Many luxury brands today have sedans with powerful top trim levels — see the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, for example. However, one brand in particular isn't necessarily associated with any sense of speed. Lincoln spends all of its resources focusing on a handful of high-end SUVs, and one model is even available as an efficient plug-in hybrid. The automaker's current image is exactly why the 400-horsepower version of the late MKZ sedan is such a sleeper.Nobody would expect a Lincoln sedan to beat them off the line, or keep up with true luxury sports sedans in any capacity. And yet, here we are. The Lincoln MKZ is an easily overlooked sedan with some comfort features in every trim that would make for a retiree's perfect daily driver. It stayed that way for most of its lifetime, until the MKZ's last facelift — that's when things got more interesting. How Lincoln's 400-HP MKZ Came To Be LincolnThe Lincoln MKZ had been around since the 2007 model year (only getting axed from the brand's lineup after the 2020 model year). It mostly lived up to the rest of Lincoln's lineup by offering smaller engines and a hybrid version for most of its life. Lincoln kept it around for just two generations, with each version getting a facelift about halfway through their respective runs. That said, the automaker wanted something special for the MKZ's last facelift. Thus, the 2017 MKZ was introduced with fresh looks, some of the same powertrains of old, plus a new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that has enough power to win drag races against unsuspecting rivals. 2017–2020 Lincoln MKZ Powertrain Specs LincolnThis facelifted MKZ was available in two trims: the Standard and the Reserve. While its Standard trim came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Reserve could be optioned with either a hybrid variant of the same 2.0L, or the more powerful 3.0L V6. As the title would suggest, that's the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as is currently found under the hood of the Ford Bronco Raptor. Of course, it's tuned for slightly more power (418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque) in its current form. Nevertheless, that engine could be equipped on the now-discontinued MKZ luxury sedan.Despite being the same engine in the same vehicle, Lincoln gave it two power outputs; models with a front-wheel drive configuration were tuned for 350 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while all-wheel drive units were upgraded to 400 hp. Pushed through a six-speed automatic transmission (regardless of drivetrain), the Bronco Raptor-powered MKZ could reach the end of a quarter-mile track in about 13.4 seconds, with the AWD variant getting off the line more quickly — extra traction meant a quicker 0-60 mph sprint by about four-tenths of a second. Lincoln MKZ 3.0T EcoBoost Reliability LincolnThe Lincoln MKZ's final facelift is generally pretty reliable, with few issues to discuss. Using the NHTSA and CarComplaints as sources, we can see how the 2017 model year has a couple of hundred complaints; engine issues are, unfortunately, the largest are of concern.However, Reserve trim buyers are in luck, since the 3.0-liter engine appears to get by with almost no complaints. Most of the issues reported pertain to the four-cylinder engine leaking coolant into the cylinders. There are dozens of complaints across both the NHSTA and CarComplaints regarding seized engines, leaking coolant in general, and sputtering/hesitating during acceleration. Models with the V6 engine don't appear to be affected by such issues.The Lincoln's recalls are another matter though, as some do affect MKZ models with the larger engine option. One recall was issued on March 10th, 2023, and pertains to the front brake hoses potentially rupturing and losing all fluid pressure. This recall affects 1,280,726 units, including 2013–2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ units. Affecting 1,301,986 units, including the 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion, is a recall pertaining to the steering wheel potentially detaching while driving. Even though this recall doesn't necessarily affect reliability, it's a huge safety risk that we feel is important to know about before buying any MKZ. Current 3.0-Liter Lincoln MKZ Values Lincoln Naturally, prices do depend entirely on condition and mileage, although most available listings and recent auctions are showing the Reserve trim with its 3.0-liter engine as a ~$20,000 car, in-line with our findings from the CarBuzz Marketplace. Lower mileage examples still command up to 50% more, although these are scarcer in the marketplace, as are exceptionally cheap examples with sky-high mileage and lower asking prices. A budget of $20,000 is about right for securing a smart example with a solid service history and average miles.That means it lost about half of its original MSRP to depreciation over the last six years, which is typical for luxury cars, for the most part. That said, used car values fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including how many miles are on the odometer, how many owners the car has had, where it's been registered, its cosmetic and mechanical conditions, and more. Other Used Luxury Sleeper Sedans GenesisThe Lincoln MKZ happens to share an engine with the current Ford Bronco Raptor, but it's not the only luxury sedan with a powerful engine hiding in plain sight. The age of sedans is slowly ending as buyers continue to prefer SUVs, crossovers, and trucks; while a handful of mainstream commuter sedans remain, only luxury automakers continue to produce high-powered models. That said, those with big engines and bigger power are usually pretty obvious on the road — it's not difficult to spot a CT5-V Blackwing or a BMW M5. If you want an unassuming sedan that can comfortably get you to work and back, and possibly win a stoplight drag race on the way, then here are a couple more options at reasonable used price points. 2017 Genesis G80 GenesisThe Genesis brand has since set itself apart as an underdog in the luxury game, but it was only just beginning in 2017. When Genesis became its own brand almost a decade ago at the time of this writing, it started with what was essentially a re-skinned Hyundai Genesis sedan. Thus, the G80 sedan was born.Under the hood was either a V6 with plenty of power for daily driving, or this: a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 from the Tau engine family. When putting the pedal to the floor, drivers could launch this model to 60 mph from a standstill in about five seconds. Our Price Trends tool shows the V8 G80 commands similar money to the 400-horse MKZ these days. 2011 Infiniti M56 InfinitiThis sleeper sedan shares an engine with the Nissan Titan pickup truck, the 2011 Infiniti M56. Under the hood is Nissan's VK56DE, a 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that makes an impressive 420 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. This is such a versatile, powerful and reliable engine that Nissan decided to use it in its Infiniti luxury vehicles, work trucks, and even a Le Mans race car in 2024.The M56 sedan might not be as quick or agile as a new race car, but it's powerful enough to sprint to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, according to independent testing. At almost a deacde older, it should come as no surprise to learn that the M56 is available for roughly half the cost of a smart, late MKZ. The MKZ's Appeal Is Easy To See LincolnThe 3.0L TT V6 Lincoln MKZ seems like the kind of sedan you have to be in the know about to know, you know? Sleeper sedans are some of life's little pleasures — finding a comfortable, modern, luxurious sedan that can be more than capable as a daily driver isn't too difficult, but finding one that can do all that in addition to sprinting off the line with 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive is a little harder. Now that the model is approaching ten years old, you can find them at reasonable price points, too, making the decision to buy one all that much more tempting.