Return of the BLACK [Label]
For many auto manufacturers these days, sedans are being dropped and SUVs have been both added, and, perhaps more importantly, emphasized. And so it is with luxury maker Lincoln.
On their SUV front, there are four models, from compact to super-size. The largest, with room for seven or eight passengers, is the Navigator. And with this model are two length choices and multiple sub models. The highest of the sub models is the Black Label, which was our test SUV.
Like the other Lincoln SUVs, the styling theme starts with a large semi-rectangular grille with a very bright small rectangle within the grille. Added to the look are the super-large, high-tech sweptback headlights. As with most large SUVs today, the roofline is tall. In the case of this model, when the roof reaches the rear liftgate area, it has a squared-off drop down to the rear bumper. Twenty-two-inch wheels add to the look. One thing’s for sure: when on the road, there is no missing this big land cruiser.
Power is handled robustly with a twin-turbocharged, 3.5 liter V6 developing 450 horsepower tied to a 10-speed automatic transmission. With this combo, the zero-to-60 time is a quick 5.4 seconds. Either two- wheel or four-wheel drive puts the power to the pavement. A fully independent suspension system all around helps the ride quality.
With the Black Label model, the real experience is the many features in the high-end interior. As one would expect, smooth and colorful puka-punched leather is spread around in the interior along with wood inserts. And, of course, a large 10-inch touch video screen sits in the center of the dash to control many features with another video screen in the dash pod providing driving information. A super robust center console with multiple openings for cell phone charging and storage, general storage and cup holders separates the driver and passenger seats. Oh, by the way, the front seats offer 30 different adjustments—including programming a massage.
Rear seating in our test model had two separate captain chairs in row two. Again, an infinite number of adjustments are available to please even the most persnickety passengers. The seats can be moved back and forth, with plenty of headroom and legroom. Two large video screens for the rear passengers are found on the back of the front seats with wireless headsets available. Going to the roomy third row of three seats is easy ... simply walk between the second row of two seats. A reasonable amount of carrying room is found in the luggage area even with all the seats up. A simple press of a button (located on a back panel) effortlessly lowers and flattens the seats, opening up more storage.
The driving experience starts with an approach to the SUV, and when it realizes your fob/key is present some magic happens ... the running boards below the doors rolls out on both sides to make it easier to step up and in. Punch the start button and hit the tab on the dash to pick a gear and off you go in relative silence. On the road, an excellent head up display in front the driver provides your speed, the legal speed limit, warnings about staying in the proper lane, outside temperature, and the miles left before you need a fill-up. When backing up, a 360-degree view around the SUV and a rear view are provided in the center video screen. Six driving modes are provided from excite to conserve.
On the road, the powerplant is barely noticed, and transmission shifts seamlessly. Gears can be changed manually with paddles behind the steering wheel. The overall height of the Navigator is amazing—you even look down on most SUVs and trucks. Steering is very light and reasonably accurate. The suspension absorbs rough roads without a problem, and even with the overall height cornering is not a major issue.
With Lincoln now available again in Honolulu, multiple new high-end SUVs are now on hand. So if a large hauler of people or trailers in a luxury mode is of interest, the Navigator might need to be explored.