The new Lincoln Aviator was also presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. We can freely say that this is one of the most beautiful Lincoln models in the last few years, which remained very close to the concept on which it is based.
Designed as a response from Lincoln to the fast-growing segment of the luxury SUV model, Aviator aims to become one of the best-selling models of the American manufacturer. Of course, this will not be so easy, especially if we take into consideration the fact that its biggest competitors are models such as Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90.
President of the Lincoln Motor Company, Joy Falotico said that Aviator is evidence that Lincoln is moving forward, offering customers elegance, performance and exceptional comfort. Namely, Lincoln decided to create its new model to be as close as possible to the concept on which it is based, which may not be attractive as a concept, but given that it is a SUV model with three rows of seats, we must admit that it looks quite good.
The key elements of the design on the front are definitely LED headlights and a large, aggressive, chrome-plated grille. At the back end, the narrow stop light and the horizontal light line connecting them are highlighted.
When it comes to the interior, the similarity with the concept continues. The cabin features a multitude of surface areas covered with leather, a digital instrument panel and a large, central screen of the infotainment system. Seat controls are at the door, which resemble the ones we see on the Mercedes-Benz model. Aviator is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an option that allows owners to use their mobile phones as keys.
There is also a new “smart” suspension with a camera that constantly monitors the road ahead of which allows the car to “see” most of the holes or inequalities on the asphalt, and automatically adjusts the suspension accordingly, with the aim of making the ride to be as comfortable as possible. There are, of course, numerous other driver assistance systems.
Since the model Aviator share its platform with the new Ford Explorer model on it are available as standard the rear-drive and all-wheel drive. The introductory engine (if we could say that it was introductory with regard to power), is a triple V6 bi-turbo that develops 400 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque. This unit is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
For those who do not even have enough, Lincoln will soon place on the market a plug-in hybrid version of this model that will develop about 450 horsepower and over 800 Nm of torque. This model offers two driving modes: Pure EV (Electric Power only) and “Preserve EV”, which only engages the SUS unit.
The new Aviator will be available to customers in China in addition to the USA (something later probably in other markets), and price information has yet to be published.