The Mercury Milan, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2009, represented a mid-size sedan offering from the now-defunct Mercury brand. Positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Fusion with which it shared a platform, the Milan aimed to attract buyers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and performance. The 3.0-liter V6 AWD variant with the SelectShift automatic transmission, produced from 2009 through December 2010, occupied the premium tier of the Milan lineup, offering all-wheel drive capability and a more potent engine option. This model was built on the Ford CD2 platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), shared with the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercury |
| Model | Milan |
| Generation | Milan (facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (240/250 Hp) AWD Flex Fuel SelectShift |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | December, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9-9.4 l/100 km (26.1 – 25 US mpg, 31.4 – 30.1 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Emission standard | LEV II |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 143 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 180 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 6550 rpm (250 Hp @ 6500 rpm on E85) |
| Power per litre | 80.9 Hp/l (84.3 Hp/l on E85) |
| Torque | 302 Nm @ 4300 rpm (222.74 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm) |
| Torque (E85) | 309 Nm @ 4800 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 7000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 30 |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, iVCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt, 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt, 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1678 kg (3699.36 lbs.) |
| Trunk space | 467 l (16.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62.4 l (16.48 US gal, 13.73 UK gal) |
| Length | 4849 mm (190.91 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2035 mm (80.12 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2728 mm (107.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Rear track | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission SelectShift |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 299×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 279×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Milan variant is the Duratec 30, a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine, part of Ford’s Duratec family, features a 60-degree V-angle and utilizes a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. The engine employs multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (iVCT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. This iVCT system optimizes engine performance and efficiency by adjusting valve timing based on engine speed and load. The engine is capable of running on regular gasoline or E85 flex fuel, with a slight power increase (250 hp) when utilizing the ethanol blend. The engine’s code is often referenced as 3.0L Duratec.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission marketed as “SelectShift.” This transmission offered a degree of driver control, allowing for manual gear selection via a shift gate, although it wasn’t a full manual mode with steering wheel paddles. The all-wheel-drive system is an on-demand system, primarily driving the front wheels but engaging the rear wheels when traction is lost. This system utilizes an electronically controlled clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0-liter V6 provided a noticeable performance upgrade over the base 3.5-liter V6 and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder options. With 240 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque, the Milan offered brisk acceleration and confident highway passing power. The SelectShift transmission, while not the sportiest, provided smooth and responsive shifts. The all-wheel-drive system enhanced stability and traction, particularly in inclement weather. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Fusion and Milan, the automatic offered a more relaxed driving experience, prioritizing comfort over outright performance. However, the automatic did slightly diminish fuel economy and responsiveness.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0L AWD Milan typically came well-equipped. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. Optional extras included a moonroof, navigation system, and upgraded wheels. The interior generally featured a woodgrain trim and a more refined aesthetic compared to lower trim levels. The exterior often featured chrome accents and alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The Milan’s chassis utilized an independent front suspension with coil springs and a double wishbone design, along with an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. The AWD system added weight, which slightly impacted handling agility compared to front-wheel-drive models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2009-2010 Mercury Milan 3.0L AWD was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong engine performance. However, some reviewers noted that the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to competitors. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the Ford Fusion, the Milan offered a more luxurious feel and standard features, justifying its higher price point. The AWD system provided a competitive advantage over many rivals that only offered front-wheel drive.
Legacy
The Mercury Milan, and particularly the 3.0L AWD variant, has become a relatively affordable used car option. The Duratec 30 engine is generally considered reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial. Common issues include oil leaks and occasional sensor failures. The SelectShift transmission is also generally dependable, but fluid changes should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The Milan’s all-wheel-drive system adds to its appeal in regions with harsh winters. While the Mercury brand is no longer in production, the Milan remains a viable option for buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and capable mid-size sedan.
