The Evolution of The Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan was an American compact executive car produced by Ford’s luxury brand, Mercury, from 2005 to 2011. The Milan was designed as a direct competitor to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, with the goal of providing a unique blend of comfort, performance, and style.
Early Years: 2005-2008
The first-generation Mercury Milan was launched in 2005 as a 2006 model. It was based on the Ford Mondeo, a European model that shared the same platform as the Ford Fusion. The Milan was offered in two trim levels: the base ‘Mercury Milan’ and the mid-range ‘Mercury Milan V6’. The base model featured a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine producing 157 horsepower, while the V6 model boasted a 3.0L V6 engine producing 207 horsepower.
In 2007, Mercury introduced a hybrid version of the Milan, called the ‘Mercury Milan Hybrid’. This model combined a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 157 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain improved fuel efficiency, with an estimated 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Mid-Life Upgrades: 2009-2010
For the 2009 model year, Mercury introduced a significant refresh for the Milan, which included updated exterior styling, a revised interior, and a new feature called the ‘Driver Package’ as standard. The Milan’s front end featured a new grille with a more angular design, and the rear gained a restyled bumper.
In 2009, the Milan V6 model underwent a power boost, with its 3.0L V6 engine now producing 223 horsepower. The base model’s 2.3L 4-cylinder engine remained untouched.
Final Years: 2011
The final year of production for the Mercury Milan was 2011. The model year saw the return of the ‘Limited’ trim level, which had previously been discontinued in 2009. The Limited model featured a more luxurious interior with premium leather upholstery, heated seating, and a panoramic moonroof.
In 2011, the Milan was also available with the optional ‘Technology Package’, which added a navigation system, rearview camera, and a premium audio system with a 9-speaker setup.
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Trims and Options
Throughout its production run, the Mercury Milan was offered in the following trim levels:
- Mercury Milan (2005-2011): The base model, featuring a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine producing 157 horsepower.
- Mercury Milan V6 (2006-2011): The mid-range model, boasting a 3.0L V6 engine producing 207 horsepower (2006-2008), and 223 horsepower (2009-2011).
- Mercury Milan Hybrid (2007-2010): The eco-friendly model, combining a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor.
- Mercury Milan Limited (2006-2009, 2011): The luxury version, featuring a more refined interior and premium amenities.
- Mercury Milan Premier (2008-2011): The high-end model, offering advanced features like a navigation system and premium audio.
Options and features available on the Milan included:
- Driver Package (standard on all models from 2009): A package featuring keyless entry, a remote start system, and a universal garage door opener.
- Technology Package (optional on 2011 models): A package adding a navigation system, rearview camera, and a premium audio system with a 9-speaker setup.
- Sport Package (optional on 2006-2009 models): A package featuring sport-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Luxury Package (optional on 2009-2011 models): A package featuring premium leather upholstery, heated seating, and a panoramic moonroof.
Sales and Reception
The Mercury Milan received generally positive reviews from critics and customers alike, with praise for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and strong engine options. However, the model struggled to gain traction in the market, with sales dwindling in the face of strong competition from Toyota and Honda.
In its final year of production, the Milan sold just over 12,000 units in the United States, a significant decline from its peak sales of 24,000 units in 2006.
Conclusion
The Mercury Milan’s evolution from 2005 to 2011 showcased the brand’s commitment to producing a competitive and stylish compact executive car. Despite its strong features and luxurious interior, the Milan failed to gain significant market share in a crowded segment. With the demise of the Mercury brand in 2011, the Milan joined the ranks of discontinued models, a victim of the tumultuous automotive landscape of the early 21st century.
However, its legacy lives on as a testament to the brand’s efforts to create a unique and desirable product. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Mercury Milan remains a fascinating footnote in the history of Mercury and the Ford Motor Company.
