Revisiting vintage styles, authentic monikers, and a three-row, relatable SUV known as the Lincoln Aviator. A revival of the aeronautical-themed nameplate last witnessed in 2005, this iteration shines with a sophisticated conception, advanced features such as a camera-centric adaptable suspension system, and a hybridized twin-turbo engine; signifies Lincoln’s triumph in this endeavor.
Critics may debate Ford Motor Company’s strategy focusing on trucks, yet if this introspective approach results in refined vehicles like the Lincoln Aviator, dissent diminishes. Lincoln’s SUV lineup now features three models: the compact MKC, stemming from the Ford Escape foundation; the intermediate Nautilus, akin to the Ford Edge; and the formidable Navigator, a well-known player. The new Lincoln Aviator adopts a fresh rear-wheel-drive architecture from the forthcoming Ford Explorer iteration, placing it precisely between the Nautilus and Navigator in terms of dimensions and purpose.
When automakers translate concept cars into production, innovation blooms. The Aviator concept captivated audiences at its debut during the March edition of the New York auto show, with its refined, noble design transcending bureaucratic constraints. Bold yet subtle, the front end boasts a distinctive, rearward-angled interpretation of Lincoln’s signature face that smoothly transitions into a pleasantly level waistline. The slender D-pillar sets it apart—unlike many contemporary SUVs, which tend to bunch up at the rear—Lincoln’s design chief David Woodhouse explained the deliberate choice to defy norms and “decompress” the Aviator’s backend.
Given its nomenclature, the Aviator naturally incorporates aeronautical nuances evident in the subtly curved windshield, captivating Flight Blue hue, and the aerodynamic silhouette created by the sloping roof and straight beltline. Woodhouse revealed that the design team drew inspiration from post-World War II European grand tourer vehicles, particularly their streamlined profiles. While most new cars feature a barrage of superlative descriptions, the Aviator feels earnestly exceptional. It stands out as one of the most visually pleasing mainstream SUVs, particularly in the striking Flight Blue finish.
The interior reflects a timeless allure, a simplistic area equipped with Lincoln’s 30-option “Perfect Position” pneumatic seating, polished aluminum accents, and a delightful blend of vintage sophistication and contemporary technologies. Features like wireless charging, standard Wi-Fi connectivity, a 12.3-inch vivid color display for gauges, and an optional (standard on the Black Label) 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3-D surround audio system complement the opulent wood and leather surroundings. The celestial ambiance is enhanced by exceptional 360-degree external visibility. Plus, the melodious alert tones add a symphonic touch.
Kyle Cheromcha
Individuals with prescription sunglasses will rejoice in the fact that the new heads-up display will still function with polarized shades. The technological advancement continues with a wide range of Phone As A Key functionalities that will enable owners to leave the fob at home—during the reveal event, Lincoln executives were not hesitant to mention Tesla, asserting that the Aviator’s system will be much more secure. Unceasingly, until the sun extinguishes, FoMoCo’s numbered keypad on the driver’s door makes a comeback.
But how will this modern aviator excel on the road? That remains to be witnessed, but the powertrain specifications for the Aviator are unprecedented for Lincoln: a twin-turbo V6 delivering 400horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque comes as standard, paired with rear-wheel drive. In the flagship GT trim, things get even more intriguing, as an additional electric motor boosts the power output to 450 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. This marks the most potent powertrain ever produced by Lincoln. The Aviator offers five distinct driving modes to further enhance the driving experience: Normal, Excite, Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with the last mode aimed at optimizing all-wheel-drive performance. The GT version will also introduce pure electric and pure gasoline modes.
Enhancing driving comfort is the Aviator’s Air Glide air suspension system. It features an adaptable setup offering various heights for regular, off-road, and high-speed driving—the Aviator will even lower when owners approach for effortless entry. Additionally, an optional adaptive suspension package includes a feature called Road Preview, which utilizes the traffic sign recognition camera to scan the road ahead for obstacles and proactively adjust the damping as necessary. Lastly, a comprehensive set of advanced safety features named Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 Plus incorporates functionalities such as Evasive Steering Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, the latter combining intelligent stop-and-go cruise control with lane centering and traffic sign recognition to manage most driving tasks in low-speed scenarios.
Details on the pure electric performance or range for the GT models are currently unavailable, as the final certification for those figures is pending. Nevertheless, Lincoln has disclosed that the electrified Aviator will support Level 1 or 2 charging and replenish an empty battery with electricity in a few hours. The company executives have expressed their target of surpassing 400 miles of combined range, highlighting that the Aviator’s electrification emphasizes performance over efficiency.
Kyle Cheromcha
Amidst an abundance of aviation analogies, Lincoln president Joy Falotico unveiled the automaker’s ultimate objective with the new model this week: recreating the “sanctuary” ambiance provided by its massive classic vehicles. Has the company finally achieved takeoff in the 21st century? The answer will arrive when we have the opportunity to test drive early next year before the Aviator’s debut at dealerships next summer. Pricing specifics have not been disclosed yet, but an initial price point above $50,000 is anticipated.
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