Introduction
Meet the Lincoln Aviator, a family-friendly SUV that seats up to seven passengers and is priced at 320,000 AED. It competes with vehicles like the Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90. With its distinctive exterior design, keep reading to find out if it offers more than just a pretty face.
Driving Experience
Now, you might be wondering, doesn’t Lincoln already have a seven-seat SUV, the Navigator? Why create another family-sized SUV? The answer is straightforward: while the Aviator is indeed a seven-seater, it is significantly smaller than the Navigator. This allows Lincoln to deliver the same level of quality and craftsmanship at a more affordable price.
Engine Performance
So, is this reasonably priced SUV enjoyable to drive? The answer is a resounding yes. It comes equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 563 Nm of torque. These are impressive figures for a family SUV, and to put it into perspective, the Aviator generates just 50 horsepower less than the powerful Ford Raptor!
Having established that it has ample power, you may be curious about its other features. As a luxury brand, Lincoln has outfitted the Aviator with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The seamless integration of the engine and transmission ensures you hardly notice the gear changes.
Driving Modes
The Aviator is equipped with five different driving modes that adjust the suspension stiffness, ride height, steering weight, and shift points when switching between modes. It even includes a Deep Sand mode for light off-road tasks.
What sets the Aviator apart is its adaptive suspension system with a feature called Road Preview, which uses a camera mounted on the windshield to detect the road ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for paved roads. For instance, if you drive over speed bumps before reaching a roundabout or on hills, you’ll notice other vehicles bouncing, while the Lincoln Aviator glides over them as if it were on a freshly paved road.
Interior
When it comes to interior design and features, our test vehicle is the Presidential model, the highest among four available trims in the UAE. In the past, Lincoln faced criticism for appearing like refreshed Ford vehicles, but that is no longer the case. The Aviator truly looks and feels like a luxury car.
The sleek and elegant dashboard design creates a spacious atmosphere in the cabin. The seats are incredibly comfortable, offering 30-way adjustments, from the seat cushion and backrest to the headrest, all electrically adjustable.
Second-Row Comfort
Second-row space exceeds expectations, allowing for seat adjustments to maximize comfort. The seats can fold in a 40:20:40 configuration, enabling rear passengers to sit while also utilizing the trunk space for cargo. There’s also a control panel for rear passengers to heat or cool their seats, manage the air conditioning system, and access the audio system, along with a USB charging port and a 240-volt outlet for devices like laptops or vacuums.
Specifications
As the highest trim level, this version is packed with every imaginable feature.
- 360-degree cameras? Yes, included
- Heads-up display? Yes, included
- Panoramic sunroof? Yes, included
- Suicide doors? Yes, included
- Wireless charging? Yes, included
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity? Yes, included
Another standout feature is the Revel Ultima 3D audio system, which boasts 28 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. What makes it unique is its 127 steps of tuning, allowing you to adjust the sound precisely to fit your listening style.
A further highlight is the self-driving technology, equipped with numerous sensors and cameras, performing excellently on highways, whether in traffic or not. It features adaptive cruise control, brake assist, steering assistance, and a lane-keeping system that works remarkably well.
Exterior Design
I genuinely believe the Aviator is one of Lincoln's most beautiful vehicles. It appears upscale and elegant while also being sporty and aggressive. The gray color enhances its appeal, complemented by pixel LED headlights and massive 22-inch alloy wheels.
Like all new Lincoln models, the Aviator features the brand's signature front grille with a lit Lincoln logo. What distinguishes it is the active grille shutters that open to assist in cooling the engine and close when cruising on the highway to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Final Verdict
Priced at 320,000 AED, it is safe to say without hesitation that the Lincoln Aviator is worth the investment. It excels in driving performance, is packed with technology, and importantly, it is far from a boring family SUV. So, would you prefer to own this vehicle or one of its competitors? Let me know in the comments below.
