2018 Lincoln Continental Overview
The 2018 Lincoln Continental embodies a return to Lincoln's heritage of luxurious and sophisticated sedans, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and commanding presence. It aims to provide a serene and upscale driving experience for those seeking an alternative to more performance-oriented luxury marques.
Highlights
- Engine Options:
- 2.7L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6: This standard engine offers a robust blend of power and efficiency, providing ample acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising. Its turbocharged nature ensures responsive power delivery.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6: Available on higher trims, this more powerful V6 delivers exhilarating performance with even quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving dynamic. It's the choice for those who prioritize spirited driving within the Continental's comfortable framework.
- Advanced Safety Features:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses sensors and cameras to detect potential frontal collisions and pedestrians. If a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react, it can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: Beyond maintaining a set speed, this system can automatically adjust your speed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane Centering helps to keep the vehicle centered within its lane, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
- 360-Degree Camera: Provides a bird's-eye view around the vehicle, assisting with parking, maneuvering in tight spaces, and navigating busy environments with enhanced situational awareness.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: BLIS warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots, while Cross-Traffic Alert alerts them to approaching traffic when backing out of parking spaces.
- Trim Summary:
- Continental: The entry-level trim provides a solid foundation of luxury and features, including premium leather seating, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.
- Reserve: Stepping up to the Reserve trim enhances the experience with more premium materials, such as Bridge of Weir leather, more sophisticated interior trim options, and potentially advanced comfort features like heated and ventilated rear seats (depending on package selection).
- Black Label: The pinnacle of the Continental lineup, Black Label offers an ultra-luxurious experience with unique interior themes, exclusive material choices (like Alcantara headliner and special stitching), and a dedicated concierge service for a highly personalized ownership journey.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious and Serene Interior: The Continental's cabin is designed to be a sanctuary, featuring high-quality materials, excellent sound insulation, and comfortable, supportive seating that makes long drives a pleasure.
- Elegant Styling: The 2018 Continental boasts a distinctive and timeless exterior design that exudes sophistication and a commanding road presence, setting it apart from its rivals.
- Lincoln Drive Control: This system allows drivers to select from various driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) that adjust suspension, steering, and throttle response to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.
- Revel Audio System: Available high-fidelity audio systems from Revel deliver an immersive and rich sound experience, further enhancing the luxury cabin.
What to Expect
Owning a 2018 Lincoln Continental typically involves a relaxed and comfortable driving experience. The focus is on isolation from the outside world, providing a quiet and smooth ride. Maintenance should follow Lincoln's recommended schedule, which generally includes routine oil changes, filter replacements, and multi-point inspections. While generally reliable, as with any luxury vehicle, maintenance costs can be higher than mainstream brands. Insurance premiums will likely be in line with other luxury sedans in its class, reflecting the vehicle's advanced technology and premium components. Expect a focus on comfort and technology over outright sportiness from a typical ownership perspective.
Potential Considerations
- Fuel Economy: While the EcoBoost engines offer good power, the V6 engines can be thirsty, especially the larger 3.0L, and fuel economy might not be as competitive as some German luxury rivals, particularly in city driving.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the SYNC 3 system is generally user-friendly, some reviews have noted occasional lag or slower response times compared to some competitors.
- Rear-Seat Space: While comfortable, the rear-seat headroom might be slightly compromised for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline, especially when opting for the panoramic sunroof.
- Less Engaging Driving Dynamics: For those seeking a highly engaging and sporty driving experience with sharp handling, the Continental might feel a bit too comfort-oriented. It prioritizes a smooth and composed ride over aggressive cornering.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Lincoln Continental is a compelling choice for those who prioritize comfort, quietness, and a refined, sophisticated driving experience. It successfully revives Lincoln's legacy of building luxurious American sedans with a strong emphasis on interior opulence and advanced technology. While it may not appeal to buyers seeking a overtly sporty demeanor or the absolute best in fuel efficiency, it delivers a distinctively elegant and comfortable package that stands out in the luxury sedan segment.
