The complete redesign of the Lincoln Navigator was long overdue. Although its twin-turbo V6 engine delivered effortless power and the full-sized SUV made good on its luxury promise with a comfortable ride, in most other ways, the outgoing Navigator was outclassed by its fresher General Motors competitors.
As befitting a more luxurious version of the recently revealed Ford Expedition, the cabin of the new Navigator is thoroughly modern, elegant, and expensive looking—a stark contrast to the dated design of the current model. Designed with big, technology-laden families in mind, the three-row interior features six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, and a 110-volt plug. A wireless phone charger is available up front, and standard WiFi allows for up to 10 mobile devices to be connected at the same time. Seating configurations can accommodate up to eight passengers by using a second-row bench seat.
Second-row passengers have their own audio and climate controls. The two 10-inch screens that are part of the available rear-seat entertainment system allow passengers to stream content wirelessly, and they can display different content from each other. The optional Revel II audio system has 20 speakers. Even the third-row seats have power-recline ability.
Up front, the driver is greeted with a 12-inch configurable instrument panel. The available head-up display gives the option of showing certain information on the windshield. The driver and front passenger get 30-way adjustable seats with massage, heating, and cooling functions.
Laminated front and side glass should help cut down on the excessive wind noise that plagued the previous Navigator. For the full, ultra-luxury SUV experience, the Navigator will be available in three special interior design themes (Yacht Club, Destination, and Chalet) offered under the Lincoln Black Label program.
Following the lead of Ford's F-150 pickup, the Navigator's aluminum body shaves off nearly 200 pounds, according to Lincoln. (Of course, some of that weight savings has been negated by added technology.) We were impressed with how easily the previous 380-horsepower Navigator moved on down the road, but the new truck should do even better because its twin-turbo V6 is estimated to produce 450 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous six-speed. Rear-drive is standard, with four-wheel drive being optional.
It will be hard to top the new Navigator in terms of sheer presence, not to mention showmanship. There's a literal light show as you approach your vehicle. With Reserve and Black Label models, the Lincoln logo illuminates on the grille, followed by LED lights on the lower front body along with huge Lincoln logos lighting up the ground under the front doors. For daytime ambience, there's a panoramic sunroof.
We'll see if it lives up to its many promises after it goes on sale in fall 2017.
