Acceleration

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6.7

Good passing and merging power, but lacks the around-town punch of Acura TL or Lexus ES 350, too often requires heavy-throttle application in routine driving. Did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Smooth 6-speed automatic makes quick upshifts, but can dither before kicking down for midrange passing response. A manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.

Fuel Economy

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4.6

Test Zephyrs averaged 16.6 mpg including gas-eating performance runs, 20.5 mpg in city/highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.7

Lincoln tunes suspension to favor ride over handling. Not quite as isolated from minor impacts as ES 350, but smooth, composed. Little float, wallow over highway swells.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7.1

Not as sporty as TL, but a good match for ES 350. Steering precise, but a bit overassisted. Little body lean in fast corners. Unavailablity of antiskid system a deficit in this class.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.8

Road noise, wind rush well-muted, though ES 350 quieter overall. Zephyr's Lincoln-tuned V6 no paragon of smoothness, but is more refined-sounding at full throttle than same engine in Fusion or Milan.

Controls

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.7

Gauges large, easy to read. Look-alike climate, audio controls require familiarization, but are logically located. Switchgear responds with positive, quality feel. Cabin materials, assembly quality impress.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7.4

Ample leg room. Sunroof housing limits headroom for 6-footers. High-set seats combine with low dashtop, low windowsills for fine outward vision. Supportive seats provide excellent long-trip comfort.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.5

Adult-adequate head room, good toe space. Knee room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Seat firm, nicely contoured.

Cargo Room

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4

Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and like Fusion/Milan, a cut-rate felt-type liner. Lid supports are compact, nonintrusive struts. Decent cabin storage.

Value within Class

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5.9

Acura's TL is sportier than the Zephyr, and the Lexus ES 350 is far more refined. The absence of an antiskid system in this Lincoln is an embarrassing omission in the premium-midsize-car category. But with a smooth ride, upscale appointments, and pricing that starts under $30,000, Zephyr provides an accessible foothold on the first rung of the luxury ladder.

Total Score

Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
57	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72