Car and Driver: Updated 2017 Lincoln MKZ Priced from $35,935 to $54,485

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A raft of changes are in store for the Lincoln MKZ, the most enticing of which is a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. We now have pricing for Lincoln’s updated sedan, which also gets a new front end and a revised interior for 2017. Surprisingly, the base price is slightly lower than before, down $180 to $35,935. But adding options like the new V-6, all-wheel drive, and other packages can take the new MKZ into a much loftier price bracket, with fully loaded versions topping $60,000. Yikes.

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Four trim levels are offered, starting with the Premiere ($35,935), then moving to the Select ($37,685), the Reserve ($40,435), and the Black Label ($48,595). One of two powertrains comes standard: either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower, or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain with a net power output of 188 horsepower and an estimated EPA combined rating of 40 mpg. Turbo-four-powered cars offer all-wheel drive as a $1890 option regardless of trim level; MKZ hybrids are front-wheel-drive only.

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For those who prefer more grunt, all 2017 MKZ trim levels save the base Premiere offer the aforementioned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that pairs with a six-speed automatic. It costs $2750 extra for front-drive models and $4000 extra with all-wheel drive. Frankly, we’re shocked that this engine is being offered with front-wheel drive, seeing as it produces a whopping 400 lb-ft of torque. At least Lincoln detunes the V-6 slightly to 350 horsepower for its front-drive application—AWD models get the full 400 horses.

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Lest you worry that the MKZ’s Ford Fusion–based chassis will struggle to handle that kind of power, Lincoln is touting a new Driver’s Package ($3395) for V-6 AWD models that brings some chassis tweaks. It’s offered on Reserve and Black Label trim levels, and includes a stiffer suspension and the GKN-supplied torque-vectoring system from the Ford Focus RS along with some restyled visuals such as 19-inch wheels and a slightly different grille.

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For less performance-minded 2017 MKZ buyers, a whole host of luxury options are also available. A $2395 Technology package offered on most trim levels includes all sorts of active-safety tech, a panoramic sunroof is offered for between $1795 and $2995 depending on trim level, and a 20-speaker Revel audio system is part of a $4400 Luxury package for Reserve models and comes standard on Black Label cars.

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• 2017 Lincoln MKZ: Official Photos and Info-
• Quick-Take Review: 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid-
• Lincoln MKZ Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More-

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Once you start piling on these extras, it’s surprisingly easy to get an MKZ to top $60,000. That strikes us as a lot to pay for this mid-size sedan, especially when the larger Continental runs from around $45,000 to $69,000. The MKZ will hit dealerships sooner than its big brother, as the smaller sedan goes on sale this summer while the Continental goes on sale this fall.

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