New Quiet Luxury: 2017 Lincoln Continental sedan
The Lincoln Motor Company heralds the return of its flagship – the all-new 2017 Lincoln Continental – an elegant, effortlessly powerful, serene full-size sedan that delivers quiet luxury to the industry’s most discerning customers. The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms – craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety.
Available in Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label models, Lincoln’s new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin.
Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle’s doors pop open, then use available power-cinching technology to automatically close and secure. An elegant available panoramic sunroof covers nearly the entire roof area; the front half slides up and over the rear – creating a large open-air driving experience and an even greater feeling of spaciousness for up to five Continental occupants.
The Continental gives motorists a choice of three different powertrains: the base 3.7L V6, a midrange 2.7L turbocharged V6 and the robust 3.0L turbocharged V6. Torque is communicated through a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All-wheel drive is an available option for the base and midrange engines – standard for the 3.0L turbocharged V6. Continental’s all-wheel-drive system is paired with Dynamic Torque Vectoring that transfers torque on demand to the appropriate rear wheel when driving through corners – providing confident handling and stability.
Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings – comfort, normal and sport – adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling. Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow Continental in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears.
To take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking, the new 360-degree camera system uses views from cameras mounted in the grille, decklid and 180-degree side mirrors, then seamlessly stitches these snapshots together to create an image in the screen so the driver can see around the car – as if a camera is overhead.
Inside the passenger cabin, opulent materials include leather seating, leather-wrapped console and instrument panel, unique stitching, as well as genuine wood or aluminum appliqués. One highlight is Lincoln’s new Perfect Position Seats – inspired by private jets and high-end office furniture – that can be adjusted up to 30 ways. The patented design allows the seat to adjust to an individual’s body shape and weight for optimal stretch and comfort. Available features of these seats include massage, heat and cooling; and independent thigh extensions to provide support. Rear passengers can enjoy first-class travel amenities, too, with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear legroom.
Continental occupants also can enjoy an available Revel® audio system developed to work in concert with the interior design and acoustics, transforming the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – Stereo, Audience and On Stage. Use of the E-latch release enables optimal speaker positioning in the Continental doors, alongside the conveniently located seat controls.
Innovations in managing vehicle noise and vibration, including Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass create a quiet, comfortable environment conducive to conversation or contemplation.
All models feature new design details. Stitching on the seats is specified at six to seven stitches per inch for a couture-like appearance, and the slats of the center console door are laser-cut to maximize consistency of the grain pattern.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 117.9; overall length: 201.4; width: 78.1; height: 58.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.7L V6 – 305 hp at 6500 rpm and 280 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm; 2.7L V6 turbo – 335 hp at 5700 rpm and 380 lbs-ft of torque at 3500 rpm; 3.0L V6 turbo – 400 hp at 5750 rpm and 400 lbs-ft of torque at 2750 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.7L V6 – 17 city/26 hwy. (FWD), 16 city/24 hwy. (AWD); 2.7L V6 turbo – 18 city/27 hwy. (FWD), 17 city/25 hwy. (AWD); 3.0L V6 turbo – 16 city/24 hwy. (AWD).
Cargo capacity: 16.7 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, panic brake assist, traction control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, SYNC3 communications system, reverse sensing system, adaptive bi-functional high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, universal garage door opener, remote engine start, front/rear park assist, rear view camera, remote keyless entry, hill start assist, forward sensing system, battery saver, and tire pressure monitoring system. Reserve adds navigation system, and blind spot information system with cross traffic alert.
Optional safety features include: enhanced active park assist system, lane keeping alert, lane keeping aid, driver alert system, adaptive cruise control, pre collision assist with pedestrian detection, collision warning, brake support, active braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, premium LED headlamps, automatic high beams, inflatable rear outboard safety belts, and 360-degree camera.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 6-year/70,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Lincoln Continental sedan starts from $44, 560 for the Premiere upto $68,180 for the Black Label 3.0L. Destination charges add $925.