See 2013 Lincoln MKZ Full Photo Gallery

By all counts, Lincoln's future has arrived with the redesigned 2013 Lincoln MKZ and 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The new midsize luxury sedan is the future face of the brand, aimed at younger drivers interested in sporty luxury.

The production car is virtually identical to the concept shown at the North American international Auto Show in Detroit in January. The exterior features an aerodynamic design with a sweeping roofline that incorporates a 15.2-square-foot retractable panoramic glass roof. It is one of the largest openings available on any current sedan, yet the design maintains strength comparable to a steel-roof.

See 2013 Lincoln MKZ Full Photo Gallery

On the interior, the sweeping line of the instrument panel echoes the exterior styling lines, while an open center console, push button shift (instead of a lever) and standard leather seating feature a contemporary design that Lincoln believes will appeal to younger buyers. Comfort and convenience features include a full-color, 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster with the latest version of SYNC with MyLincoln Touch, an 11-speaker auto system, heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat and remote start capability.

See 2013 Lincoln MKZ Full Photo Gallery

There is a long list of standard safety features including Lake Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, adaptive cruise control and collision warning, active park assist and blind spot warning systems. Particularly noteworthy are the inflatable second-row outboard seatbelts, an option, which inflate in a collision to spread the impact across a larger area of the body, reducing chest pressure and helping to control head and neck motion.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ comes with a choice of two gasoline engines, plus a hybrid configuration. The base model is equipped with a 240 hp, 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder that Lincoln estimates will get 22 city mpg / 33 highway mpg, a 20 percent increase over the 2012 Lincoln MKZ, while providing V6-like performance. A 300 hp, 3.7-liter V6 is also available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. This engine has a 37 hp increase over the 2012 model and Lincoln estimates a five percent improvement in fuel economy. Both gasoline engines are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to generate 188 hp and matted to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy estimates on the hybrid model are not yet available. All models are equipped with Active Noise Control to reduce road noise, and Lincoln Drive Control, an automatic system that continually adjusts the drivetrain to balance a ride and handling.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ arrives later this year.

Here's what others are saying:

Autoblog: "In an effort to further distance the model from the very successful Ford Fusion, the MKZ now wears a more aerodynamic and distinctive shape, complete with a new interpretation of the family's split wing grille. Max Wolff, the Lincoln design director, says the grille is supposed to invoke the image of an eagle descending on its prey, though we see more splattered butterfly in the fascia. Still, the smallish, adaptive headlight arrays and contoured hood are a huge step forward for this luxury sedan."

Automobile: "Although the car is essentially based on the 2013 Ford Fusion, there are few obvious similarities between the cars. The new MKZ has a striking, elegant design, as well as a laundry list of upmarket features, that demonstrate Lincoln's commitment to revamping its image."

Chicago Tribune: "I was leery of a push-button gear selector from the company that makes MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch, since gear selection is an important step to get right the first time. The buttons, located on the driver's side of the center dashboard, look to be traditional types that depress into the panel. We'll have to report back once we get behind the wheel because we weren't allowed to sit in the MKZ on the show floor or touch anything inside."

Washington Post: "So does it have what it takes to compete in the hotly-contested mid-size luxury segment? That’s hard to answer just yet. Reactions towards its styling were mixed in New York though its specs, on paper at least, are impressive."