2020 Lincoln Aviator makes sleek luxe SUV a plug-in hybrid
The midsize luxury SUV segment just got an impressive new competitor, with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator promising Navigator-style road presence with Continental luxury. Unveiled at the LA Auto Show 2018, the all-new SUV packs a number of firsts for the automaker, including a fresh hybrid drivetrain and smartphone integration.
As we've seen already on the Navigator, Lincoln's grille looks particularly good when it's big and bold. For LA, the car is outfitted in iridescent Flight Blue, with a contrasting high-gloss black grille, and chrome accents. The windshield in particular is unusual, with a wraparound design.
Inside, there'll be a number of Lincoln Black Label options. Flight, new on the 2020 Aviator, will combine Luggage Tan and Ebony, with engine turn appliqés and minimal processing to the leather for a more natural look.
Chalet, meanwhile, pairs Espresso and Alpine Venetian leathers with Silverwood appliqués. Finally, Destination joins Mahogany Red Venetial leather with a diamond weave with Khama wood appliqués.
The standard engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, hooked up to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic. Lincoln expects it to muster 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive will be optional.
The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, meanwhile, is the automaker's new plug-in hybrid. It combines a 3.0-liter V6 with electrification, the result being a predicted 450 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. There'll be a Pure EV battery-only mode, but Lincoln isn't talking about electric-only range yet.
Air Glide Suspension with Dynamic Lower Entry will be optional, and can lower the SUV automatically for easier entry when at a standstill but also better aerodynamics above 70mph. Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview, meanwhile, uses a forward-facing camera to analyze the road surface and adjust the suspension settings proactively so as to deal with potholes and bumps.
As for the luxury tech, that should satisfy demanding 3-row SUV buyers, too. There's an available Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, with a full 28 speakers, for instance. Perfect Position seats are another option, with 30-way adjustability, massage, and extra limb support in the front row.
The second row seats recline along with adjusting fore and aft. They also slide forward for third row access. In the Grand Touring, the battery is under the floor so was not to intrude on either cabin or cargo space.
Lincoln will include WiFi hotspot functionality as standard, along with multiple power outlets. A wireless phone charger is optional. There's also Phone As A Key, which uses a smartphone app to control door locking, lift gate opening, and remote start.
Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus will package together adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, while evasive steering assist will allow the Aviator to steer out of the way of a potential collision. There's also reverse brake assist and auto-park. Blind-spot detection with cross traffic alerts and pre-collision assistance, plus lane-keeping assistance, are all standard.
As for how much all this might cost you, so far Lincoln isn't saying. Pricing and availability for the 2020 Aviator are yet to be confirmed.