I’ve written about the upcoming 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid before, and even speculated on its gas mileage. Now it’s official! The EPA has run the new luxury hybrid through its paces, and certified it at 41/36 mpg city/highway. Those numbers match the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, its Ford-branded sister car.
While all Fusions and MKZs share the same underpinnings, the MKZ has had a nicer interior and quieter ride from the start, not to mention a bigger engine and available all-wheel drive. It’s a smart move for Ford to hybrid-ize its entry-level luxury car, because now they have a rival to Lexus’ HS250h, and even beat it as far as fuel economy is concerned.
The MKZ Hybrid will use Ford’s SYNC and SmartGauge, which shows drivers how economical their driving is through intuitive graphic displays, as well as the Lincoln-standard Bridge of Weir leather and genuine wood trim.
Being bigger, more powerful, and having more standard features than the Lexus it competes with should be a big hit with consumers who are looking for a more luxurious Fusion hybrid, and even some of those who shop Lexus’ hybrid offerings.
by John Suit
Source: Ford