2016 Lincoln Continental 2.7L V6 6AT FWD (335 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After a 14-year hiatus, the tenth generation of the Lincoln Continental broke cover in 2016, replacing the MKS lineup in the mid-size luxury sedan segment as a 2017 model year.

While it still used a three-letter naming system for some of its new models, such as the MKX or the MKZ, the American luxury brand Lincoln kept or brought back famous nameplates, such as the Navigator or the Continental. The latter was withdrawn from the market in 2002 and was replaced by the MKS lineup. However, that model struggled with low sales numbers. Then, Lincoln considered that if it would bring back the Continental, something magic would happen. In addition, it made the new model with the latest technologies available in its parts bins and tried to provide customers with more than everything they asked for. From a stunning exterior look to the comfortable and luxurious cabin and potent engines.

At the front, the 2017 Lincoln Continental didn’t have the same design language as its stablemates. Instead of the twin-wing styling, it featured a broad chromed grille adorned by a mesh with a hexagonal pattern and the brand’s badge that took center stage. It was flanked by standard LED headlights, while on the lower side of the bumper, the automaker put a trapezoidal-shaped center air intake. In addition, the apron also sported side-mounted scoops that housed the LED fog lamps.

From its profile, the sheer size of the vehicle impressed customers. Lincoln created a mid-size vehicle that could challenge the best offers from European up-scale manufacturers. The greenhouse started with a panoramic windshield and boasted a long roof ended by a sloped-down rear window. On the sides, the chromed trim that underlined the window line concealed the door handles. To further enhance the car’s luxurious look, the car was available with wheels sized between 18- and 20 inches, depending on the version. At the back, the automaker neatly integrated a chromed trim into the design of the taillights, which were wide and emerged from the quarter panels onto the trunk lid. Lower, under the bumper, Lincoln put two rectangular exhausts.

However, the interior was the one that should conquer customers. The 2017 Lincoln Continental was available with four leather choices and three wood grain options. Fronting the driver was a completely digital instrument panel that users could customize according to their tastes. On the center stack, the automaker placed the touchscreen infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was flanked on the left by the five buttons controlling transmission and on the right by those controlling the auto hold function, parking sensors, steering sensitivity, and cameras. The ten-way adjustable front seats were standard, with an option for up to 28-way. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat could be ordered with a folding armrest that contained additional controls, such as the heating and ventilation for the outboard seats and media.

Under the hood, Lincoln offered the 2017 Continental with a choice of three V6 engines. The base version was powered by a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated unit. It was followed by a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged powerhouse developing 335 hp (340 PS) and the top-of-the-line version featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo with 400 hp (406 PS). The lower versions were fitted as standard with front-wheel drive systems with an option for all-wheel drive. At the same time, the most potent variant came equipped as standard with traction in all corners and even a torque-vectoring rear differential. Unfortunately, the automaker’s hopes were too high, and the car didn’t meet them. As a result, in 2020, Lincoln pulled the plug on the Continental without an immediate successor.