China Daily

Lincoln’s flagship Navigator utility set to redefine full-size SUV segment

- By LI FUSHENG lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

Lincoln launched its allnew flagship utility Navigator in China on Thursday, which aims to change the market’s landscape with its commanding but effortless power and cutting-edge technologi­es.

Available with two trim packages — Preferred and Presidenti­al Series, the model has suggested retail prices of 1,128,000 yuan ($178,199) and 1,228,000 yuan respective­ly.

“Back in 1997, the Lincoln Navigator created the segment of Lincoln’s large premium utility and it is still an icon of this segment to this day,” said Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific.

“Again, it will set the standard for the large premium utility segment and strengthen the competitiv­eness of the Lincoln SUV Family.”

Marentic said that the large premium utility market is growing fast in China, and she expects the segment will continue its momentum and grow by over 47 percent year-on-year in 2018. All-new Navigator

The all-new Lincoln Navigator, which competes with rivals like the Mercedes GLS and Land Rover Range Rover, has elegant lines and bold dimensions: It is 5,355 millimeter­s in length, 2,073 mm in width and 1,937 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,112 mm.

It features a newly-interprete­d signature one-piece grille. The crown-shaped LED headlamps and double hockey-stickshape­d daytime running lamps are unique, and the integrated LED tail lamps accentuate the car’s width.

The all-new Lincoln Navigator also boasts a spacious interior that can comfortabl­y accommodat­e seven passengers in its three rows of seating. premium utility segment. Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific

Considerin­g Chinese customers’ specific requiremen­ts, the second row can move up to 10 cm forward or backward, allowing extra leg room if needed.

The third row offers the largest space in its class, comfortabl­y seating both children and adults.

If the second and third row seats are folded, the Navigator will have a cargo space of up to 2,479 liters. Its panoramic sunroof, which measures 1,200 mm by 870 mm, is also the largest in its class. The all-new Lincoln Navigator adopts the same non-load-bearing structure that is seen on its predecesso­rs and uses for the first time a lightweigh­t aluminumal­loy body, which cuts the vehicle’s weight but enhances its strength.

Its twin-turbocharg­ed 3.5-liter V6 engine generates an output of 415 PS and a torque of 670 Newton meters, while its best-in-class 10-speed automatic transmissi­on makes gear shifts smoother while improving fuel efficiency.

The newly upgraded Lincoln Drive Control integrates Continuous­ly Controlled Damping, Electric Power Assisted Steering and enhanced Active Noise Control. With the turn of a dial, drivers can select among six modes — Normal, Excite, Slippery, Conserve, Deep Conditions and Slow Climb — and easily enjoy confident control in different road conditions.

The model also deploys personal technologi­es throughout.

The HUD system, which can effectivel­y eliminate glare, automatica­lly adjusts the content for display, so that drivers can find the speed, navigation or telephone informatio­n they want without taking their eyes off the road. Its SYNC® 3 system boasts a lean, intuitive interface, and the recently-launched Lincoln Way App allows drivers to remotely open and lock car doors, turn on air conditioni­ng and start the engine.

A 4G network and wireless charging are also available, with a total of 13 charging ports on the model, including one for data recorders for Chinese customers behind the rearview mirror.

It is equipped with 30-way Perfect Position Seats, with functional­ities of heating, ventilatio­n and massage, that provide support and relief for the neck, back, waist and legs separately. The standard Revel® Ultima system deploys 20 speakers and creates a theaterlik­e experience.

The car also provides infotainme­nt solutions for rear row passengers, who can enjoy two 10-inch touch screens that support both wired and wireless headphones. The all-new Lincoln Navigator has over 20 driver assistance and positive and passive safety technologi­es, such as Active Cruise Control, Stop & Go and other functional­ities. Its Pre-Collision Avoidance uses a suite of sensors and cameras to detect humans and objects, both active or static. Lincoln in China

Lincoln is one of the fastestgro­wing premium brands in China, its soon-to-be largest market worldwide, with its personaliz­ed purchase and ownership experience, termed as The Lincoln Way, winning the hearts and minds of increasing­ly demanding customers in the country. The auto marque sold 54,124 cars in China in 2017, a 66 percent surge year-on-year.

It has delivered more than 100,000 Lincoln cars to Chinese customers since its arrival in late 2014 and is the only premium brand to have so many fans in such a short period of time.

Seven out of Lincoln’s top 10 best-selling dealership­s are in China, according to the carmaker, which had built a sales network of 100 dealership­s by the end of 2017.

With the all-new Navigator introduced to its lineup, Lincoln expects an even better market performanc­e this year.

Lincoln will continue to expand its dealership network this year, with the total number expected to reach 125 by the end of 2018. Further improvemen­t will also be made to Lincoln’s after-sales service to provide profession­al personnel for Lincoln stores nationwide, said the carmaker.

Again, it will set the standard for the large premium utility segment and strengthen the competitiv­eness of the Lincoln SUV Family.”

 ?? PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ?? Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific, attends the release ceremony of the all-new flagship utility Navigator on Thursday.
PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific, attends the release ceremony of the all-new flagship utility Navigator on Thursday.
 ??  ?? The all-new Lincoln Navigator sets the standard for the large
The all-new Lincoln Navigator sets the standard for the large

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