Lincoln took the wraps off its much-anticipated reincarnation of the four-door Continental luxury sedan at the Detroit auto show. Not surprisingly, it isn't quite as striking as the concept upon which it's based, but there's no question the full-size Lincoln flagship has road presence.
The 2017 Lincoln Continental uses a global architecture (which also serves as the basis for the Lincoln MKZ and MKX, and Ford Fusion) as a starting point, but it has a unique wheelbase and width.
The base engine will be a 3.7-liter V6 with standard front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive will be optional. Exact power output wasn't disclosed, but we expect it is around 300 hp.
Next up is a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, again with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. Figure on 325 hp or so here.
The top-level Continental will get a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing an estimated 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque—on 93-octane fuel. (The midsized MKZ sedan will also make use of this powerplant.) This top version will come with all-wheel drive and the ability to transfer power between the rear wheels during cornering.
Lincoln Drive Control will be available, giving the driver the ability to alter steering and suspension settings between three modes. Adaptive steering will also be an option.
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But enough specifications. Lincoln execs stressed the 2017 Lincoln Continental is all about "quiet luxury," not necessarily huge horsepower or performance figures. Their goal? That the new car creates a "personal sanctuary" for each buyer.
There's no question the interior is luxurious, at least in the top-end models on display. Leather abounds and the headliner is covered with a soft, suede-like material. The hugely contoured front seats take center stage, though. Private jets and high-end office furniture inspired the patented design, called Perfect Position. They are 30-way adjustable and feature heating, cooling, and massage, as well as quite possibly the coolest feature in the entire car: individually adjustable thigh support—for each leg.
Lincoln says a goal with the 2017 Lincoln Continental was "Audi A8 levels of spaciousness." We can verify the rear seat has enormous legroom, with decent but not spectacular headroom. Comfort is excellent, and the rear seats recline. You certainly get a high-end feeling when you sit in the car.
Upgrading from the standard Lincoln audio system brings two premium stereos from Revel, the high-end home audio speaker branch of Harman. The mid-level system brings 13 speakers, and the top stereo counts 19 speakers.
Lincoln continues to be mum about many of the car's specifics, but we were told the base 2017 Lincoln Continental will have a starting price "under $50,000" when it goes on sale in the fall.
Lincoln is promising a lot of car for the money. We'll be the judge when we buy a 2017 Lincoln Continental for evaluation.
