The stepped gearshift controlling the six-speed automatic is simple and straightforward, though we were rarely moved to use it. Just ahead of the shifter is a panel on the center console with word Lincoln written bold. It looks for all the world like the cover of a stowage compartment, and its slightly misaligned cut lines encouraged the suspicion. In many another deluxe entry, this panel would've popped open to offer handy storage. In the MKS, no such luck.
The HVAC system provided generous torrents of cooling air.
The navigation system features a bright, eight-inch screen. We found the navigation system a good companion to our test drive, winding through the tortuous, ever-changing two-lane blacktop of the Virginia backcountry. The industry-leading Lincoln connectivity allowed us to monitor the local weather in real time, locate gas stations and otherwise stay in touch with the outside world. Returning to the traffic-challenged environment of Washington, D.C., furthermore, we were easily able to sort out the traffic jams ahead in real time and find the least annoying route to our final destination. Excellent. Touching the screen on a traffic jam revealed the cause. The navigation system operated in both three-dimensional mode and map view. The three-dimensional view is fun for impressing friends (and prospective buyers), but not particularly useful and somewhat confusing to interpret.
The premium-quality THX II sound system and satellite-radio accessibility of our Ultimate Package-equipped MKS furnished our deep-country drive with superb concert surround-sound. And using Ford's voice-activated Sync system, we were able to order changes in programming without ever moving our hands from the wheel. While parked, we watched clips from "Star Wars" crisply displayed on the screen and the fly-bys of the small, fighter ships were incredible over the 5.1 surround sound with crisp base and crystal highs. Likewise, the acoustical guitar and percussion on a live recording of the Eagles playing "Hotel California" was amazingly crisp and clear. These are benefits of the quality of the system and the quality of the sound-deadening of the cabin.
Second-row riders will enjoy the MKS as much as those in the front row. The rear seats offer capacious ease of entry and segment-leading spaciousness. The rear-seat cushions, while soft and comfortable, are not terribly supportive, but the rear seatbacks more than make up for this l Next Page