2018 Lincoln Navigator – Escalade Killer?

For years, the Cadillac Escalade has ruled the full-size luxury SUV market, at least from the American-made perspective.  Lincoln’s Navigator stood in the shadows as an outdated heap that attracted little public interest.  That is all about to change…!

Unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show, the new 2018 Navigator is a legitimate player in the field.  In fact, the new Lincoln behemoth has trumped the Escalade in terms of oversized luxury! 

The exterior hews closely to the Navigator Concept from last year’s New York show, minus the crazy gullwing doors.  The turbine wheels, highly detailed grill, headlights and taillights are pretty much carried over, and easily recognizable as Lincoln design cues. 

With apologies to V-8 purists, the only engine choice is a revised turbocharged and direct-injected V-6.  Don’t scoff folks.  This 3.5 liter powerplant is rated at 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque!  That will get you to your kid’s soccer practice right now!  The transmission is a new 10-speed unit, and it appears that both rear and all-wheel drive will be available. 

Now to that luxury part…

The team at Lincoln knew they had to swing for the fences on the interior, and at a glance it appears they have hit one out of the park!  The design has an updated, modern Lincoln-esque feel, yet is still pleasing to the eye.  Fit and finish and ergonomics are top shelf, and technology overflow-eth! 

30-way adjustable thrones, referred to as Perfect Position Seats by the Lincoln marketing folks, are not only endlessly adjustable, but come with the requisite heating, cooling and massage functions.  Even the third-row seats have a power recline feature.  Analog gauges have been banished in favor of a digital gauge screen, along with the separate infotainment screen and rear-seat entertainment screens.  An available audiophile grade 20-speaker stereo from Revel is available as well.

Connectivity?

You bet!  Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, six USB ports, four 12-volt power sources, wireless charging, and a 110-volt AC outlet are all available.  The Sync 3 infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability ready to go.

Bling…  Luxury…  Technology…  Power…  Presence…

The new Navi is due in showrooms this fall.  Pricing has not been released at press time, but expect it to climb a few duckets above the old model’s MSRP.

Kudos to Lincoln…

Cheers!

Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the highly sought after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients with the acquisition of the finer things life has to offer.  Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to wine country, selecting audio equipment to outfit your home, planning your dream vacation or purchasing your ultimate transportation, Marty is your personal connection to the good life…

Marty can be contacted at:   916.952.9529    Marty@ConnoisseurCorner.com