[2][3] The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, previewing a new entry-level luxury sedan.

Lincoln officially revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform, which was derived from the Mazda 6.

The design featured shapes with real ebony or maple wood inserts (depending on desired trim) in metallic frames.

These surfaces were contrasted with chrome-bezeled gauges, circular, chrome-finished vents and a metallic center stack where the radio and climate controls are housed.

The Zephyr's steering wheel was leather-wrapped with real wood grips and satin-nickel audio, climate, and cruise control buttons.

[5] Some of these standard features in the Zephyr included: cruise control, automatic headlights, fog lights, power door locks, "global" power windows (all windows can lower simultaneously at the push of a button), power adjustable and heated mirrors with puddle lamps, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, rear-seat reading lamps, and a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo radio and a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer.

Spring rates, bushings, and dampers have been specially tuned for the Zephyr to provide excellent ride comfort without compromising handling.

[9] For 2007, the Zephyr was refreshed and renamed MKZ to follow a new nomenclature developed by Lincoln that mimics the alphanumeric naming schemes used by other luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz.

Management at Lincoln originally announced the MKZ with a "mark-zee" pronunciation during the 2006 auto show circuit, but eventually changed it to the phonetic "em-kay-zee" due to confusion observed among focus groups and dealership personnel.

Powering the MKZ, and taking a large step toward further differentiating the car from the Fusion and Milan, was Ford's new, all-aluminum 3.5-L DOHC Duratec 35 V6.

[13] One of the few other changes applied to the 2007 MKZ was a revision to the available THX II-certified audio system to increase speakers to 14 and its peak output to 600 watts.

The 2010 MKZ was unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show, revealing an extensive update with a revised interior and exterior in addition to new features.

Mechanically, the MKZ featured suspension revised to improve ride quality and handling and a new 'SelectShift' six-speed automatic transmission.

[17] It is the first Lincoln hybrid electric vehicle and the first Lincoln model with a four-cylinder engine; it delivers an EPA city rating of 41 mpg‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg‑imp) and a highway rating of 36 mpg‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg‑imp), which made it the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in the U.S. until the release of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in March 2011.

[16][19] The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has an EV mode that allows the car to travel short distances on electricity alone, at speeds up to 47 mph (76 km/h).

Beginning with 2007 models manufactured after January 2007, structural reinforcements were added to the MKZ to improve occupant protection in frontal overlap crashes.

Beginning with 2010 models, design changes were made to the door interior trim to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes.

NHTSA crash test ratings (2008):[32] Ford redesigned the Lincoln MKZ for the 2013 model year, sharing the company's CD4 platform with Fusion and Mondeo.

Some MKZs were even shipped from the Mexican facility to Ford's Flat Rock plant to be reassured and inspected that they were ready to be sent to dealerships.

The leather wrapped IP required extensive testing and development to achieve a "discreet" airbag, one without a visible seam, a first for a Ford Motor Company product.

[38] The MKZ received a facelift for model year 2017, presented on November 18, 2015, at the LA Auto Show, featuring redesigned front grille and headlights.

In continuing with Lincoln tradition, Bridge of Weir "Deepsoft" leather is used for the Select and Reserve trim packages.

The MKZ received no more major changes, with the new model years bringing new colors and a gradual diminishing of the lineup.

For 2020, the car's final year on the market, only the Base and Reserve trims remained, with either Hybrid, Turbo, or V6 powertrains.