The all-new Lincoln MKZ made its Asian debut in Korea on Thursday with Ford Sales and Service Korea saying at the vehicle’s launch in trendy Cheongdam-dong that it would set new standards for premium sedans.

“A robust market response is anticipated for the all-new Lincoln MKZ, which will set the new standard for premium sedans for our era,” said Jung Jae-hee, president and CEO of Ford Korea. 

Fitted with a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine delivering the performance of a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the price the new model will start at 47 million won ($42,000). Along with the all-new Fusion Hybrid and the Focus Diesel, it is expected to help Ford reach this year’s sales target of 30 percent growth from last year.

Fuel economy for the all-new Lincoln MKZ is 13.3 kilometers per liter on the highway to reflect a 20 percent improvement from the previous model, Ford said. The Retractable Panoramic Roof, at 1.4 square meters, is one of the largest openings available on any current sedan.

In terms of design, the exterior retained the classic Lincoln style, but with an added edge in aerodynamics. Inside, the design team, led by Korean-American designer Soo Kang, sought to combine “bold architectural elements with technology innovation.”

Consequently, the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever was replaced with a modern five-button interface.

Under the title, “Art by MKZ,” a group of well-known contemporary artists jointly exhibited their work at the museum alongside the new Lincoln.

By Kim Ji-hyun  (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)