The 2013 Lincoln MKZ is the brand's first model using a new strategy to inject more luxury into its products. As a result, the MKZ has unique features and styling that make it a significant departure from the previous model. The MKZ faces competition from the Acura TL, Infiniti G Series and BMW 3 Series. Exterior The MKZ's front is restyled with a split-wing grille, as Lincoln calls it, designed to emulate an eagle's spread wings. The rear styling is a much more drastic departure from current Lincoln products with its sweeping rear roofline and laid-back windshield to help the MKZ slip through the air. Exterior features include: LED headlamps Adaptive headlights LED taillights Available retracting panoramic roof Interior Inside the 2013 MKZ are numerous display screens to make use of the standard MyLincoln Touch and Sync multimedia systems. A 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster in front of the driver is customizable, and an 8-inch screen in the center dashboard is the main control area for the multimedia, navigation and climate systems. Selecting gears happens by pushing a button on the MKZ's center stack, which frees up room below the center console for a large storage area with multiple levels. Interior features include: Sync and MyLincoln Touch Leather seating Heated front seats Available backup camera Available navigation Available cooled front seats Available heated rear seats and steering wheel Available adaptive cruise control Available parking assist Under the Hood One of the only ways to tell that the MKZ shares its underpinnings with the 2013 Ford Fusion is the powertrain options. The base engine is a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while an optional V-6 is more potent than the previous MKZ. The MKZ offers Lincoln Drive Control standard, which tailors the driving experience for different modes, including Sport, Normal and Comfort. The feature changes suspension firmness, power-steering assist, plus engine and transmission characteristics. Mechanical features include: Standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is estimated to make 240 horsepower Optional 300-hp, 3.7-liter six-cylinder Front-wheel drive Available all-wheel drive with four- and six-cylinder engines Six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters Standard Lincoln Drive Control Safety Among the MKZ's optional features are inflatable rear safety belts. Located on the outboard seating positions only, Lincoln says the class-exclusive option distributes the force of an impact more than a conventional seat belt to reduce head, chest and neck injuries. Safety features include: Eight airbags Electronic stability system Available lane departure warning Available inflatable rear seat belts Available blind spot monitoring