No matter your opinion about all-wheel drive (and its possible replacement by a set of good winter tires), the technology is still preferred by many inhabitants of northern climates. And since the four-wheel motion goodness is available on every Lincoln model, it’s really hitting stride among buyers of Ford’s luxury brand this year.
So far in 2011, AWD has seen the following take-up across the Lincoln model range in the U.S.:
- 72 percent of MKT sales
- 62 percent of MKX sales
- 46 percent of MKS sales
- 25 percent of MKZ sales
- 62 percent of Navigator sales
Those are very impressive numbers, especially when you consider that all-wheel drive tends to be less popular on sedans compared to their crossover counterparts. Lincoln must be enjoying this shift in consumer preference — since all-wheel drive-equipped vehicles carry a noticeable premium ranging from $1,850 to $6,890 compared to non-AWD models.
Do you have AWD on your Lincoln? How do you like it? Talk to us in the comments!
[expand] Lincoln All-Wheel Drive Combines Luxury with Year-Round Driving ConfidenceComplete Lincoln family of luxury cars and crossovers available with all-wheel drive, combining all-weather capability with year-round agility and confidence
Confident handling and acceleration provide peace of mind for safely negotiating many types of driving situations and conditions
Significant numbers of Lincoln consumers are choosing optional all-wheel drive
DEARBORN, Mich., April 28, 2011 – All-wheel drive is a luxury feature that many buyers of premium automobiles demand in their vehicles for maximum mobility. This is especially true in northern states where colder climates naturally lead to more snow, ice, and generally inclement road conditions. Lincoln customers can choose the option of all-wheel drive on all of its models, giving them the added confidence and stability that this technology brings.
In fact, all-wheel drive offers safety and handling advantages in all seasons. Lincoln’s all-wheel drive option allows drivers to accelerate and corner decisively and confidently with power to all four wheels, regardless of road surface and weather conditions.
“One of the greatest benefits of luxury is choice,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln. “That is why Lincoln customers are able to equip any of our cars and crossovers with an advanced all-wheel drive system.”
All five Lincoln models offer the convenience of all-wheel drive as an option, but customers of Lincoln’s crossover and SUV models are more likely to choose this technology.
So far in 2011, 72 percent of Lincoln MKT three-row crossover customers and 62 percent of MKX two-row crossover buyers have opted for all-wheel drive. This compares to 46 percent of MKS and 25 percent of MKZ sedan customers. The truck-based Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV is built with all-wheel drive no less than 62 percent of the time.
The Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ all share a common all-wheel drive system to ensure the Lincoln DNA of luxurious ride and precise handling shines throughout the lineup.
All-wheel drive is standard on the MKS EcoBoost TM and MKT EcoBoost, proactively distributing torque to the wheels to allow performance-minded customers to take advantage of the power of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine’s 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
The sophisticated AWD system fitted to MKS, MKT, and MKZ is fully automatic, using an advanced array of hardware and controls to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. The Navigator uses unique truck-based hardware that also provides a luxurious experience.
The new MKX 2-row crossover, launched last summer, takes the AWD system to another level with even better handling attributes than the outgoing product with new controls specifically developed for improved cornering.
“We’re seeing the number of customers choosing all-wheel drive increasing steadily as drivers appreciate the benefits,” says O’Donnell. “More than half of our crossover customers are enjoying the reassurance that all-wheel drive delivers, such that once they have experienced it, they don’t want to give it up.
“We see all-wheel drive as a core technology option for the entire Lincoln line-up, both today and for the future.”
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