium-quality cabin are generous portions of real wood, aluminum-look trim and chrome accents. Rear-seat space is surprisingly generous, with more than three feet of legroom. The trunk is a best-in-class 15.8 cubic feet, with a flat floor and low lift-over height for easy access, and the compact decklid hinges won't crush or interfere with your cargo. The class-exclusive standard 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, with a convenient pop-down spring assist, for easy storage access or to extend the cargo floor straight through from rear deck to front seats.

To its credit, Lincoln's design team has done a credible job in crafting a Lincoln "look" onto the platform the MKZ shares with the Ford Fusion. The front end does not lack for chrome and the prominent Lincoln "waterfall" grille wraps into the headlamps with a distinctive appearance. And, whether you like or don't like chromed alloy wheels, those on the MKZ are rather pleasant.

Lincoln's record of reliability is perhaps one of the 2012 MKZ's most notable items of "standard equipment," as J.D. Power has cited the Lincoln MKZ for its very low number of problems per 100 vehicles - and this was out of 35 brands. On the hardware front, Lincoln's product team offers LincolnSYNC, which provides an "omnipresent link to contacts and information." Lincoln's Premium Sound System provides nine speakers and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (and a 6-month subscription). And standard heated and cooled front seats should play well in Alaska, Arizona and, depending upon the time of year, just about anywhere in between.

Useful options for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ include the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and a rear-view camera; both are available with Lincoln's optional Navigation Package. And, for those living in places where the weather can be difficult, the MKZ's available all-wheel drive (AWD) is an easy way to enhance all-season safety. Finally, a Sport Appearance Package adds 18-inch wheels and tires, a sport-tuned suspension and numerous interior and exterior appearance enhancements.

The MKZ sedan's 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum Duratec 3.5-liter V6 delivers 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque through a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The Duratec V6 boasts variable intake-valve timing, a dual-plenum intake manifold and a relatively-high 10.3:1 compression ratio to optimize its balance of performance and efficiency. The MKZ's hybrid drivetrain combines a 2.5-liter DOHC in-line 4-cylinder with 156 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, matched with an electric motor rated at 106 horsepower. The result is 191 total system horsepower and a city EPA rating of 41 miles per gallon. 3.5-liter V6263 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm249 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (front-wheel drive); 17/25 (AWD)2.5-liter inline 4 (hybrid)156 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm136 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 rpmElectric AC Synchronous Motor106 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm191 Total System HorsepowerEPA city/highway fuel economy: 41/36

Notably, both FWD gasoline and FWD Hybrid models of the 2012 Lincoln MKZ have base Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Prices (MSRPs) of roughly $ 35,000. Adding all-wheel drive - which isn't available on the hybrid model - will cost just under $ 2,000. To its credit, Lincoln provides a lengthy list of standard equipment for the MKZ, so necessary options are relatively few. We "built" an all-wheel drive 2012 Lincoln MKZ online and were "out the door" for under $ 40,000, plus taxes, title and license fees and not including any negotiation in the purchase price. Be sure and check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2012 MKZ. As equipped, the window sticker is in line with the Lexus ES 350, Cadillac CTS and Chrysler's 300C. If you consider, however, the real cost of ownership as including the effects of the trade-in value, the Lincoln will fall short of its direct domestic competition, and will be even further short of models from Acura, Audi or Infiniti.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Consumer Reviews