MKS is a whole lotta car

The Lincoln MKS is quite simply a whole lot of car - literally and figuratively.

This week’s tester is the EcoBoost model, which uses new direct injection, twin-turbocharging technology on four- and six-cylinder engines to produce more power and improve fuel economy.

The MKS was actually the first Ford model to use EcoBoost back in 2009, in the form of a 3.5-litre V6 that would make many V8s green with envy. And that is the aim after all - to provide the power of a bigger V8, along with the fuel economy of a V6.  Consider EcoBoost a success, then. The twin-turbo V6 in the MKS is an absolute blast, getting this big sedan moving in a hurry at the drop of a pedal. The generous helping of torque (350 lb.-ft. of it) is available from as low as 1,500 RPM.

There’s a reason why the steering is so manageable and Active Park Assist is available - the MKS feels just as big as it looks. There are some very tricky blindspots due to massive side pillars, a high beltline, and not a whole lot of glass. Active Park Assist in particular is a Godsend. It uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle, along with a rear backup camera, to help the driver out every time he or she throws the shifter into reverse. It also has an idiot-proof parallel parking system that does most of the work for the driver.

The MKS is tailor-made for those who want oodles of room in their cars. Look at any competitor in its price range, and the MKS owner can only laugh, as interior dimensions are much larger in the Lincoln. Heck - the MKS has more front legroom than many full-size luxury sedans, including the standard wheelbase BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S550. It trumps those same vehicles in a smattering of other interior dimensions as well.

Everything else about the interior is top-notch. This vehicle was made for long trips, with big, soft seats, standard heated seats front and rear, adaptive cruise control, surround sound system and satellite radio, among (many) other things. Leather and chrome are used throughout but they don’t make the interior look remotely ostentatious. Even the massive waterfall grille on the outside seems less in-your-face than it does on other Lincolns.

It’s obvious Ford went all out with the MKS, not going halfway with anything, whether it be room, comfort, technology or performance. It’s a pleasure to drive, and judging by comments from passengers, a pleasure in which to be driven.