Interesting design details abound on the 2008 Lincoln MKX, from the Lincoln star on the front fenders to the split waterfall grille to the heavy use of chrome.

Wieck / Ford

When Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas, was asked to give Lincoln a fresh styling direction, the designer sought to honor past Lincolns without outright mimicry, something that had plagued the brand for decades.

The result was the MKR show car, seen at the North American International Auto Show.

Now, the first production car to reflect the MKR’s styling direction has arrived: the 2009 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln’s new all-wheel-drive flagship sedan.

Actually, the MKS’s design was already started when Horbury arrived at Lincoln. And while it resembles the MKR, the MKS’s proportions were compromised by its use of the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable platform. Certain hard points, such as the height of the car, were locked in. This explains why the MKS lacks some of the requisite sleekness needed for a luxury flagship.

Still, interesting design details abound, from the Lincoln star on the front fenders and the split waterfall grille to the vertical tail lamps and heavy use of chrome. The shape of the sculpted hood is mimicked on the instrument panel’s center audio system speaker.

This Lincoln is a sedan striving to be noticed. And around Hampton Roads it caused heads to twist in passing cars. Folks stopped in parking lots to take a peek.

Inside, the trendy retro design that marked previous Lincolns has given way to a flashier look that dazzles occupants. Metallic accents frame the matte black surfaces along the center console. A horizontal wood veneer strip accents the instrument panel and steering wheel.

What the design lacks in a knowing hipness, it makes up for with excellent ergonomics. The controls are placed up high where they’re easy to reach. The large, touch-sensitive radio/navigation screen works particularly well. However, it will take some time to learn all of its menus, sub-menus and functions.

It would behoove Ford to move the memory seating buttons. They are buried under the door handle and hard to find or see.

Large front bucket seats are wide, yet supportive enough given this car’s mission. Long-range comfort is very good. Rear seating is supportive and comfortable. It’s also incredibly spacious, especially head and leg room.

The leather trim is supple, soft and luxurious in feel. Its supplier, Bridge of Weir, is the Scottish company that supplied hides for the original Continental Mark II.

Initially, the MKS will be offered solely with all-wheel-drive and a Lincoln-exclusive 273-horsepower 3.7-liter double-overhead-cam V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually. Front-wheel-drive will be available later.

Performance is so superior to the Town Car; you’ll wonder why Ford took so long in offering a new flagship.

The MKS is snappy and feels fairly secure. Body motions are fairly well-controlled despite the bias towards ride comfort. Sure, you won’t mistake it for a sports sedan, especially in aggressive cornering or abrupt maneuvers. There’s too much weight for that. But it’s easy to drive and much more fun to pilot than the old Lincoln Town yacht.

And the MKS is packed with latest technology: radar-guided cruise control, push-button starter, keyless entry, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear view camera and parking sensors.

Its coolest feature: a capless fuel tank. There’s no gas cap, just a spring-loaded door. When you poke the fuel nozzle past the door, the system opens up. Pull out the nozzle and seals shut. Neat.

Another option: Microsoft Sync, which allows you to synchronize your wireless handheld devices with your car. Very handy.

Prices start at just under $38,000, and the well-equipped test car came in at a bit over $46,000.

While not a home run, the new MKS is a solid triple play. It announces that Lincoln is once again a competitor in the luxury field.

If you haven’t piloted a Lincoln in a while, you might be surprised at how much this car offers for its price.2009 Lincoln MKS

Pro: More fun to drive than a Town Car, and more modern

Con: Portly demeanor

Stats

Engine: 3.7-liter DOHC V-6

Wheelbase: 112.9 inches

Length: 204.1 inches

Weight: 4,276 pounds

Cargo space: 18.7 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds

EPA rating (city/highway): 16/23 mpg

Fuel economy: 21.5 mpg

Fuel type: Regular unleaded

Base price: $39,555

As tested: $40,070

What we say: A preview of things to come