Upscale family sedans are proliferating. From Acura TLs to Volvo S60s and Volkswagen Passats, the once square family hauler is now sporty, sleek, potentially loaded, and some might even say fun.

Among the current mix of such vehicles are three domestics – the Cadillac CTS, the Chrysler 300, and Lincoln’s own outgoing LS. For 2006, that figure jumps to four with the addition of the Lincoln Zephyr, a more sophisticated version of the lauded Ford Fusion. However, as is befitting for the premium brand’s nameplate, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr comes with a well-crafted wood and leather interior, a long list of standard convenience and safety features, exclusive options, a better warranty, and a starting price that’s less than the competitors’.