The Already Big 2018 Lincoln Navigator is About to Get Bigger
Large. Imposing. Square-rigged. Bold. All apt descriptions of the totally redesigned 2018 Lincoln Navigator. After withering on the vine for years as it weathered refresh after refresh, Lincoln’s full-size SUV flagship was finally given the architecture and hardware it needs to battle its chief rival, Cadillac.
However, as impressive a redesign as it was, the new Navigator (unlike its predecessor) lacked one thing compared to Cadillac’s Escalade: a choice of body lengths and the ability to haul more cargo. Not anymore, it seems.
Earlier today, brand executives revealed the 2018 Navigator will appear in showrooms this fall with two body lengths. Yes, you can have your new Navigator and stretch it, too.
According to Automotive News, the extended-length version will go on sale at the same time as the stock Navigator, giving the Escalade ESV a run for its money. There’s no word on whether the new model will adopt the “L” moniker.
Measuring 221.9 inches from stem to stern, the longer Navigator gains about a foot in length. Buyers will notice longer rear doors, as the wheelbase has been stretched by 10 inches, while grocery-laden owners can easily access an extra 15 cubic feet of cargo space below the third-row seats.
“The extended-length Navigator reinforces our commitment to exceeding our client’s expectations,” said Kumar Galhotra, Lincoln’s president, in a statement.
Each bodystyle receives the same beefy powertrain — a 450-horsepower variant of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, generating a solid 500 lb-ft of torque. Managing all of that power is a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It’s important to note that extra length isn’t the only perk Lincoln has in store for buyers. In a brougham-esque throwback to the Disco Era land yachts of yesteryear, the Navigator’s interior seems ready for a sexy party. The automaker will offer a Black Label trim with the theme “Destination.” What does that mean for your eyes and rump? Well, Destination, which is inspired by everyone’s favorite thing — vintage luggage — will feature red Venetian leather and laser-etched khaya wood applique.
David Woodhouse, Lincoln’s design director, conjured up images of fine cigars and brandy in his description of the “rich and indulgent” Destination theme. If that sound too much like a fancy drawing room with books and meerschaum pipes and such, there’s two other Black Label choices sure to please the tennis-whites crowd.
Oh, this is great. The two themes are: “Chalet” and “Yacht Club.”
Your imagination is already running wild, admit it. While we know what to expect inside the new Navigator, the price affixed to the side window still remains a mystery. Pricing will be revealed closer to the model’s fall launch.
[Images: Ford Motor Company]
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So, still nowhere near the size of the old Excursion. A shame.
So I just configured one on Lincoln's site and holy crap, I'm up to $103k! Navigator L, black label, 4x4, destination theme, rear seat entertainment (I have two kids), and coastal blue venetian leather. I have a Yukon XL Denali with all options that I paid in the mid 60's for. I'm not sure I'd spend another $40k for what amounts to a nicer interior and a little more power from an engine that sounds like a vacuum. For context, I've owned an EB F-150 and I currently own a Taurus SHO. So I'm all too familiar with the EB and compared to the 6.2L in the Yukon Denali, I prefer the soundtrack and linear power of the V8. These will have to be lease specials because I doubt people are going to drop $100k on them. The Escalade can command those prices for a Platinum ESV, but Lincoln is just getting back into the game. I wish them luck.