This impressive-looking machine is posh Ford brand Lincoln's new range-topping SUV, the 2018 Navigator, which is debuting at the New York Auto Show. There have been lots of spy pics depicting its basic shape, and with the coverings now removed, we see the new Navigator is strikingly similar to the gullwing Navigator Conceptthat graced the New York Auto Show last year. Unfortunately the fantastic gullwing doors didn’t make it to production, but then again we always knew that would be the case (Lincoln isn't Tesla, now).

The new Continental-themed mesh grille did make it to production, along with the rounded edges and sweeping body lines on the otherwise chiseled exterior that made the concept so appealing. As expected, the new Navigator makes prolific use of aluminium with its high-strength aluminium-alloy body that cuts almost 100kg of heft compared to the outgoing model.

Power will continue to come from a biturbo V6 that Lincoln says is projected to make 450 horsepower, though “projected” suggests that there are still some matters up for discussion. Perhaps Lincoln’s Blue Oval overlords don’t want a Navigator with the same power as an F-150 Raptor? Whatever the final total is, it will run through Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. 

2018 Lincoln Navigator
2018 Lincoln Navigator
2018 Lincoln Navigator
2018 Lincoln Navigator

Inside, Lincoln touts the Navigator’s luxury features and spacious interior. It sports a dozen charging points – six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, a single 110-volt plug, and a wireless phone charger in the front portion of the centre console. Both front seats feature heating/cooling/massaging functions and are adjustable up to 30 ways. Rearmost seats have a recline function for power napping between rest stops.

Optional rear-seat entertainment systems feature 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of front seats and can be accessed independently – either wirelessly or through plug-in media – so the kids (or adults) can enjoy their own programming.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the standard SYNC 3 system, and thanks to an agreement with Sling Media, folks with a Slingbox can access their channels in the Navigator. A total of 20 speakers with the optional Revel II audio system can create distinct listening modes including audience, on-stage, and stereo.

There’s plenty of technology for drivers as well. Parking assist with 360-degree visibility through a series of cameras is an available option, as is Trailer Backup Assist which will automatically steer to help reversing with a trailer, effectively eliminating the embarrassment often faced by weekend warriors trying to reverse from the fuel pump at truck stops. A 12-inch configurable instrument cluster with an available heads-up display gives drivers plenty of customisation as far as information. Adaptive cruise control is optional, but surprisingly the Navigator doesn’t offer any kind of lane-keeping assist.

At night, the Navigator’s adaptive lighting system can adjust the headlight beams for wider coverage at low speeds, then narrow up for better distance visibility at higher speeds. Speaking of lights, each row of seats has its own LED lighting, a Lincoln 'welcome mat' will illuminate on the ground beneath the front doors, and the Lincoln star badge in the grille lights up too. Isn’t that cute?

The Navigator was in dire need of an update, and while the styling is certainly refreshing, it’s a fairly conservative offering for the large luxury SUV segment considering the available extras. There is no mention of cost, though a base price around $65,000 is a safe bet. That's around £52,000. Bit cheaper than a Range Rover, no?

Source: Lincoln
Live photos: Sebastian Blanco / Motor1.com

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Gallery: 2018 Lincoln Navigator

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New Navigator: Spacious Interior, Personalized Technology Elevate Family Travel to First Class

 

NEW YORK, April 12, 2017 – Lincoln today introduces the 2018 Navigator, an all-new full-size SUV that combines modern luxury with advanced technology – elevating family travel to first class.

 

Wireless charging and standard Wi-Fi keep everyone connected. Advanced technology allows the driver to effortlessly adjust the vehicle to make driving easier or more enjoyable – in any weather or terrain. With more space for your belongings than any other large SUV*, the all-new Navigator assures almost nothing is left behind.

 

“Quiet luxury is both a look and a feeling,” says Kumar Galhotra, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. “The all-new Navigator embodies both. The sleek styling, spacious interior and technology are all designed to make each trip effortless.”

 

Modern elegance

Navigator’s elegance is on display before the doors even open. Upon approach, the chrome Lincoln star logo on the grille softly illuminates**. Then, LED lighting in the lower front body and taillamps subtly engages, and a luminous Lincoln welcome mat appears beneath the front doors.

 

At night, interior ambient lights sequentially illuminate each of the SUV’s three rows. During the day, a panoramic roof fills the cabin with natural light.

A twin-turbo V6 engine projected to produce 450 horsepower provides smooth power whenever you need it, delivered through a 10-speed transmission. Navigator’s lighter, high-strength aluminum-alloy body removes nearly 200 pounds, helping create a more refined ride.

Additional weight savings have been reinvested in features such as towing capability and quietness. For example, laminated front and side glass contributes to the quietest Navigator cabin ever.

The all-new Navigator offers speed-dependent adaptive lighting, a new Lincoln technology that provides a wider spread of light at lower speeds for increased visibility – helpful when driving through residential areas. As the vehicle accelerates, the beam of light narrows to help eliminate the glare off signs or other distractions.

 

Beneath the sleek interior are inclination and intrusion sensors, which trigger an alarm if someone attempts to move or enter the vehicle.

 

Spacious, luxurious interior

Inside, spaciousness comes in all three rows, including storage in each to keep the cabin clean and organized. The all-new Navigator’s advanced cargo management system offers an adjustable shelf behind the rear seats that allows clients to create storage customized to their needs. Even with the vehicle parked on an incline, the feature ensures groceries won’t roll out when the liftgate is opened.

 

The interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with a simple, soothing ambience.

 

“When designing the Navigator, we put an emphasis on ultra-luxury touch points,” says David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director. “We took everything the client would see and touch, and made sure it would look and feel a little more exuberant, a little more indulgent and incredibly beautiful.”

Staying connected is easy in the all-new Navigator with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets and a 110-volt plug. An available wireless phone charger in the first-row center console media bin eliminates tangled cords.

The client experience is further elevated through Lincoln’s new Personal Profile. It uses the key fob to recall individual driver preferences for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

 

For owners desiring a more personalized look, Navigator comes with three Lincoln Black Label options – an exclusive collection of interior design themes and materials, plus a host of membership privileges.

 

First-class seating for all

Even when the all-new Navigator is fully packed, each occupant can sit in comfort. The driver and front-seat passenger enjoy Perfect Position Seats, which offer massage, heating and cooling functionality, and can be adjusted up to 30 different ways.

 

Standard SYNC® 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Autocompatibility enables clients to manage audio, phone, navigation and more from the vehicle touch screen or steering wheel-mounted controls. Second-row passengers have their own audio and climate control, while third-row seats feature power recline capability.

 

An available rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to stream content wirelessly with an Android device to one of the 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of the front seats. Content also can be accessed through more traditional devices like an SD card, an HDMI cord or a USB, as well as through SYNC AppLink, which permits the front-seat passenger to monitor and select viewing content.

 

Each screen can display different content, allowing a personalized entertainment experience for every passenger. Through Lincoln’s agreement with Sling Media, those who own a Slingbox can access their TV channels on the go. The standard Wi-Fi allows for up to 10 mobile devices at a time to be connected.

 

Clients can enjoy available Revel® II audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics. This transforms the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – stereo, audience and on-stage.  

 

Family-friendly technology

Navigator is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. A 12-inch configurable instrument cluster allows drivers to choose the information they want displayed. An available Head-Up Display can show selected information on the windshield instead of the instrument cluster. This helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

 

It’s also easy to adjust to changing conditions. With the turn of a dial, the driver can adapt the Navigator to changing road or weather, and enjoy a smooth, confident ride.

 

Additional available technology includes:

  • Trailer Backup Assist, which automatically steers the vehicle to turn a trailer the desired amount – meaning less time required to perform the task. Navigator is expected to deliver more towing capability than any other premium full-size SUV
  • 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist, which reduce stress from parallel and perpendicular parking. The system integrates views from four cameras to create an overhead image so the driver can see all around the vehicle
  • Adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows Navigator in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic allows