- Ford says its 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is "the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America."
- MKZ Hybrid is rated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- EPA ratings are the same as the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford bills its new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as "the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America." The gas-electric edition of the MKZ — the first-ever hybrid sold under the Lincoln brand name — is rated by the EPA at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the same numbers as its sibling, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Ford observes that the city fuel-economy figure for the MKZ Hybrid is 6 mpg higher than that of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which is EPA-certified at 35 city/34 highway. The smaller 2011 Lexus CT 200h, however, is expected to get much higher fuel-economy numbers, similar to those of its companion, the Toyota Prius, which is EPA-rated at 51/48.
Ford said the MKZ Hybrid will be able to travel up to 47 mpg in pure electric mode, just like the Fusion Hybrid. Both models share a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor.
The 2011 MKZ Hybrid goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Inside Line says: Pretty impressive mileage numbers for a midsize five-passenger sedan. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
calspecial68 says:
03:56 PM, 06/17/2010
This outcome was a no-brainer, but i agree that some significant engineering differences should be had between Lincoln and Ford models now that Mercury is gone. The entire Lincoln line oughta be directly competing with the likes of Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Infiniti. They have the potential and now they have the opportunity to really do it. To start things off, how about a halo car, Lincoln?? Perhaps in the livery of the MKR concept, with a turbocharged Five-point-Oh making around 500 ponies, coupled to a real balanced chassis.
justinlink says:
02:06 PM, 06/17/2010
@lions208487
Again, the MKS is completely different platform than the Mustang. So the chances of the 5.0 V8 finding it's way into a front-wheel/all-wheel drive platform are slim to none. Absent new engineering, I don't think we'll see anything other than badge engineering coming out of lincoln for a while.
toxic_science says:
01:12 PM, 06/17/2010
lexuslvr is right
"Maxima (A35) is built on the Nissan D platform sharing this platform with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and second generation Nissan Murano"
"The G35 sedan underwent a major revision for the 2007 model year. This 2nd generation front-mid (FM) platform underpinning the new G. 2008 introduced the G37 but the platform is still FM"
4g63 says:
01:01 PM, 06/17/2010
Not a fan of Lincoln but I'll take this over the Lexus HS250h anytime if I have to get a luxury hybrid. That Lexus looks just hideous...
lexuslvr says:
12:42 PM, 06/17/2010
The Maxima is based off the Nissan D platform that underpins the Nissan Altima. It is FWD only.
phoenixj says:
12:09 PM, 06/17/2010
@lions208487 Are you kidding?! The G is based on Nissan's FR platform and is Rear or all-wheel drive. The Maxima is based on the FF-L and is Front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Different platforms, different engine orientations within the engine bay too.
lions208487 says:
11:42 AM, 06/17/2010
I would disagree that Ford should drop Lincoln, but they will need to define the line more and make Lincoln more distinct just as Nissan does with Infiniti. The G Sedan is based off of the same platform as the Maxima, but yet it's completely different. The MKS could even go with the same new engines they use in the Mustang, but obviously without the muscle car sound. The 3.7 liter V6 at 305 hp and a 5.0 Liter V8 with 412 HP. Both engines are all aluminum, and get pretty good MPG. the 3.7 Liter already gets better MPG then the twin turbo 3.5 V6. Ford could incorporate a retro 1960's Continental look with doors that opened the same way as the 60's simi quasi lux car of that era. The Ford Fusion is a better vehicle then a Camry, but MKZ against the IS250/350 or even a 328i has no chance.
The Turbo 3.5 SHO should be reserved for only for the Ford lineup.
charlesb says:
11:39 AM, 06/17/2010
Lincoln must be kidding with this P.O.S.
proxima says:
09:58 AM, 06/17/2010
I hope Lincoln makes it, but they need to come up with new exterior themes. I know they have a new chief designer, but the over-large grills and soft styling makes for some odd looks. Also it is hard to compete against BMW, Lexus, etc without a V-8, rear wheel drive platform. NSync is a very good system, but the center console and other dash elements look pretty low scale. Ford just came out with the Titanium version of the ford Flex, perhas they should drop Lincoln and off all fords with a Titanium package for those seeking upscale packages.
ford_flexer says:
09:14 AM, 06/17/2010
I'm glad Lincoln finnaly came out with a hybrid and it didn't come out small it came out big being the most fuel efficent luxury sedan in america. The fusion of course is the most fuel efficent midsize sedan in america "period".