The all-new 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, sharing its underpinnings with the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, is now the most fuel efficient luxury vehicle (with a hybrid powertrain) available in America. Just a while ago, the new Ford Fusion Hybrid was touted as the most fuel efficient midsized sedan with an astonishing 47 mpg across the board. With the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid utilizing the Fusion’s powertrain, it is expected to be just as efficient. However, the new Lincoln MKZ only gets an EPA certified 45 mpg city and 45 mpg highway rating (45 mpg combined), possibly due to a heavier weight and other design factors.

At any rate, with a combined 45 mpg figure and lower price than the midsized luxury Hybrid competition, the new Lincoln MKZ is an attractive package, mostly in a literal sense considering the sleek styling of the MKZ. Another astonishing aspect of the new MKZ Hybrid, is that it can be had for virtually the same price as a non-hybrid model with the standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost getting 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Though, the new MKZ is offered with a total of 3 different engine configurations, the 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, 3.7-liter V6 -both available in all-wheel-drive, and the hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter engine and electric motor setup.

The new 2013 Lincoln MKZ is set to go on sale later this year. Review the full Lincoln press release on the new MKZ Hybrid below.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: America’s Luxury MPG Leader Delivers Personal, Unique Experience

• All-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers more miles per gallon than every other luxury vehicle in America: EPA-certified 45 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 45 mpg combined
• MKZ delivers 5 mpg better city and combined as well as 6 mpg better highway than more-expensive all-new Lexus ES Hybrid
• Lincoln is the only brand offering an advanced hybrid model at the same price as non-hybrid model

DEARBORN, Michigan, Oct. 15, 2012 – The dynamic, all-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers more miles per gallon than any luxury vehicle in America with an EPA-certified 45 mpg across the board – city, highway and combined.”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 Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “MKZ is our strongest proof yet on what the reinvented Lincoln stands for – beautiful vehicles with compelling and warm experiences that create a clear alternative in today’s increasingly competitive luxury marketplace.”EPA ratings put MKZ Hybrid ahead of its key competitors in the luxury midsize sedan market – 5 mpg city and 6 mpg highway ahead of Lexus ES 300h; 18 mpg city and 13 mpg highway ahead of Infiniti M35h and 20 mpg city and 16 mpg highway ahead of BMW ActiveHybrid 3.Additionally, the new MKZ Hybrid is 2 mpg city and 5 mpg better highway than the smaller Lexus CT 200h. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also is more fuel efficient than Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.Lincoln is offering the new MKZ Hybrid at the same price as the equivalent non-hybrid model, giving luxury midsize sedan customers maximum choice as well as top fuel economy, true luxury sedan performance and superb value.

Lincoln was the first automaker to offer a premium hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price matching its conventional-powered sibling.

Other competitors charge a premium for their hybrid models. The 2013 Lexus ES 300h, for example, is priced at $38,850, representing a $2,750 premium over the 2013 Lexus ES 350.

All hybrids are not available with all the options of their non-hybrid-powered models, but the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is. This provides the opportunity to tailor one’s own MKZ Hybrid and make it a real personal statement.

The standard Hybrid Premiere equipment group features SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ with 8-inch touch screen, premium leather-trimmed seats (heated front seats), class-exclusive LED headlamps, 18-inch premium painted wheels and Lincoln Drive Control.

Always on, Lincoln Drive Control orchestrates the performance of the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and Active Noise Control (ANC). This ensures true Lincoln dynamic characteristics and not a lesser dynamic hybrid experience as is the case with some others.

The result is an unsurpassed combination of refined ride and engaging driving dynamics. CCD contributes to Lincoln Drive Control’s transparent action by “reading” the road and adjusting the shocks in the blink of an eye to precisely tune, refine and balance to deliver more controlled handling with a smoother ride.

The new Lincoln MKZ and MKZ Hybrid will go on sale later this year, and customers can configure their own virtual MKZ at //www.lincoln.com/cars/mkz/2013.

The new MKZ is the first of four all-new vehicles Lincoln is introducing in the next four years.

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About Lincoln
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. Lincoln will introduce four all-new vehicles in the next four years. For more information about Lincoln, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.