Lincoln Motor Co.'s Aviator crossover — which executives and dealers expect will become the brand's best-seller — will start at $52,195, including shipping.
The gasoline version of the three-row crossover also includes a Reserve model that starts at $57,285, while the high-end Black Label trim will start at $78,790. The base plug-in hybrid model, called Grand Touring, will start at $69,895, including shipping. The plug-in Black Label trim will start at $88,895.
Customers can order the vehicle beginning in February. The gasoline version goes on sale this summer, while the plug-in will go on sale in late summer, according to a Lincoln spokeswoman.
The Aviator, which slots between the Navigator and Nautilus, was engineered on a new rear-wheel-drive platform. It comes standard with a 3-liter gasoline engine paired with a 10-speed transmission that gets 400 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque.
The Grand Touring model combines an electric motor with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine to deliver the brawniest powertrain Lincoln has ever offered at 450 hp and 600 pound-feet of torque.
The vehicle features a new air glide suspension system, which replaces traditional coil springs with air bladders that can raise or lower the vehicle up to 80 mm (3.1 inches) depending on the situation. An adaptive suspension feature uses the forward-facing camera to scan the road for obstacles such as potholes and constantly adjust the vehicle accordingly.
In addition to a host of driver-assist technology, the Aviator also features a "phone as a key" feature; customers can download the Lincoln Way app and use their smartphone to lock, unlock and start the vehicle.
Up to four phones can be connected. If the phone's battery dies, Lincoln says a backup passcode can be entered on the exterior keypad to enter the vehicle, and the center touch screen can be used to start the engine.
