2018 Lincoln Continental Review

MSRP: $64,415

Engine: 3.0 Liter Twin Turbo V6

Horsepower: 400

Torque: 400 ft/lbs

0-60: 5.4 seconds

MPG: 21 mixed as observed

Text: Yousef Alvi Photography: Jonathan Walker

21st century American Luxury. What does that mean? Does it mean a floaty ride, attached to a gigantic body, bolted to a lazy meandering drivetrain? Or does it mean a carbon copy of Germany’s best? Well Lincoln has introduced it’s flagship sedan the Continental and it’s neither. It does Luxury a uniquely differently way. A way that separates it from the herd.

A flagship sedan of yesteryear was a simple recipe of a large body bolted to a V8 attached to a squishy suspension. This Continental literally has none of that. Twin Turbo V6, svelte body, adaptive suspension, 30 way adjustable seats, panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Revel audio system, massaging seats (all 4) and host of other features.

So how does it drive? Well our test car was powered by the 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 making 400 horsepower and 400 ft/lbs of torque. It’s not just quick. The Continental feels legitimately fast. The midrange torque gives a nice visceral shove and hit the S button on the center console the big girl and can actually shuffle around some corners. All of the shuffling goodness is due to the torque vectoring thanks to the ingenious AWD system.

Okay how is the interior? Flash back a few years and most sour points on any American car would be the interior. Not anymore and not on this Continental. The Black Label edition we sampled, the interior is not just refined…it feels sumptuous. The cabin is awashed in a beautiful blue rich thick leather. The 30 way adjustable seats are simply amazing and the carpet is thick and plush. All four doors are also bank vault heavy and close with authoritative thunk.

So how do I sum up the 2018 Lincoln Continental? Is a return to American Luxury? No….it redefines American Luxury.