Lincoln MKZ.....

[2o6]

The design committee needs to be fired.

[2o6]

God, this car looks so horrible. The profile is absolutely horrible....super high belt line for no reason at all. Wheels look tiny, character line has this odd cresting effect near the B-piller, front fascia is scaled totally wrong, interior is a copy-paste from the Fusion.....the Lexus ES will eat this alive.

[hotrodalex]

Some design elements look awesome, but overall it needs a lot of tweaks to make it look right.

[TurboDan]

Interior and rear end look really, really good. The rest... ouch.

[SVT666]

I don't even mind the front so much.  It's the profile that bothers me, but otherwise I think it looks rather good.

[Raza]

I don't mind the profile, it's the front that ruins it.  I like the back and the rear 3/4s, but the front is so bad.  It looks bad when you see it, and it looks bad in profile; it's too high and too blunt for how sharp the rear is.  It's 70% a good looking car.

[Atomic]

I don't even mind the front so much.  It's the profile that bothers me, but otherwise I think it looks rather good.

we have been agreeing a lot lately. the front looks great. it says "lincoln" and i can understand the importance of the car being easily recognizable. the interior is elegant while even showing a sportier side. the profile is hideous, except when squinting your eyes, but that is it. i think the rear is interested and i think will grow on me.

the c-pillar needs the most work but its too late for such major tweaks. the last chrysler sebring sedan (now chrysler 200) garnered a similar response, but years later chrysler made significant improvements and a name change was another critical (but risky) move. lincoln does not have the luxury of time.

[Atomic]

great pics, nice and clear, 2o6... here it is in red and a video of its unique roof, plus additional text:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/04/2013-lincoln-mkz-unveiled-in-style/1

[Xer0]

I think its pretty good looking actually, not amazing, but not bad.  And besides, the Sonata is proof that striking works far better than beautiful in the car world and this is certainly not boring.  It?s a mid cycle refresh away from being pretty attractive.

[pendyman]

I think it?s all right. In some views there?s a little too much Lexus ES in it, but overall not bad. Can?t wait to see it in person at the NY Auto Show next week.

[FoMoJo]

I saw the concept at the local auto show...



It looked pretty good.

[Submariner]

Yup, another bloated, ugly Lincoln.  At least they're committed to that theme. 

[WookieOnRitalin]

I like it. Which means it won't sell well.

I don't see the gripes about the profile in that color. In White its not so hot, but in that grey metallic it looks good. I'm giving Lincoln some credit for making an effort, but I am not sure what customer base Lincoln is really going after. My guess is comfort, but at that price point, wouldn't you rather sit in a Lexus?

[sportyaccordy]

Looks like a JDM Toyota Avalon concept that had an allergic reaction to something

[Cookie Monster]

Besides the huge grille, I like it a lot.

[2o6]

I'm surprised at the reaction of you guys. I think it looks horrible.

[SVT666]

I saw the concept at the local auto show...



It looked pretty good.

It looks awesome in that colour.

[93JC]

I like it, but I predict it will do horribly. The proportions are a little weird but overall I think it looks 'nice'.

Perception > reality, particularly in the luxury car game. Seems about half of you hate it already because it's a Lincoln.

[Vinsanity]

It's not the styling that I have a problem with; I like that Lincoln is getting progressively more bold and confident in styling. The reason I wouldn't buy this car is the same reason I wouldn't buy the Cadillac XTS. They're both unremarkable products hiding humble underpinnings beneath their skin. Heck, they're even very similar in profile. I agree with Rob in saying that if I wanted to spend this kind of money on this kind of car, why not get a Lexus?

[93JC]

The reason I wouldn't buy this car is the same reason I wouldn't buy the Cadillac XTS. They're both unremarkable products hiding humble underpinnings beneath their skin.

Perception > reality, particularly in the luxury car game.

[FoMoJo]

It's not the styling that I have a problem with; I like that Lincoln is getting progressively more bold and confident in styling. The reason I wouldn't buy this car is the same reason I wouldn't buy the Cadillac XTS. They're both unremarkable products hiding humble underpinnings beneath their skin. Heck, they're even very similar in profile. I agree with Rob in saying that if I wanted to spend this kind of money on this kind of car, why not get a Lexus?

A comparable Lexus has the underpinnings of a Camry.  The MKZ has the underpinnings of a Fusion.  The best that can be said for the Lexus is that it has a comfortable ride and seating, otherwise, it's quite bland.

[FoMoJo]

It looks awesome in that colour.

It's very pleasing to behold.  Until I saw it in person, I didn't think much of it.

[SVT666]

It's not the styling that I have a problem with; I like that Lincoln is getting progressively more bold and confident in styling. The reason I wouldn't buy this car is the same reason I wouldn't buy the Cadillac XTS. They're both unremarkable products hiding humble underpinnings beneath their skin. Heck, they're even very similar in profile. I agree with Rob in saying that if I wanted to spend this kind of money on this kind of car, why not get a Lexus?

The comparable Lexus is a Camry.

[Colonel Cadillac]

I agree with Raza. It's 70% a good looking car. Hopefully it steals a Lexus ES buyer or two, I quite like Ford and I don't enjoy watching Lincoln do so poorly.

[Vinsanity]

A comparable Lexus has the underpinnings of a Camry.  The MKZ has the underpinnings of a Fusion.  The best that can be said for the Lexus is that it has a comfortable ride and seating, otherwise, it's quite bland.

The comparable Lexus is a Camry.

I'm aware of that. The most compelling reason to buy a luxury car based on a mainstreamer would be lower operating costs, which is where the Camry's reputation helps favor the Lexus. The biggest selling point of the Fusion would be a sportier driving dynamic, which somewhat disappears in its transformation into a luxury car (and pales in comparison to the RWD competitors)

[cawimmer430]

I find the exterior to be actually very generic. You can see "similar designs" in the current Buick sedan and Kia lineup. It just doesn't excite me. In terms of designs the Lincolns from the '60s, '70s and '80s are the best IMO. Lincoln should go retro. I'd love to see a new retro-designed version of the boxy '80s Town Car or '60s Continental.

The interior on the other hand is very nice. Futuristic and yet simplistic, which gives it a pleasing, elegant appearance.

[FoMoJo]

I'm aware of that. The most compelling reason to buy a luxury car based on a mainstreamer would be lower operating costs, which is where the Camry's reputation helps favor the Lexus. The biggest selling point of the Fusion would be a sportier driving dynamic, which somewhat disappears in its transformation into a luxury car (and pales in comparison to the RWD competitors)

How does the Camry's reputation favour the Lexus regarding lower operating costs.  Mpg is pretty well a wash and I expect that maintenance at a Lexus/Camry dealership would be higher than at a Ford/Lincoln; based on notional information. 

[LonghornTX]

I like it

[CJ]

Definitely like it.  It's much better than the new ES, which just screams dull.

[2o6]

Yup, another bloated, ugly Lincoln.  At least they're committed to that theme. 

I don't understand, Acura has a slightly less ugly styling language, and they get derided at every turn. However, this car gets a pass!?