2020 Lincoln AviatorJil McIntosh YOUNTVILLE, Calif. Every automaker hopes an all-new model will take off, and Lincoln is waiting to see if its appropriately-named 2020 Aviator, in regular and hybrid configuration and both with three rows of seats, will do the same.Yes, youve heard the name before: It was one of the companys shortest-lived nameplates, introduced for 2003 and gone three years later. The big mistake back then was taking a Ford Explorer, gussying it up, and trying to pass it off as a Lincoln.The lesson was learned. The Aviator rides on the new Explorers basic platform architecture, but thats pretty much where the similarity ends. Beyond the Aviators unique styling, its more powerful than the top-line Explorer, and the suspension is tuned for a luxury experience. Both the Aviator and the Grand Touring Lincolns name for the plug-in hybrid version use a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. In the conventional model, it makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, while in the hybrid, the combined gas-electric system generates a maximum of 494 horsepower and 630 lb.-ft. of torque.That extra power, apparently, is the rationale behind naming it the Grand Touring, rather than just Aviator Hybrid. Theres also no differentiating styling cues other than a blue-shadowed badge; according to a Lincoln rep, the idea is to prioritize the vehicles performance over its hybrid operation. After its plugged in, the Grand Touring can travel about 28 kilometres on electricity alone, and once that runs out, it reverts to conventional gas-electric hybrid operation.Each Aviator comes in a single trim level (with some stand-alone options), and while American buyers can get an entry-level Aviator with rear-wheel drive, AWD is the default for both the conventional and hybrid models in Canada. The Aviator is going into showrooms now at $69,000, while the Grand Touring starts at $81,000 and goes on sale in the fall.Im not keen on the Aviators button-activated gearshift, and its tablet-style infotainment screen looks like its just stuck on the dash, but the rest of the interior is appropriately luxury-leaning and very well-executed. The front seats heat, ventilate, and have five different types of massage; functions on the steering wheel such as cruise control disappear until you hit a hard button, and then they pop up as icons under the piano-black finish. Unusually among many luxury models, most of the climate and seat functions are hard buttons, rather than a requirement that you page through computer screens to find them, and thats how it should be. Theres a self-parking feature, and its completely automated; as long as you keep your finger on the button, the Aviator steers, accelerates, and brakes by itself until its in the spot, parallel or perpendicular. Warning chimes for seatbelts or open doors are musical notes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I rolled my eyes when that was first announced, but yknow, its a very pleasant improvement over the usual ding-ding-ding. A 28-speaker Revel audio system is standard, and I thought it was very impressive once we settled on a satellite radio station (my co-driver doesnt appreciate my love of opera, and I dont care for the 1950s pop he prefers, so we finally agreed on Sinatra).The Aviator also introduces Lincolns Phone As A Key, a new function on the Lincoln app that lets you open and start the car with your phone rather than a key fob (which is still included with the vehicle, of course). It has all the expected overrides and security measures should your phone go dead, or you give your vehicle to a valet.The Aviator slots in between the full-size Navigator and the next-size-down Nautilus (which replaces the MKX). Front- and second-row passengers enjoy considerable comfort and legroom. The third row is easy to access, but even with the second-row seats slid all the way forward, youre only going to put adult passengers back there for short trips. A second-row bench is available for seven-passenger seating.Lincoln has demonstrated a knack with its suspension tuning for making its vehicles feel smaller than they are, and the Aviator continues that. For all its size, it spins smartly around curves, and while theres not much steering feel, its quick to respond to input. That said, the company also knows its audience, and the Aviator is primarily about luxury. In its normal drive mode, the soft ride is seriously comfortable but just this side of wallowy. In other settings which include Deep, Slippery,
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Lincoln Aviator