A private launch event in NYC set the stage for the debut of the latest version of Lincoln’s flagship SUV, including new Black Label variants.
For an SUV that essentially created the large luxury SUV segment in 1998, the Lincoln Navigator continues to reign as the standard-bearer for more than just the large SUV market- just this week, Toyota was spotted testing its new Tundra truck against the Navigator.
For 2022, Lincoln has upped the ante even further with a refresh of the exterior styling as well as interior improvements which we previewed at in New York City. The exterior retains its grand proportion, but closer examination reveals reduced visual complexity, including a simplified headlight design that is in line with cues from the beautiful Aviator and Corsair vehicles. The Navigator features an unbroken belt-line crease that runs from the headlight corner to the taillight, accentuating its length and structural integrity when parked, and a certain understated sincerity at speed. This conservative styling approach has defined the Navigator design language, allowing the vehicle to age in a timeless manner. Thoughtfully-placed chrome appliqués offer subtle luxury around the vehicle, centering on the signature waterfall grille, now more substantial in proportion, but refined to feel less imposing.
The successful Black Label series at Lincoln gets new interpretations in the Navigator. The Black Label experience on Navigator includes a uniquely designed, dual-finished grille, as well as these two new themes that join Chalet and Yacht Club in the luxury portfolio, featuring colors and finishes that are only available to Black Label clients:
- Central Park strikes the perfect balance between a lavish, organic oasis and the surrounding skyscrapers of New York City, with rich-contrast, open-pore dark walnut extending the full-length of the instrument panel and depicting lasered-in scenic pathways of perhaps the most famous urban park in the world.
- Invitation is meant to invoke the welcome at an intimate celebration, luxurious and detailed, with industry-first dual laser-etching and exclusive open-pore Khaya wood that expands across the instrument panel and center console.
2022 Lincoln Navigator Manhattan Green Black Label. Preproduction model shown with available features. Available early 2022. Available at participating Lincoln Black Label Dealers only.
2022 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Central Park interior. Preproduction model shown with available features. Available early 2022. Available at participating Lincoln Black Label Dealers only.
The Central Park variant, on view at the New York event, features an exclusive Manhattan Green Metallic exterior color and a subtle green interior. The result is unbelievably sophisticated, upmarket, and even a bit midcentury in the best sense. The lasered pathways reflect off high-gloss black details, which play with chrome buttons and bezels. Altogether, the Navigator’s interior it is a truly sublime atmosphere with a rich variety of textures.
“We continue to evolve our exclusive Black Label themes based on luxury trends and the changing environment, ultimately drawing inspiration from our clients,” said Marcia Salzberg, Lincoln senior color and materials designer.
2022 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Central Park interior. Preproduction model shown with available features. Available early 2022. Available at participating Lincoln Black Label Dealers only.
The interior of the Navigator is the latest take on Lincoln’s mission to create a sanctuary for the driver and any passengers. Mike Kipley, Navigator’s chief program engineer communicated that many Lincoln drivers use their vehicles for more than driving: “It’s often an escape; a moment for pause.” This idea was the basis of Lincoln’s memorable Sanctuary ad campaign featuring Serena Williams and the Navigator. Simply, the interior of the new Navigator is focused on precision and comfort. The available massage system and 30-way Perfect Position Seats are legendary for their quality. Now, second-row seats now come with standard heat, ventilation and available segment-first massage capability with Active Motion. Further, second-row passengers can now control their seat, climate and audio settings on a new 5.8-inch digital module. The Revel™ Ultima™ 3D audio system available for the 2022 Navigator features no less than 28 speakers. The calming atmosphere is enhanced by six unique symphonic chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, which offer a more pleasant experience than the harsh tones of many other vehicles.
2022 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Central Park interior. Preproduction model shown with available features. Available early 2022. Available at participating Lincoln Black Label Dealers only.
Perhaps most remarkable is the updated technology in that second row. The massage seats are one thing, but the new Lincoln Play system with Fire TV seriously upgrades the rear entertainment experience. This is essentially two computers for rear passengers, featuring a 10.1-inch screen and wireless Bluetooth headphones allow for watching content individually on each rear display or mirror across both displays to watch together. It includes two voice remotes for use with Alexa and Prime, but also includes multiple inputs including HDMI, USB Type C, SD.
The Navigator is iconic for its smooth ride and excellent driving experience, and is now Lincoln’s first vehicle to offer ActiveGlide, an evolution of Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition. With these systems working in sync, the head-up display to indicate when the system’s advanced camera and radar are activated, enabling drivers to operate Navigator hands-free on prequalified sections of divided highways. Hands-Free Blue Zones include more than 130,000 miles of dedicated highways across North America in the Lincoln GPS mapping system. Also new to the Lincoln Navigator suite of intuitive features is Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview that works to ensure a smooth ride. Body movements and vehicle motion, as well as steering, acceleration, and braking activities, are constantly monitored by 12 sensors – including a forward-facing camera – that read the road 500 times per second and automatically prompt adjustments up to 100 times per second to mitigate any unpleasant impacts.
Additional standard features include Forward Collision Warning, Post Collision Braking, Distance Alert, Dynamic Brake Support, Pedestrian Detection, Auto Hold, hill start assist, automatic headlamps, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation and Phone As A Key.
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator will be built at the Kentucky Truck Plant and arrives at Lincoln dealerships in early 2022. Visit Lincoln.com