Historical Significance
The Lincoln Continental—a name that whispers luxury and American elegance. Born in the late 1930s, this automobile wasn't just a vehicle; it was a symbol. Its sleek, art deco-inspired silhouette captured imaginations and set trends.
In the 1960s, the Continental hit its stride with those iconic suicide doors. It was a heavyweight in the American luxury scene, gracing movies and magazines. Everyone who was anyone wanted one in their garage.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the Continental adapt to changing tastes, settling into a boxy elegance defined by crisp lines and conservative styling. It bowed to the zeitgeist but never lost its foundational splendor.
The 2017 re-debut marked a revival that smacked of the brand's golden days—looking back while driving forward. It embraced modern features like:
- Integrated handles
- Turbocharged engines
- LED lights
Today's Continental packs comfort and cutting-edge tech, but still carries the soul of those early models. It's not just a drive; it's an experience from the driver's seat to the back one, holding memories like a beloved Sinatra record. The Lincoln Continental: never just a car, always a classic.
Performance and Engineering
Under the hood of the Lincoln Continental lies American muscle with a touch of finesse—like a beauty queen who can throw a mean right hook. Three V-6 engines make up the Continental's beating heart:
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 3.7-liter | 305 hp |
| Turbocharged 2.7-liter | 335 hp |
| Twin-turbo 3.0-liter | 400 hp |
The base 3.7-liter V-6 is suitable for everyday driving, but it's more Clark Kent than Superman. The turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 offers a little more pep, serving up 335 horsepower and a hefty 380 lb-ft of torque. But for those who demand sheer might, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is where it's at. This bad boy delivers a thunderous 400 horsepower and can sprint from 0-60 mph in about 5.0 seconds.
The six-speed automatic transmission is fine for smooth highway rides, but enthusiasts might yearn for something snappier. All-wheel drive improves grip, but front-wheel-drive options can feel a bit cumbersome. The suspension focus is clearly on comfort, providing that magic carpet ride luxury buyers crave.
Fuel efficiency? That's the Continental's Achilles' heel. It's thirstier than its eco-friendly competitors like the Volvo S90 and Lexus LS500. But hey, when you're cruising in this level of luxury, who's counting miles per gallon?
"The Continental may not have the razor-sharp handling of a BMW 7 Series or Audi A6, but it's not trying to. This is unapologetic American luxury, rounding corners with poise rather than precision."
Interior and Comfort
Slip into the Continental's cocoon, and you're greeted by an interior that blends old-school luxury with modern flair. There's leather aplenty, knurled aluminum, and genuine wood—like a five-star hotel lobby on wheels. Sure, some less-than-premium plastics sneak in, but let's not nitpick.
The seating is where this baby really shines. Up front, the Perfect Position seats offer a mind-boggling 30 ways to adjust. We're talking:
- Thigh support
- Massage functions
- Inflatable side bolsters
It's like finding the Holy Grail of comfort, if you're willing to fiddle with all those settings. The back seats? Pure ballroom luxury with legroom for days.
Tech-wise, the Continental's no slouch. An 8.0-inch infotainment system runs Ford's Sync 3 software, giving you Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and all the bells and whistles. Throw in a panoramic sunroof and a Revel audio system with up to 19 speakers, and you've got yourself a rolling concert hall.
Climate control is on point too, with heated and cooled seats and zones you can tailor to your liking. It's like having a personal weather system at your fingertips.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The interior layout can feel a bit busy, and some controls prioritize form over function. But hey, that's part of its charm. The Continental is all about the experience—a leisurely cruise taken in plush, sovereign comfort.
Market Position and Competition
The Lincoln Continental dances an intriguing tango with both American heritage and global clout. It's the underdog squaring up to the titans of the autobahn, proudly sitting next to Cadillac, BMW, and Audi in the showroom.
Price-wise, the Continental starts just shy of $50,000, topping out around $70k for the Black Label editions. That's Lincoln's way of saying, "Here's refined luxury without the European bank-busting." It's a value option when you're after grandeur without mortgage-level finance plans.
Feature-wise, the Continental throws some curveballs with richer back seats and a sedate, almost regal ride. While BMW and Mercedes focus on driver engagement, the Lincoln is all about sitting back and soaking it all in.
Lincoln does stumble sometimes with panel gap issues and some fit and finish nuances. That's where rivals like the Cadillac CT6 edge ahead with more consistent elegance.
Tech-wise, the Continental impresses but doesn't quite reach the sci-fi levels of some competitors. Tesla, anyone?
Where the Continental really shines is in unrivaled legroom and exclusivity, especially with those special Coach Door Editions. It's an experience, not just transport.
Ultimately, the Lincoln Continental offers a seasoned, contemplative luxury. It's about comfort and presence rather than hardcore performance or cutting-edge technology—a delightful alternative for those who prefer sipping cocktails to chugging energy drinks.
Safety and Technology
The Lincoln Continental isn't just about style; it's a fortress on wheels. It's racked up top safety ratings, including:
- A five-star overall score from the NHTSA
- An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with upgraded headlights)
This baby's got your back in a crash.
But why crash when you can avoid it? The Continental packs a punch with driver-assistance tech. We're talking:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
It's like having a team of guardian angels riding shotgun.
On the infotainment front, you've got an 8.0-inch touchscreen running Ford's Sync 3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Check and check. Whether you're toggling through playlists or exploring uncharted roads, it's your well-trained digital co-pilot.
Top it off with a head-up display and a concert-grade Revel audio system, and you've got a tech package that's as sharp as a tack.
In short, the Continental balances heritage elegance with safety and tech innovations that'll make your head spin. It might not be the fastest cat on the block, but it'll get you there in style, comfort, and utmost safety. And isn't that what luxury is all about?
The Lincoln Continental stands as a testament to enduring luxury and elegance. Its journey through time is marked by a steadfast commitment to comfort and style, offering a driving experience that is both refined and timeless.
- Lincoln Motor Company. Continental product information. 2020.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Lincoln Continental safety ratings. 2019.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Lincoln Continental ratings. 2019.