"American luxury that commands attention"... Lincoln Navigator, the 'quiet giant' [Outstanding Mobility]

[Financial News] You have to step up to get into the driver's seat. The moment your eye level rises above the roofline of most sedans, the size of this vehicle becomes clear. Its body stretches beyond 5.3 meters, and the massive grille standing vertically against the road, crossed by a light bar, creates a presence that dominates the street without making a sound. Yet inside, it is remarkably quiet. This is the fifth-generation Lincoln Navigator, the flagship of American luxury.
I drove the fifth-generation Navigator, which launched in Korea last month, on both city streets and highways. It arrives domestically in a single top-spec Lincoln Black Label trim. Since the first generation opened the premium full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) market in 1997, the Navigator has embodied Lincoln's idea of an "ultimate sanctuary" in a large SUV. This latest generation pushes that concept even further.
The exterior speaks first through size and light. It measures 5,340 mm in length, 2,070 mm in width, and 1,995 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. A large Lincoln signature grille, set vertically against the road, is crossed by a light bar, and as the driver approaches, the Lincoln Embrace welcome sequence lights up in order from the front center to the door handles. At the rear, a taillight strip spans the entire tailgate, along with a Lincoln 3D badge, while 22-inch high-gloss ebony aluminum wheels support the massive body.
One standout feature introduced for the first time in this generation is the Lincoln Split Gate. The tailgate is divided so that the upper three-quarters and the lower section open independently. When loading only a small amount of luggage, you can open just the top section, while the lower door can support up to about 227 kg and double as a bench. It is a practical touch for changing shoes at a campsite or golf course, or for organizing luggage. It also removes the hassle of opening and closing a large SUV tailgate in one piece every time.
Step inside, and a 48-inch panoramic display stretches across the top of the dashboard. Driving information appears near the driver's eye line, making speed and navigation easy to read without taking your eyes far off the road. Below it, an 11.1-inch center touchscreen handles infotainment. The flat-top steering wheel is designed to preserve both forward visibility and screen readability. From the Bolsdorff leather-wrapped steering wheel and Opulence leather seats to the natural wood trim and crystal-inspired volume knob, every touchpoint feels premium.
That said, the heavy reliance on on-screen controls may divide opinion. Aside from essentials such as the hazard lights, ignition, and gear selection, most functions are handled through the touchscreen, and even frequently used features sometimes require several taps while driving. It is a reminder of the convenience of physical buttons that can be pressed instantly by feel.
The seats are one of the areas where this vehicle shows particular attention to detail. The Perfect Position seat in the front row offers 30-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and 28-way adjustment for the passenger seat, along with ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The rear seats are especially impressive. The second row also gets ventilation and massage at the same level as the front. In many expensive vehicles, rear passengers are often limited to heated seats, but this one treats them on par with those in front. Power recline and heating extend all the way to the third row, leaving no bad seat in the cabin.
When you start the engine, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 settles in with a low rumble. It produces 446 horsepower and 70.5 kg·m of torque, delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although the vehicle weighs 2,765 kg, it gathers speed with a heavy but smooth feel when you press the accelerator. It had no trouble merging onto highways or overtaking, and the V6's engine note remained low and unobtrusive.
The most impressive aspects of the drive were the ride comfort and quietness. The adaptive suspension with continuously variable damping control filtered out road impacts smoothly. Speed bumps and joints were absorbed without sending shocks into the cabin, and the large body pressed steadily along the road without wobbling. The steering and accelerator are on the heavier side, so this is not a vehicle that encourages aggressive driving, but that is not its purpose. It is meant to move people in a large, quiet, and comfortable space without disturbing them. It stays true to that mission. Five drive modes, from Normal to Excite, Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, can be selected depending on the situation.
Convenience features are also packed in, as expected of a large luxury SUV. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System fills the cabin like a concert hall, and the panoramic vista roof adds a sense of openness. Lincoln Rejuvenate, which coordinates lighting, fragrance, sound, and seats while parked to provide a restorative experience, is a fitting feature for resting briefly after a long drive.
There are, however, a few trade-offs. Combined fuel economy is 6.8 km/L, with 5.9 km/L in the city and 8.4 km/L on the highway, placing it in Grade 5. Given the 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine and a body weighing more than 2.7 tons, that is within expectations, but running costs will not be low. Its 5,340 mm length and 2,070 mm width are also a clear burden in narrow alleys and urban parking lots. The touchscreen-heavy control layout mentioned earlier will also require some adjustment for drivers used to physical buttons.
After driving it in both city and highway conditions, the Navigator can be summed up in two words: a quiet giant. It dominates the road with its size, but once the doors close, it shuts out noise and vibration and wraps the occupants in calm. This is not a vehicle that competes on speed or agility. It competes on space and serenity. If the Cadillac Escalade speaks through power and presence, the Navigator answers with quiet and comfort. Even among American full-size SUVs, the difference in philosophy is what makes this market so interesting.
The domestic price of the all-new Lincoln Navigator Black Label is 161.5 million won, including VAT and based on a 5% individual consumption tax.

[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter