2017 Lincoln Continental: A Return to American Luxury
The 2017 Lincoln Continental marked a significant moment for the brand, signaling a bold return to its roots of elegant and sophisticated American luxury. This full-size sedan aimed to blend comfort, technology, and a stately presence, offering a compelling alternative in a segment increasingly dominated by European and Japanese rivals.
Highlights
The 2017 Continental was designed to impress with its potent powertrain options, advanced safety technologies, and a choice of well-appointed trims catering to various preferences.
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Engine Options:
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: This turbocharged V6 provided a good balance of power and efficiency, delivering ample acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising.
- 3.7L Ti-VCT V6: The naturally aspirated V6 offered a smooth and refined power delivery, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6: The performance-oriented turbocharged V6 was the top-tier option, offering exhilarating acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. All engines were paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
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Safety Features:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses radar and camera technology to detect potential frontal collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. If a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react, the system can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid the impact.
- Lane-Keeping System: Using a forward-facing camera, this feature monitors lane markings. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated, it can provide steering assistance to help keep the car centered.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: This advanced cruise control system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. The "Stop-and-Go" functionality allows it to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume speed automatically in traffic.
- 360-Degree Camera: This provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces significantly easier and safer.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: BLIS alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in their blind spot, while Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking spot.
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Trim Levels:
- Premiere: The entry-level trim offered a strong foundation of luxury and technology, providing a comfortable and well-equipped experience.
- Select: Stepping up to the Select trim added more upscale features and refinements, enhancing the overall sense of occasion.
- Reserve: The Reserve trim represented the pinnacle of the Continental's offerings, boasting premium materials, advanced amenities, and a truly indulgent experience.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- "Coach Door" Option: For a limited time, Lincoln offered the Continental "Coach Door Edition" which featured rear-hinged rear doors (similar to those on a Rolls-Royce) for exceptionally easy ingress and egress, a nod to classic Lincoln designs.
- Comfort-Focused Interior: The cabin was meticulously designed for supreme comfort, featuring supportive and highly adjustable seats (available with heating, cooling, and massage functions), a quiet ride, and a sophisticated ambiance.
- Lincoln Drive Control: This system allowed drivers to select different driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) which adjusted the steering, suspension, and throttle response to suit their preferences.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Lincoln Continental typically translates to a comfortable and refined experience. The focus is on plushness and a serene cabin environment.
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Ownership Experience: Drivers can expect a smooth, quiet, and effortless ride, ideal for long-distance travel or daily commutes where comfort is paramount. The spacious interior provides ample room for passengers, and the sophisticated design creates a sense of occasion with every drive. The infotainment system, while functional, might feel a bit less intuitive or cutting-edge compared to some newer competitors, but it generally provides the necessary features for connectivity and entertainment.
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Maintenance: As a luxury vehicle, the Continental's maintenance will generally align with other vehicles in its class. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and filter replacements are standard. Specific components, such as advanced suspension systems or turbochargers (in EcoBoost models), might require specialized attention and potentially higher costs for parts and labor compared to more mainstream vehicles. It's advisable to follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual.
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Insurance: Insurance premiums for a luxury sedan like the 2017 Lincoln Continental will typically be higher than for a standard sedan. This is due to the vehicle's higher purchase price, more advanced safety and technology features, and potentially higher repair costs in case of an accident. Factors such as the driver's age, driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly influence the final premium.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Continental offers a lot to appreciate, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of.
- Infotainment System: While functional, the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, while updated for 2017, could feel a bit dated and less responsive compared to the more advanced systems found in competitors from the same era or later models. Navigating menus might require a learning curve.
- Fuel Economy: The larger engines, particularly the 3.0L EcoBoost, can impact fuel economy, especially when driven aggressively. While not excessively poor for a large luxury sedan, it's something to consider if fuel efficiency is a top priority.
- Brand Perception: While Lincoln is actively working to re-establish its luxury credentials, some buyers might still associate the brand with a more traditional, less dynamic image compared to some European luxury marques.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Lincoln Continental represented a strong statement of intent from Lincoln, aiming to recapture the essence of American luxury with a modern interpretation. It offers a quiet, comfortable, and sophisticated driving experience, packed with advanced safety features and potent engine options. While its infotainment system might show its age to some extent, the Continental delivers a compelling package for those seeking a spacious, well-equipped, and undeniably stylish full-size sedan that prioritizes comfort and refinement. It's a car that invites you to relax and enjoy the journey.