Navigating the Titanic Navigator
It’s probably a bit passé to discuss a Lincoln Navigator’s gargantuan size, but the latest edition takes the biscuit. Or should that be packet of biscuits? Turning up on a sunny Thursday morning (what a shock), the hulking great body glinting in the light had us agog. We’ve obviously driven bigger cars, but while they are often novelty acts, this is sold as a viable daily-use family car. And you know what, it always lives up to its task. Yes, climbing aboard the luxury liner may be a bit daunting at first and getting used to the length and width takes a few runs, but the equipment is such – the light steering, cameras everywhere etc. – that actually you become one with the beast pretty quickly.
Let’s discuss the size a little more
It’s one of the top reasons you’re going to go for one of these, so it deserves another going over. Much like a plane, three rows of seats in most automobiles usually means the first two are luxurious, the middle row is passable and the back row is very much economy travel. Not so here, though. Sure the driver and front-seat passenger enjoy seats with massage, heating and cooling functionality, and can be adjusted up to 30 different ways, but second-row passengers have their own audio and climate control, while thirdrow seats feature power recline capability. The back row also has charging points for devices and the acoustics combined with Revel Ultima audio and 20 speakers should make for a harmonious environment throughout. We tried out the back row and while the taller people may only be prepared to go on shorter trips, it’s very palatial. If you’re thinking, with all that, there’s no space for bags, you’d be wrong. The Navigator L has more than 430-litres of capacity behind the third row.
So with that heft, does it lumber?
No is the simple answer to that question. Surprisingly, no. Despite being equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre engine producing 450hp and 691Nm of torque, we still thought this Lincoln may take a while to get up to speed. If anything it’s too responsive. You’re flying before you even realise it. Aided by an all-new 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, you really could give a mid to high-end saloon a run for its money. Not for a long time have we seen a car shift in this manner. Some reviews have noted a lag in the time for the turbo to kick in. We didn’t experience any of that in the slightest. For speed it’s really top notch.
Hey, good lookin’
We don’t have to say much on this front. A Lincoln Navigator has always strived to be presidential in its appearance and it’s more of the same here. A mammoth chrome grille, enormous chrome rims and chrome accents on a muted paint job will do that. What we thought was particularly beautiful, however, was the superior interior we discovered. Yes you expect carpet and leather in anything with this sort of price tag, but the quality of materials and almost Roman-esque design inside was interesting and, as with all Lincolns, very comfortable.
So it’s only big and beautiful?
No, it’s smart too. We feel going too deep into the tech is perhaps unnecessary these days as every modern car has a plethora of syncup or in-built gizmos to keep you safe and entertained. Worthy of merit was the 360-degree camera, which was not just good, it was essential and the central 12-inch instrument cluster display was easy to use. That’s about it. Any other tech worked in the background to provide a very enjoyable drive and, we suppose, that’s the mark of quality.