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Now that the all-new Escalade is out, Lincoln has spruced up its Navigator just in time to battle its closest rival. While it is not a completely new model, major style updates, powertrain changes, and interior accommodations help the Navigator shed its bad boy image for a more refined look and feel. Here are some of the top things to know about Lincoln's updated SUV:
1. The new Lincoln receives an updated exterior, including a new split-wing grille and standard 20-inch aluminum wheels. A total of 222 LEDs have made their way to the body of the SUV.
2. Lincoln says it is betting heavily on the Navigator heritage to drive sales, targeting customers in the 50-60 age range with a household income of "well over $200,000." The Navigator is priced at $62,475 including destination, around $10,000 less than the Escalade.
3. The biggest challenge in creating the Navigator lies in what couldn't be done. "The most difficult part is we wanted to do more," Lincoln marketing manager Lee Jelenic told us. "We were working with a moderate mid-cycle budget, and there are always tradeoffs when you're doing that. And we had to make sure that we chose to invest and upgrade the parts of the vehicle that mattered most to customers."
3. The biggest challenge in creating the Navigator lies in what couldn't be done. "The most difficult part is we wanted to do more," Lincoln marketing manager Lee Jelenic told us. "We were working with a moderate mid-cycle budget, and there are always tradeoffs when you're doing that. And we had to make sure that we chose to invest and upgrade the parts of the vehicle that mattered most to customers."
4. Some of the most significant upgrades have been made under the hood. Replacing the V-8 in the outgoing Navigator is a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6. While this engine is also used in the Ford Expedition, the version in the Navigator receives 380 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. For 4x2 models with a short wheelbase, the Navigator is rated at 16/22 mpg city/highway, up from 14/20 in the outgoing model.
5. Lincoln added over 100 individual changes to improve quietness in the car. These include structural changes as well as updates to the carpet, acoustic glass, body stuffers, and headliner technology.
5. Lincoln added over 100 individual changes to improve quietness in the car. These include structural changes as well as updates to the carpet, acoustic glass, body stuffers, and headliner technology.
6. Continuously controlled damping uses sensors to monitor road conditions 46 times every two milliseconds to adjust the suspension accordingly. This feature is partnered with new electric steering assist for improved handling. The 2015 Navigator continues to offer an independent rear suspension, which not only provides a smoother ride but also allows for more room and completely fold-flat seats in the third row.
7. New interior materials include a leather-wrapped wood-trim steering wheel and second-gen MyLincoln Touch that incorporates more buttons and knobs than the old version. A new Reserve Package adds upgraded leather throughout the cabin, 22-inch aluminum wheels, and premium Ziricote that is typically seen on yachts.
8. One of the Navigator's strongest markets is the Middle East, thanks to the legacy the Town Car created there many years ago. The Yank tank is also sold in Canada and Mexico. No plans have been made to introduce the product in China.
9. Towing is 9000 pounds, ranking it best in its class. Compared to the Navigator, the Escalade can tow 8300 pounds while the Infiniti QX80, which Lincoln says is the Navigator's other major competitor, tows 8500 pounds.
10. Lincoln expects 60 percent of Navigator owners will come from its current loyal customer base and the rest will comprise of conquest sales.The Navigator is currently in production at Lincoln's Kentucky Truck Plant and reaches dealer showrooms in October.
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