2 Used Luxury Cars With AWD Come From an Unexpected Source
Many of the latest luxury options from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus pack grippy all-wheel drive (AWD). However, used luxury cars with four-wheeled grip from this side of the pond aren’t exceedingly commonplace. Fret not; if you want a star-spangled AWD car with poshness to spare, check out the 2020 Lincoln Continental and MKZ.
The 2020 Lincoln Continental boasts optional AWD to conquer inclement weather
The 2020 Lincoln Continental rides on a front-wheel drive (FWD) platform as standard equipment. However, the Lincoln luxury car also offered optional AWD at all three engine options.
Better yet, fans who want their Continental to be more sleeper than sedate sedan can find the range-topping twin-turbo 3.0L V6 in the lineup. With 400 horsepower and the same figure in torque, the potent V6 and grippy AWD are enough to catapult the portly 4,523-lb Continental to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat.
Moreover, other American performance sedans, like the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat or Chrysler 300S V8, are rear-wheel drive (RWD) and temperamental in inclement weather. However, the AWD Continental is sure-footed, especially with the addition of seasonally appropriate tires.
Does the Lincoln MKZ have AWD?
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ sends power to the front wheels as standard. However, like the Continental, the MKZ has optional AWD. Moreover, car hunters who want the 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 will be grateful for the AWD grip, as FWD torque steer is abundant with the most powerful mill.
Furthermore, while the AWD system was a $3,000 upgrade when the MKZ was new, a used AWD 2020 Lincoln MKZ doesn’t cost much more than the standard FWD luxury car.
How much is a 2023 Lincoln Continental?
Unfortunately for fans of the long-body luxury nameplate, there is no 2023 Lincoln Continental. Instead, the most recent Continental fans can buy is a 2020 model year. Fortunately, the inevitable march of depreciation means car hunters can get one for around $29,471.
| Trim level | Fair purchase price |
| Standard Trim | $29,471 |
| Reserve | $35,255 |
| Black Label | $46,502 |
Of course, the Lincoln Continental is the only sedan to get the axe in 2020; the MKZ, a CD4-platform sibling for the Continental, also headed off to discontinuation station in 2020. However, the MKZ is an even cheaper option than the Continental. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a 2020 Lincoln MKZ has a fair purchase price of around $24,949. On average, a used AWD MKZ adds around $1,500 to that fair purchase price.
What are the negatives of AWD?
While AWD is a positive feature that allows modern luxury cars to enjoy multiplied grip, it has a few drawbacks.
- Added weight
- Decreased exuberance
- Increased tire wear
- Often more expensive than FWD or RWD variants
- Less overall grip than seasonally appropriate tires
Despite the added grip of an all-wheel drive platform, winter tires are better suited for driving in snowy conditions than an AWD car on all-season tires. Of course, owners who equip their AWD rides with snow-ready winter rubber will enjoy better grip. Moreover, since all four tires channel the vehicle’s power, tires tend to wear out faster on an AWD vehicle than on a FWD or RWD alternative.
Is an AWD car worth it?
A used AWD car offers added grip compared to FWD and RWD alternatives. In some cases, the multiplied traction results in snappier launches and faster acceleration times in the sprint to 60 mph and the standing quarter mile.
Of course, with the added composure of AWD, vehicles tend to lose some of the smile-inducing antics of high-powered super sedans like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Still, used luxury AWD cars like the 2020 Lincoln Continental and MKZ offer an unexpected, inclement weather-ready alternative to newer, pricier European competition.
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