Road Strikers

The Lincoln Continental Concept was a preview of a 2016 production model. The design of the concept marks a turning point in the company's styling language, and is one of the more eye-catching creations to emerge from Lincoln in years. The 2015 Lincoln Continental Concept is designed to to appearelegant, powerful and serene(Lincoln's words). It's a fairly conventional looking large sedan in terms of proportions and layout, but the details and the subtle bulging wheel arches give it an air of quality and presence. It looks a bit Bentley-ish from some angles, and last-generation Audi A8-ish from others. But not close enough to either to be considered unoriginal. As well as previewing the styling of the production Lincoln Continental, the concept also showcased some of the latest gadgets and technology developed by Lincoln. For example, the E-Latch door handles, which tuck discreetly in the clean vehicle beltline. With this system the doors open effortlessly with the touch o...

Overview: Based on the Ford Taurus, the MKS is the luxury car you’re likely to be upgraded to the next time you are at Hertz. Handsomely anonymous in appearance, it drives anonymously, too. Riding on a long 112.9-inch wheelbase, it’s roomy enough for three to ride comfortably in the back seat—and the trunk is ample enough to hold everyone’s luggage for a long weekend at the Marriott. A 304-hp V-6 and front-wheel drive are standard; a 365-hp turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 and all-wheel drive are optional.

Overview: Despite its sleek design, the MKZ is a bit of a quandary: It shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fusion but costs much more, even when similarly equipped. There are two gas-engine choices plus a hybrid version. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; a 3.7-liter V-6 is optional. Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the hybrid is front-wheel drive only. You’ll have to love the styling to choose the MKZ over the Fusion.

Overview: A luxurious, leather-lined relic of the gas-guzzling past, the Navigator soldiers on, now motivated by a more efficient 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. The new engine makes 380 hp and 460 lb-ft; buyers can choose rear- or all-wheel drive with tow ratings of 9000 and 8600 lbs, respectively. The Reserve package adds 22-inch wheels, power-retracting running boards, and premium leather seats. Regardless of its updates, the Navigator remains an antiquated choice battling more compelling, modern SUVs.

Overview: The MKX wears Lincoln’s retro grille and features a handsome interior with a high level of standard equipment. Underneath it’s basically a Ford Flex, with which it shares its underpinnings. There’s one powertrain: a 3.7-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. On the road, the MKX has adequate power. It’s quiet and comfortable, but it competes in a crowded segment, and it’s not a segment buster. An all-new MKC goes on sale in the fall of 2015.