The 2009 Lincoln MKS is the all-new luxury flagship sedan that features Lincoln’s new signature design cues, including a beltline that rises over the rear wheels like the classic Lincolns of old.

Ford

Once upon a time Lincoln really mattered in the world of big American luxury cars. A Continental cruised the boulevards with as much swagger as Cadillac’s Fleetwood or Eldorado.

But Lincoln has lagged more recently as the competition developed with crisper designs and innovative technology.

With the 2009 MKS, its newest luxury flagship, Lincoln is taking yet another shot at a comeback. And this time it just may be on the right track.

First off, it returns to its roots, bearing the double-wing grille inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental. And it has a beltline that rises over the rear wheels like the Lincolns of old. Of course, the high-intensity headlamps and twin-panel moon roof bear no resemblance to Lincolns of old, but you’re going to like them just the same.

I’m guessing you’ll like the soft leather, real wood and metal trim inside, too, offering a classic look of elegance. The instrument panel has two levels, separated by wood and chrome strips. The leather-wrapped wheel is topped with real wood, too, a touch I love in luxury cars.

The leather seats, Lincoln folks say, are the softest ever and provided by Bridge of Weir, the same Scottish company that supplied hides for the Continental Mark II.

Seats have bolstered sides and are ready to make you extra comfortable.

Standard are heat and cooling, 12-way power and four-way lumbar adjustments for long trips. And, speaking of long trips, there’s an amazing 18.4 cubic feet of luggage space, enough even for my wife’s bring-the-whole-bedroom suitcase. Rear legroom is plentiful, too.

The center console slides to position just where you’re elbow wants it.

On the road the MKS offers an elegant, quiet feel with very little wind or road noise. Yet this is a surprisingly quick and fun ride. Push-button starter cranks up the 3.7-liter V-6 engine, which is based on the one found in Lincoln’s MKX and MKZ.

Its big cylinders mean more horsepower (273) and 270 pound-feet of torque.

Frankly I found the V-6, the only engine available right now, capable and sufficient. But Lincoln plans a twin-turbo version that will pump another 70 horses into the equation.

A six-speed automatic found its gears smoothly and with little hesitation.

This is a front-wheel driver, but an all-wheel-drive system is available as an option ($1,890).

EPA figures suggest 17 mpg around town, 24 on the highway with the front-drive version.

The MKS does not require premium fuel. And, by the way, gassing up is a breeze with parent-company Ford’s new capless fuel-filler system. No cap: When the nozzle is removed, the filler tube is automatically sealed shut. Call me lazy, but this feature is very cool, one less thing to do at the gas station. Look for it on Ford’s new Flex, too.

Among safety features is a radar-based cruise control, which can monitor the vehicle in front and keep the MKS a safe distance behind. And it works in rain and fog, too, when you need it most. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights and a wide touch-screen navigation system that is among the easiest I’ve ever used.

There is some stiff competition in this aggressive luxury segment, so I won’t tell you not to shop the Cadillac, Volvo, Lexus or even Toyota’s Avalon or Hyundai’s Genesis. But I will tell you Ford reported the MKS at the outset had outsold the Acura RL and Infiniti M35, to name a couple.

It made me take notice, offer a nod and ponder whether Lincoln may finally be back in the luxury game.

Base Price: $38,465 (front-wheel-drive)