The 2008 Lincoln MKZ comes in one trim level, with either front-wheel drive ($30,790) or all-wheel drive ($32,660).
Standard equipment includes premium leather heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone temperature control, power adjustable front seats, a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with six-CD changer and redundant controls on the steering wheel, Sirius Satellite Radio, a reverse sensing system, cruise control, power windows and door locks with remote entry and a number pad on the door, 17-inch wheels, and a 60/40 split and fold-down rear seat.
New for 2008 is Sync, an industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free system that fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle's audio system, using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.
Options include a voice-activated DVD-based navigation system ($1,895), Lincoln's high-power THX II audio system ($995), a power moonroof ($1,200), high-intensity discharge headlights ($495), aluminum interior trim ($195), chrome wheels ($895), an engine-block heater ($35), and daytime running lights ($45).
Safety features that come standard include frontal airbags; side-impact air bags for torso protection; curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard positions; traction control; and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which distributes braking force to the tires with the most grip. A tire pressure monitor has also been added for 2008.
The MKZ achieves Acceptable ratings in heavy frontal and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. Some of the MKZ's major competitors have Good ratings in these tests. The MKZ lacks electronic stability control.