Following the introduction of the seamless, virtually topless MKZ concept in Detroit earlier this year, Lincoln presented the finished draft of the luxury car at a highly anticipated unveiling reception last night at Manhattan’s Frank Gehry-designed IAC building.
The MKZ bears no resemblance to a conventional, boxy sedan, and features a more fluid, approachable design. “From the dynamic, modern centerline and the sweeping roofline, the car is a vehicle that could be sketched in just a few strokes,” Lincoln design director Max Wolf announced last night. The reintpretation of the classic split-wing grill was inspired by an eagle in flight. His goals were to create a silhouette that would be inviting to the younger buyer, with just an element of restraint. A dedicated focus on luxury was apparent in the attention to small experiential details throughout — active noise control, heated front seats, and drive control — as well as ornamental flourishes and bold sculptural elements on the interior, all meant to be both comfortable and functional.
And the most exciting amenity? The MKZ features one of the world’s largest retractable glass roofs, which opens at any speed — quite a thrill for late-night, 80-mile-per-hour joyrides, although we recommend you leave that to the professional drivers.