For 2010, Ford’s big Lincoln MKS news is the availability of their EcoBoost turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. This engine comes mated only to the MKS’s optional all-wheel drive. That makes some sense, given that the 355-hp would likely overwhelm the front wheels alone. According to EPA numbers, the EcoBoost drivetrain has slightly better fuel economy than the standard 3.7-liter all-wheel drive version, yet has much more power.

To see how it all works, we bought a 2010 MKS with the EcoBoost. Our fairly loaded “hot rod Lincoln” has the “Ultimate” Package, including a moon roof and swankier leather seats, and the Navigation Package. Adding 20-inch polished wheels brought the price to $52,770. It’s curious that the MKS has an integrated blind spot mirror in each side mirror rather than offering the electronic BLIS blind-spot detection system found on more prosaic Fords.

One question comes to mind: What if instead of using EcoBoost to improve performance over the reasonably quick 3.7 liter, Ford had sized the engine to maintain the same performance while significantly improving fuel economy? That answer will have to wait for later EcoBoost applications.

Meanwhile, we’ll see if this MKS improves on the unsettled ride and lack of agility we complained about in our previously tested MKS.

—Tom Mutchler