Lincoln SUV family on show at Auto China, including Aviator preview

Premium carmaker Lincoln is showcasing an expanded SUV family at the Beijing auto show, as part of efforts to tap into the world's largest automotive market.

The biggest star is the three-row Aviator preview. The teaser model is the first-ever Lincoln vehicle to offer an advanced plug-in hybrid option matched with a twin-turbocharged engine, providing strong but refined performance.

The production model will be launched in 2019 and is expected to take on rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery, according to Lincoln.

The Aviator is one of two all-new SUVs that Lincoln will present in the next 24 months to start its Next Act, said Lincoln President Joy Falotico.

"We believe Aviator's elegant design, state-of-the-art technology and refined plug-in hybrid option will draw even more clients to the Lincoln showroom, including families who are looking for three-row capability," said Falotico.

"Lincoln is committed to delivering the innovation and features that luxury consumers expect today and committed to electrification across its lineup globally," she said.

Inspired by modern aeronautics, the Aviator offers graceful streamlining resembling that of an aircraft.

The combination of power and electrified capability will help it to deliver Lincoln's quietest, smoothest, most powerful drive yet, said the carmaker.

With its slim, tapered lines, roomy interior and strong powertrain, the model targets the heart of the premium market - the large luxury SUV segment, with more than 200,000 vehicles delivered in the Chinese market in 2017.

A first-time technological feature in Lincoln's vehicles is Phone as a Key. Activated through the Lincoln Way app, owners can lock and unlock the car, open the windows and trunk, and most importantly, start up the vehicle with no key fob necessary.

Moreover, as one of the industry leading technologies, the Lincoln Aviator's Auto Air Refresh feature is one of the industry's first fully integrated interior air monitoring and air cleansing systems. The system features a PM 2.5 laser sensor to monitor cabin air quality, matched with a filter to clean the air in the cabin.

The carmaker said this is a Lincoln first to meet Chinese customers' increasing awareness and demand for satisfactory air quality at home, at work and on the road.

Wireless phone charging is located in the front armrest, while a convenient media bin is available for passengers in the front as well. Multiple power outlets are located throughout the cabin, while standard Wi-Fi ensures all passengers stay connected.

The Aviator is equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, an advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and obstacle detection, blind spot information with cross traffic alerts, a lane keeping system, reverse camera and auto high beam lighting.

Other new technologies include Suspension Preview, a camera-assisted suspension system that will scan the road ahead, providing a smoother drive and preparing the vehicle for oncoming road conditions.

"The Aviator is yet another example of how we are creating an effortless experience for our clients," Falotico said.

Joining the Aviator at the Beijing auto show are the new Lincoln MKC and new Lincoln Nautilus, both of which will hit the Chinese market this year, as well as the recently launched Navigator.

From the MKC to the Navigator, Lincoln's SUV family covers most of the key segments in China's luxury SUV market, satisfying the need for power, roominess, and design from customers from different segments, said the carmaker.

"As one of Lincoln's most important growth markets, China is critical to the Lincoln brand. We believe Aviator's elegant design and state-of-the-art technology complement the rest of the Lincoln lineup, offering more choices for customers in the China market," said Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific.

The new MKC, Lincoln's best-selling product in the small premium utility segment, is a trendsetter in China's fast-growing SUV market.

The model features a 2.0L turbocharged, direct injection engine producing 253 horsepower and 389 Newton meters of torque.

It boasts cutting-edge design and technologies, including the LED tail lamps, an approach-sensitive luminous welcome mat, a panoramic roof, 19-inch wheels, push-button shift design, seven ambient lighting colors as well as humanized connectivity technologies such as its handsfree lift-gate.

These features allow adventurous, younger SUV owners to effortlessly lead the trend and embark on a grand journey, said the carmaker.

The new Nautilus, the successor to the Lincoln MKX, a midsize premium utility, has two engine options: a 2.7L turbocharged engine delivering courtesy of three technologies - turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft time - or a 2.0L turbocharged engine.

Both include a new eight-speed transmission. The model also offers driver-assist technologies to inspire driving confidence for family-oriented and high-achieving customers.

New features include an all-new lane-centric system, a spacious interior, LED headlights, a 13-speaker Revel audio system, and Ultra Comfort seats that adjust any one of 22 ways for personalized comfort.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/26/2018 page12)