It seemed like a good idea at the time. I was visiting my sister in Indianapolis (i.e. cheap sales tax), and I decided it was time to get a new TV. One problem: The box that houses a 40-inch TV isn’t quite compatible with an 18.7-cubic-foot trunk.

Luckily I was test driving a 2009 Lincoln MKS, which has a huge back seat and nice wide-opening rear doors. Even though the MKS fit my new TV perfectly, I’m pleased to report it’s much more than just a hauler for inanimate objects.

On the trek to Indy, I encountered hideous traffic. Not only was it a holiday weekend, but there was also construction on Interstate 65. It also happened to be the day before the Indianapolis 500.

On the trek to Indy, I encountered hideous traffic. Not only was it a holiday weekend, but there was also construction on Interstate 65. It also happened to be the day before the Indianapolis 500.

So I had plenty of time to assess the comfort level of the driver’s seat. From the supple leather seats to the highly adjustable lumbar support, I was perfectly comfortable. My driving position was perfect, and visibility was excellent.

I had ample time to explore the optional THX-II Certified 5.1 Surround Audio System with 600 watts of power and 16 speakers. To escape the frustration, I trolled through the radio stations and when something like Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face” came on, I’d crank it up and sing at the top of my lungs. The sound system thankfully drowned out my awful singing voice, and I got to feel like a bit of a rock star.

The base price of the front-wheel-drive MKS is $38,490, but the test vehicle was well-equipped as an all-wheel-drive model ($40,355) with the ultimate package ($5,715), which included the THX sound system, navigation, technology package, 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive headlights, dual-panel moon roof and rear camera. The only other option was the adaptive cruise control ($995), which I absolutely loved.

The as-tested price of the test vehicle rang in at $47,065.

While all the options were nice, the standard features on the MKS are even nicer. The front seats not only are heated (my favorite) but also cooled. The latter was nice after getting into the car when it had been sitting in the sun. The black leather seats were quickly cooled, making the temperature in the car incredibly comfortable relatively quickly. To top that, rear heated seats are also standard. Other standard features include the easy capless fuel filler, Sync, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, reverse sensing system and childproof rear door locks.

Sync is one of my favorite features on Ford products these days. It makes pairing my phone and iPod easy, and then I can change songs and make calls solely via voice commands. The optional navigation system is also easily accomplished verbally, and the system is actually pretty good at picking up what you’re saying. My street is difficult to pronounce, and the system got it right every time.

The 2009 MKS comes equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that delivers 273 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers excellent acceleration. I did notice there was a bit of a lag if you stomped on the gas pedal. As long as I was smooth and even with my pressure on the pedal, however, it was fine.

Fuel economy for the AWD test vehicle was 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, and I averaged about 20 mpg during my weeklong test. This included the heavy traffic to Indy, a daily commute to Wilmette from the city and a three-hour stretch back from Indy at highway speeds.

Coming this summer, the 2010 MKS will be available with the all-new EcoBoost engine, which is a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 3.5-liter V-6.  With the new EcoBoost technology you’re looking at the best of both worlds. The new engine will deliver the power of a V-8 with 355 horsepower, yet the fuel economy will remain that of a V-6.

The MKS is all-new for the 2009 model year, and I think Lincoln did a great job with this car inside and out. I’ve already mentioned the cushy seats, but the actual interior styling is classy, yet simple. The black-and-white gauges turned out to be elegant rather than boring, and I was a big fan of the huge Lincoln emblem imprinted on the headrests of the front seats.

For a large sedan, the MKS is one of my favorites. Not only is it a stellar example of the hot American styling that’s beginning to emerge, it is also built right here on the South Side at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant. The EcoBoost engine will also be produced here.

LINCOLN MKS

ENGINE: 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

BASE PRICE: $38,490

AS TESTED: $47,065

WEB SITE: www.lincoln.com