XTS vs MKS vs the LuxWorld - CR via AutoNews

[T'Cal]

I, too, see the MKS as a Continental or Sable replacement rather than a flagship. Both the current Taurus and MKS are big vehicles on the outside but cramped on the inside. What's really a shame is that the 2008 & 2009 Taurus and Sable were cavernous on the inside and had huge trunks as well. Grant it, they were plain-looking but when they reskinned the Ford and replaced the Sable with the MKS, styling became the priority and it wasn't completely successful. They aren't ugly cars but they aren't beauties either. The MKT OTOH is down right ugly IMO and its third row is useless where as the shorter wheelbase Explorer's is actually pretty good. I understand that it was time to mothball the ancient Panther platform, but Ford should've had a replacement ready since they certainly had enough lead in time. I can easily imagine a fullsize Lincoln sedan that would dominate the Black Car market as well as compete with the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class. The Mustang drive train is a great place to start, mechanically.

I'm a huge Ford fan but I wish they would start building real Fords rather than modified Mazdas and Volvos.

[2b2]

^ on those exact same subjects, T'Cal, I can see everything you're saying but have somewhat different takes

I see a new Continental AS a flagship, a global one ... not that different is exterior size from the MKS - just different in Every other way (if possible).

Imho the FiveHundred and MonSableTego were only plain-looking in their details & graphics (and arched roofline with skimpy C-pillar)
&
I *do* consider the current Taurus a "beauty", actually fantastic-looking!!
too bad they couldn't preserve the interior space - think a thinner console & maybe door panels and a little reconfiguring of the seats could've come close.
Imho the MKS was 90% glamorous when new - but hasn't aged well (INCLUDING lastyear's refresh!)

The MKT-Concept was gorgeous (in pix), the production version is simply a different (bland, just-bland) vehicle. And says more than any other Lincoln imho, that they just didn't have any vision for what it should've been in reality = a big disconnect betwn what's approved for autoshows VS dealerships not a new problem!
Imho a stretched MKS with the T-Concept's styling + a minimal grille could have turned Lincoln's direction - or at least quieted a Lot of complaints...showed they remembered and honored their Past! *and* past-customers!!
Of course it would NOT have competed against the 7er or S-class, but then Lincoln(/Ford) is nowhere near that stage yet.
Interestingly, there WAS a big brother to the MKS planned at one point, codename: E386
Maybe FLincMoCo just couldn't afford the v8-capable engine compartment that would've required? Or they felt the need to 'break the mould' at that time?

I still believe a Mustang-co-platformed Lincoln IS coming - just CAN'T believe they won't do one. My big question is can/will they do that Rwd-based Continental, too?
That's the linchpin for any realistic future success imho - they can try out-Audi-ing Audi with F-Awd but imho that'll be a lot harder!
&
FLincMoCo doesn't have Mazda or Volvo to kick around or to modify anymore
& the 'modular' platform we recently heard about probably has something to do with that
imho.

slow/no news day ranting is fun

[Andrew L]

I hate to be negative but I have a horrible feeling they WONT do a Lincoln based on the Mustang platform.

[2b2]

I hate to be negative but I have a horrible feeling they WONT do a Lincoln based on the Mustang platform.

*ahem*

...slow/no news day ranting is fun

so unless you gotta crash soon
howzabout some of your reasons, Andrew?

[falcon lover]

I hate to be negative but I have a horrible feeling they WONT do a Lincoln based on the Mustang platform.

I have that feeling too.... i dont know, but Ford dont want more RWD cars... I hope i am wrong

[Andrew L]

*ahem*

so unless you gotta crash soon
howzabout some of your reasons, Andrew?

Because the Mustang is like a sacred product for them, it almost seems like they don't want to share anything with it, they want it to be exclusive. Also when they had those videos with Scott Tobin he said AWD is where they wanted to focus.

[Logans Run]

Well, I wonder if they even knew how to adjust the mode control to get the ride they wanted.

The Next MKS based on the stretched Fusion is more of a replacement for the Continental (stretched Taurus which was a mid-size at the time).

The re-stlying of the MKS just looks miserable in this picture. This vehicle is only giving Lincoln a deeper hole to dig itself out of.

[TurboS40]

Because the Mustang is like a sacred product for them, it almost seems like they don't want to share anything with it, they want it to be exclusive. Also when they had those videos with Scott Tobin he said AWD is where they wanted to focus.

We probably will never see another Thunderbird either because the "Mustang Brand" gets all the attention.

[nruggiero]

Cadillac and Lincoln should not have FWD cars. It's not in their DNA. End of story.

Ford should've or should temporarily discontinue Lincoln while they develop a large RWD platform for the Continental.

Lincoln needs a well executed flagship to compete against RR and Bentley. That would really improve Lincoln's image.

I wish Ford never neglected Lincoln to begin with.

[Andrew L]

Cadillac and Lincoln should not have FWD cars. It's not in their DNA. End of story.

Ford should've or should temporarily discontinue Lincoln while they develop a large RWD platform for the Continental.

Lincoln needs a well executed flagship to compete against RR and Bentley. That would really improve Lincoln's image.

The problem is Lincoln has not really competed with RR and Bentley since the 50's? That is a REALLY long time.
I have no issue with Lincoln offering a few FWD based models. I think the MKZ is a fine car to compete with the Lexus ES like the Continental from 88-02 did. I would LOVE for Lincoln to return to their roots and offer a full size RWD Flagship.

I said before... and this is just my own opinion but I think Lincoln does not need a FULL lineup. They dominated with 3 models in the 90s

MKZ - FWD/AWD Volume Mid Size Sedan
MKX - FWD/AWD Volume Mid Side CUV
MKG - FWD/AWD Volume Small CUV
LS - RWD/AWD Mid Size Sports Sedan
Mark IX - RWD/AWD Mid Size Coupe based on the LS
Continental - RWD/AWD Full Size Sedan
Continental Town Car - RWD/AWD Full Size Extended Length Sedan
Navigator - Full Size RWD/4x4 Full Size SUV

MKT stays for livery only.

I think this would be a solid lineup, you cover the high end prestige, the sportiness, and the volume.