The 2008 Mercury Milan comes in two trim levels, base and Premier, each offered with a four-cylinder or a V6. Front-wheel drive is standard; V6 models are offered with all-wheel drive. The base powertrain is a 2.3-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is optional ($1045) and it adds aluminum wheels as well. The V6 is a 221-hp 3.0-liter that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Milan four-cylinder ($18,725) and V6 ($21,975) models come standard with air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input jack, analog clock, overhead console with sunglasses holder, power locks, power windows, heated power outside mirrors, antitheft system, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment, four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat that folds flat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with secondary audio controls, remote keyless entry, keyless entry keypad, and P205/60R16 tires on steel wheels. The V6 is also offered with all-wheel drive ($23,825).

Options for base models start with a Moon and Tune Package ($795) with a power moonroof, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player and Sirius satellite radio. Sirius ($195) and the AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player ($195) are available separately. A rear spoiler ($295) is offered. Ambient lighting ($295), which illuminates the front cupholders and front and rear footwells with a choice of seven different colors, is available late in the model year. An Appearance Package ($545) is offered for V6 models. It includes blue Alcantara seat and door trim inserts, blue interior stitching, fog lamps, rear spoiler, and P225/50R17 tires on aluminum wheels with painted pockets.

The four-cylinder Premier ($20,420) and V6 Premier ($23,295) add leather upholstery, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium audio with six-disc CD player, fog lights, the Sync entertainment and communications system (late in the model year), fog lights, and P225/50R17 tires on aluminum wheels. The V6 Premier is available with all-wheel drive ($25,145).

Options for Premier above those of base models include a DVD-based navigation system ($1895) that adds voice activation for 2008; the Moon and Tune Elite Package ($895) that has a power moonroof, Sirius satellite radio and an eight-speaker Audiophile AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer; heated seats ($295); and the Audiophile stereo ($425) by itself. Late-2008 models offer an Amenities Package ($595) with rear park assist, universal garage door opener and ambient lighting.

Safety equipment on all models includes dual-stage front airbags; seat-mounted, torso-protecting front side airbags; side curtain airbags for head protection in both rows; tire-pressure monitor; LATCH child-seat anchors; rear-door child-safety locks; and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Traction control is standard on V6 models. Rear obstacle detection is optional ($295).