Lap of Luxury
Roomy luxury cruiser best describes the Lincoln Navigator SUV. Added to this lavish model is the high-end Black Label version. Like the other three Lincoln models, the Navigator’s semi-rectangular grille with hi-tech headlights make the Lincoln design statement. Sizable 22-inch alloy wheels and tires highlight the luxury theme.
Merely approaching the tall and large SUV causes the exterior lights to flash when you are within a few feet, and steps pop out of each side, so that access to the interior is a breeze. Inside are the infinitely adjustable seats that can heat, cool or give you a massage. As one would expect, an iPad-size touch screen is mounted high in the center of the dash. Fortunately, it is easy to move through various functions, including a navigation screen and 360-degree cameras showcasing what is around the SUV. While on the move, a heads-up screen on the interior of the windshield provides lots of useful data: time, local speed limit, outside temperature, the traveling speed and miles before gas is needed. Cell phones can be recharged wirelessly. Cooling is handled with a three zone A/C system.
A limousine-like interior is present via large sunroof, which is available, and with a push of a button, the interior cover opens. Besides the leather-lined front individual seats, there are two more rows: two with an enormous amount of room around them. The individual rear seats have armrests on each side that can be raised or lowered, and the seat back can be raised or lowered. And the third row of three seats is easily reached in the space between the second row. The leather has very interesting patterns wherever it is found. The electric-powered large liftgate is opened by swinging your foot under the rear bumper or the pushing of a button on the key fob. The two rows of rear seats can be flattened or raised by pushing of buttons.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 developing 440 horsepower, which goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The transmission can be manually shifted up or down with paddles behind the steering wheel. There are multiple driving modes that can be set with a dial on the center console from fuel saving to more sporty modes. Interestingly, unlike other vehicles, there are even off-road and bad weather settings. Acceleration is surely sufficient with a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and a quarter-mile speed of almost 100 miles per hour at full acceleration. With this power, this SUV can tow up to 8,700 pounds.
Once on the road, the view is com- manding to say the least. Even with the large wheel/tire combo, the general ride is quite absorbing over rough or pothole-filled roads. And there is no awkward tilting taking corners, but admittedly, this Lincoln is not designed for sports car handling. Steering is light and direct. And the interior is quite quiet all the time.
Clearly this Black Label version of the Navigator is a lavish hauler of people or property including your boat on a trailer. And in doing so you will have a commanding view of your universe.
2022 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR BLACK LABEL
MODEL: large seven passenger SUV
POWERTRAIN: twin turbocharged 3.5 liter V6, 440 HP, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive.
PERFORMANCE: 0-60: 5.8 seconds. Average fuel mileage 18 mpg. Towing capacity 8,700 pounds.
PRICE: base price $104,590, as tested $109,050.