Lincoln unveiled the latest generation of its full-size luxury SUV at the 2017 New York Auto Show. The all-new 2018 Navigator brings a long list of new luxury and convenience features, and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out an estimated 450 horsepower with the aid of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Lincoln says that the Navigator’s lightweight aluminum alloy body removes nearly 200 pounds, and that the cabin is quieter than any previous Navigator—thanks in part to laminated front and side glass. There are 30-way “Perfect Position” seats for both driver and front-seat passenger, with heating, cooling, and massage. The second-row seats have their own audio and climate controls, and the third-row seats have a power-reclining feature.
2017 Chicago Auto Show: 2018 Ford Expedition
The Personal Profile keyfob memory feature recalls personal climate-control and entertainment settings in addition to seat, pedal, and mirror position memory. The available 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system offers three listening modes: stereo, audience, and on-stage. A speed dependent adaptive lighting system provides a wider spread of light for better visibility in low-speed residential driving, and a narrower beam of light for less glare off road signs and other distractions in highway driving.
Other driving-aid features include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera with enhanced park assist, Trailer Backup Assist, and a 12-inch configurable digital instrument panel with an available head-up display. Seven selectable drive-mode settings—Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, Slow Climb, and Deep Sand—adapt powertrain parameters to suit driver preferences and road/terrain conditions.
The ultra-luxury Black Label trim level offers a choice of three interior design themes—Yacht Club, Chalet, or Destination—as well as personal services (such as annual vehicle detailing and anytime car washes) and exclusive membership privileges.
Connectivity features abound. The Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is standard, as is built-in Wi-Fi that allows up to 10 devices at a time to be connected. There are six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, and a 110-volt plug. The available rear-seat entertainment system can stream content wirelessly with an Android device, or use an SD card, HDMI cable, USB connection, or the SYNC AppLink feature. Owners of a Slingbox TV streaming device can access their TV channels via the system. The available LincolnWay smartphone app offers remote-access features such as vehicle location, unlocking, and starting, along with a variety of concierge-type services. Connectivity to Amazon Alexa services will be available as well.
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is slated to arrive in dealerships late this year.
CG Says:
Lincoln unveiled its Navigator Concept at last year’s New York Auto Show. The Concept’s outlandish gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps didn’t make it to the production model, obviously, but otherwise the 2018 Navigator is remarkably faithful to its show-car counterpart. We think the understated look of Lincoln’s latest design motif translates quite well to the imposing dimensions of a large SUV. The Navigator’s long list of coddling (and unique) comfort and technology features is impressive, and the cabin trimmings look to be genuinely luxurious—well beyond just a dressed-up Ford Expedition. Lincoln didn’t release pricing info, but the new Navigator presents itself as an interesting alternative for Cadillac Escalade and/or Range Rover intenders.
