2017 Lincoln Navigator L 3.5L V6 10AT (456 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lincoln unveiled the fourth generation of the Navigator in the summer of 2017 for the 2018 model year, and at the same time, with the standard-wheelbase version, it also released the long-wheelbase model Navigator L.

The American luxury car manufacturer didn’t rush the fourth generation of the Navigator into production. It kept the third generation on the market for ten years just to be sure that the new model’s sales would go through the roof. And indeed, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator exceeded carmaker’s expectations. Part of the success was credited to the Navigator L, which, even though it was in the six-figure price range, was a top-executive luxury vehicle worth every penny. Unlike its predecessor, the new model came with significant improvements in all areas and spoiled its customers with a smooth ride and a mix of luxury, technology, and performance that a few other vehicles could achieve.

Lincoln introduced a new design language for its vehicles along with the tenth generation of the Continental that was launched in 2016. The new styling ditched the split-wing look inspired by the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr. Like its sedan sibling, the 2018 Navigator L had a flat front fascia boasting a broad metallic grille where the brand’s badge took center stage. A pair of standard adaptive LED headlights underlined by daytime running lights flanked it. On the lower area of the bumper, the American luxury automaker installed a trapezoidal-shaped air intake and a set of side-mounted LED fog lamps. In addition, below the apron, the full-size SUV featured a metallic trim that mimicked a skid plate.

From its profile up to the B-pillars, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator L shared the same aluminum panels as its regular wheelbase brother. However, the rear doors had a shorter cut for the rear wheels. The usual retractable running boards were also available, easing customers’ ingress and egress to the vehicle. However, the most significant exterior difference between the Navigator L and its shorter sibling was noticed at the rearmost row of windows, which were significantly wider than on the regular wheelbase version of the full-size SUV. Out back, Lincoln installed broad taillights visually connected via a red light stripe across the tailgate and decorated by chromed trims.

Stepping inside the vehicle was like entering a luxurious salon. At the front, the comfortable 10-way adjustable seats with heating, cooling, and massaging functions welcomed their occupants. Fronting the driver was a fresh digital instrument cluster with a configurable display. At the same time, a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen sat atop the center stack and featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For an exhilarating sound experience, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator offered a standard 14-speaker system with an option for a 20-speaker one. The second row of seats could be selected either as a split-folding bench seat or two captain chairs with a center console between them. At the touch of a button, these seats could tilt and slide forward to ease access for those seated in the third row of seats. Behind them, the Navigator L boasted a cavernous trunk space of 34.3 cu-ft (971 liters) with all the seats in place. By folding down the third row, that volume expanded to 73.3 cu-ft (2,075 liters), while with only the front seats in place, the full-size, extended wheelbase SUV provided 120.2 cu-ft. (3,403 liters).

Under the hood, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator was fitted with only one engine option. It was a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from the EcoBoost family. It was married with a fresh ten-speed automatic transmission that sent its power to the rear wheels only, while an AWD version was available. The full-size SUV boasted a towing capacity of 8,400 lbs. (3,810 kg) for the RWD version, while those who took the AWD could attach an 8,100 lbs. (3,674 kg) trailer behind.