Whatyoushouldknow
Lincoln takes its luxury utility vehicle to new heights
FMotor Co. has been retooling the Lincoln brand with new names and updated styling. With the 2020 Aviator, which arrives later this year, the brand is also introducing a new model.
In terms of ranking, the Aviator — a nameplate originally attached to a Ford-explorer-based Lincoln sold from model years 2003 to 2005 — slots between the giant-size Navigator and the midsize Nautilus. Despite being about 10 inches shorter than the Nav, the Aviator should for all intents and purposes be considered full size.
The newest tall Lincoln is built on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the upcoming 2020 Ford Explorer. Although all-wheel-drive is available, the powertrains are positioned longitudinally, front to back, and not sideways, as was the case with the Explorer’s previous front-wheeldrive architecture.
A regular springs-and-shocks suspension is standard, but upper trims come with air springs with active (constantly adjusting) dampers. They work in combination with a camera that scans the road surface to assist the active suspension in smoothing out the ride.
The bodywork is decidedly elegant, from Lincoln’s signature grille — reminiscent of Jaguar’s, actually — on back to the slightly angled liftgate. Instead of squaring off the roofline as the designers did with the Navigator, the Aviator’s slopes downward toward the rear. That plus the slight creases around the fender openings contribute to the vehicle’s shapely appearance.
The extended-length rear doors should aid access of the two-place 50:50 split-folding and power-folding third-row seat.
There is abundant space for seven passengers or six if the available second-row bucket seats are ordered in place of the standard three-person bench. The individual seats can be separated, if ordered, by one of two different types of floor consoles.
The driver and front passenger have a clear view of the standard 10.1-inch or optional 12.3-inch information screen that sticks up from the dashboard.
The base Aviator is fitted with a twin-turbocharged, 2.7-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and Type: Engine (h.p.):
Transmission: 10-speed automatic Market position: As with nearly every automaker, Ford’s Lincoln division is fortifying its tall-wagon lineup to fill every possible niche. The Aviator, which slots between the Nautilus and the Navigator, is but one example of the trend.
Points: Elegant upscale styling pulls out all the stops. Spacious interior is appropriately well-dressed, but the information screen’s placement is jarring. Twin-turbo V-6 pumps out plenty of power. The hybrid version does even better and should be more fuel-efficient. Too bad the more expensive hybrid powertrain also requires the pricier upper trim levels.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); emergency braking (std.); lane-departure intervention (std.); pedestrian detection (std.)
MPG (city/hwy): n.a.
Base price (incl. destination):
400 pound-feet of torque. Power is distributed to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It plays a pivotal role when the plug-in hybrid version is selected. The system’s electric motor is connected to the transmission, increasing the twin-turbo’s output to 450 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. When the system is fully charged, it’s expected to provide up to 30 miles of range, while operating
solely on electric propulsion.
Lincoln has not yet released the Aviator’s fuel economy numbers.
Of the four available trim levels, the Aviator Standard, which lists for $52,200, including destination charges, comes with tri-zone climate control, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, forward and reverse sensors and 19-inch wheels.
The Reserve gets 20-inch wheels plus quad-zone climate control, premium 14-speaker sound system and a hands-free power liftgate. The Black Label bulks up with 22-inch wheels, 30-way power front seats with massage (also heated and ventilated), a 28-speaker sound package and a panoramic roof.
Opting for the hybrid will require ordering the Grand Touring or Black
Label Grand Touring trim. The first adds a few more dress-up items, but the second gets the full-load treatment, including air suspension with a system that automatically lowers the body when the driver approaches.
The two dozen or so bells and buzzers that sound whenever a seat belt isn’t attached, a door is ajar, etc., have been replaced by musical alerts crafted by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. How’s that for class?
Drivers can also unlock the Aviator and even start it via a Phone As Key app, and an exterior keypad can be used as a backup if your phone goes dead.
With plenty of competition from other luxury utilities, Lincoln is going all out to get buyer attention. The Aviator’s seductive style, coddling comfort and big-numbers performance should help get in the shortlist.