You’re in luck. HOMBRE was selected as the exclusive Latin media outlet to get a first look at the latest entry to the luxury midsize sedan market. On a dark afternoon I arrived at a nondescript location in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. After signing documents promising not to reveal what I was about to witness – until today – I was guided inside to a cavernous warehouse space. There, under a veil of mystery, draped in secrecy, stood what will undoubtedly be a revolutionary new offering in the automobile landscape: the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Finally, we can now share Lincoln‘s new signature luxury sedan, and introduce you to the team behind it.

Once inside the space, and sitting at a table directly in front of the covered vehicle were the Lincoln MKZ executives responsible for bringing it to the marketplace:  Marketing Manager, Rob Rosenbach, Chief Engineer, Tom Ozog, and Design Manager Solomon Song. Each gave an individualized presentation on the elements that make this new sedan the top of the line for Lincoln, and the ultimate showstopper.

“Our customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan – technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The new Lincoln MKZ elevates all of these attributes – and many more – to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.”

According to Marketing Manager, Rob Rosenbach, Lincoln is experiencing a reinvention. Giving an overview of the current state of the brand he says, “Few people are speculating we’re bringing this product to market. We’re very proud of it. We’re proud of a lot of the things we’ve been able to accomplish with this brand. We, of course, remain modest knowing that it is a journey.” He continues, “Where has Lincoln been all these years? If you go back to 2012 we committed to delivering four new products in four years. We’re happy to have delivered on that commitment. But it is a journey. We will continue to launch new products.”

The secrecy surrounding the MKZ was based on the fact that the first official introduction is planned for the Los Angeles Auto Show which takes place from November 20 – 29.

The MKZ is a vehicle that competes in the largest and most competitive segment in the luxury space, medium sedans, which explains its new look  and evolution in design.

Rosenbach says, “With the Continental Concept car (introduced earlier this year) we launched this new idea of what we’re calling ‘quiet luxury.’ It applies in design, engineering and technology. With quiet luxury we’re delivering something truly unique for Lincoln. Something we believe the luxury industry doesn’t have today. Our customers want more, they want something a little bit different. That serenity, that type of luxury that  doesn’t scream but rather has a subtle luxurious execution.”

After the Lincoln Motor Company overview it’s finally time to walk to the center of the room, lift the cover and reveal the vehicle. The initial reaction is, ‘Wow!’
Solomon Song, Lincoln MKZ Design Manager, proceeds to break down its structure. “If we look at the front end it has the new distinctive Lincoln signature grill. We’re going to an aeronautical theme, more like an airplane. Internally, when we started, this is like a launch pad, like a rocket. The headlight has a new signature look to it. We treat it like a fine Swiss watch. When you look at it there are shapes of a turbine engine. If you look at the speaker texture it mimics the engine of a jet aircraft.”

He continues, “When you go to the rear you see we designed it to be aerodynamic and efficient. The entire design took between 2 to 3 years from start to finish.”

Speaking on the interior, Chief Engineer, Tom Ozog says, “There is a consistent theme that you’ll see on our Lincoln product. We believe in creating an oasis inside the cabin, a  sanctuary where it’s really quiet. There are a lot of sound absorption materials, unique interior technology, an active noise cancellation system. We have three microphones in the system, two in the front and one in the rear. They hear the powertrain noises that are coming from the engine and then run through our noise cancelling system to neutralize those unwanted sounds to keep the cabin very quiet. We have sound absorption material under the hood. Heavy sound absorption on the dash, acoustic side glass; everything to keep it nice and quiet inside.”

The quality of the sound system inside the MKZ is unbeatable. As Orzog explains, “Another thing we’re doing inside the cabin, we’ve entered into a partnership with (luxury audio manufacturer) Harman International to include their high end audio system, the Revel Ultima. It’s a 20 speaker system. We won’t go on about the wattage, it’s about the clarity and crispness of the system. All of our Lincoln product will have the Revel system.”

The level of luxury flows from the inside to the outside on the new MKZ. “We’re introducing Lincoln Experiences and part of the Lincoln experience is Approach Detection. As you’re approaching the vehicle the signature lamps will sequentially light up from the inside, and as you near it the hand pocket will glow and the exterior mirrors will project the Lincoln welcome mat when you enter. Kind of a warm feeling for yourself,  and when you get in the vehicle the ambient lighting will have a low glow. Sort of a welcome back, leave all the noise behind and enter your sanctuary.”

The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something different in the luxury market. From the placement of technology features such as the push-button gear shift to reimagined interior spaces including the floating center console, drivers can relish in discovering an unexpected experience based on intelligent function and beautiful form that offers, above all, an enjoyable drive.

The Lincoln Experience is brought to life through the available Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, as well as intangible elements like the quiet cabin provided by the Active Noise Control system.

Features that make the new Lincoln MKZ a haven of refined comfort include curated spaces for storage, the availability of three Lincoln Black Label interior packages with exclusive, personal in-home design consultation, fully retractable panoramic glass roof, and as mentioned, the concert-quality Revel audio with specially designed doors for optimal positioning of the speakers.

Intuitive technology

The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to make the drive ride easier and more enjoyable. Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears. The system activates the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time.

An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for MKZ owners.

Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes, or lessen the severity of such events.

Lincoln-exclusive engine provides effortless performance

An all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 leads available engine choices for the new Lincoln MKZ. When paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the twin-turbocharged engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for effortless performance and refinement.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring, part of an available Driver’s Package for MKZ with the 3.0-liter engine, enhances cornering agility without compromising ride comfort, helping drivers enjoy a smooth, seamless experience.

The new Lincoln MKZ provides a hybrid alternative as well; and a 2.0-liter GTDI, 245-horsepower four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive.

Available Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to adjust among three drive ride modes – comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling.

The Driver’s Package for Lincoln MKZ with 3.0-liter V6 also includes 19-inch wheels, Ebony-painted calipers, light Magnetic-painted grille, Ebony interior with carbon fiber appliqués, customizable multi-contour seats and aluminum pedal covers. In addition, the package features retuned continuously controlled damping and suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.

Distinctive design

As described earlier, the new face of Lincoln is highlighted by available adaptive LED headlamps that help deliver cleaner, clearer lighting for drivers, complemented by the all-new one-piece Lincoln signature grille.

Inside, engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions for new Lincoln MKZ customers. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access.

Two all-new Lincoln Black Label themes, Chalet and Vineyard, as well as Thoroughbred, deliver desired uniqueness and options paired with luxurious materials. Lincoln MKZ’s available fully retractable panoramic glass roof offers the largest open-air roof among sedans.

The new Lincoln MKZ goes on sale the Summer of 2016.

For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company visit www.lincoln.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.