Even though Lincoln had announced pricing and trim levels for its new 2013 MKZ Hybrid, the fuel economy ratings weren’t available at the time as the carmaker was waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency’s official certification.
Today, the company announced that the US$35,925 MKZ Hybrid has been certified by the EPA at 45 mpg (5.2 lt/100 km) across the board, i.e. city, highway and combined consumption.
Evidently, the MKZ Hybrid’s more luxurious nature has taken a small toll on its fuel economy numbers as it trails its Ford sibling, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, by 2mpg.
However, EPA ratings put it in front of its competitors in the mid-size premium segment.
According to Lincoln, the MKZ Hybrid is 5 mpg city and 6 mpg highway ahead of the Lexus ES 300h, 18 mpg city and 13 mpg highway ahead of the Infiniti M35h and 20 mpg city and 16 mpg highway ahead of BMW’s ActiveHybrid 3-Series.
What Lincoln fails to mention is that MKZ is outgunned in power by all three cars, especially the last two. Whereas the MKZ’s Hybrid powertrain delivers 188hp, the Lexus ES gets 200hp, the Infiniti M35h 360-horsepower and the BMW ActiveHybrid 3-Series 335-ponnies.
“The all-new MKZ Hybrid proves that thoughtful customers who prioritize fuel economy and reducing emissions do not need to compromise on luxury, driving quality or advanced technology”, said group vice president for global marketing, sales and service Jim Farley.
You can view a video of the brand’s director of product development Scott Tobin explaining the MKZ’s features.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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