Lincoln to sell flagship Aviator SUV in Middle East market

Lincoln have announced plans to sell their seven-seater flagship Aviator SUV through their dealer networks in the Middle East, include the UAE, in 2019. Replacing the outgoing MKX and MKT models, the Aviator features sleeker and more modern-looking styling as well as new mechanical underpinnings from sister company Ford.

Inside, you’re greeted by an array of touchscreens and a digital gauge cluster with head-up display, as well as a machined-aluminium centre console clearly inspired by aeronautical designs (that Aviator name is not just a name). Creature comforts abound – climate control, massage seats and a high-level sound system with a staggering 28 speakers. Lincoln originally became famous for their ultra-comfortable, sumptuous sedans in the 1970s and these new models have carried on this fine tradition into the present day.

But luxury can’t exist without efficiency in 2019, and fuel economy is important even for sizeable deluxe vehicles like the Aviator, especially with the burgeoning success of Tesla’s hugely rapid Model S and Model X electric luxury cars. The 2020 Aviator is no exception, and Lincoln offers buyers two different trims – the standard 400hp turbo V6 petrol and a plug-in hybrid variant. Both come with a Ford-derived 10 speed automatic gearbox, and the Aviator can be optioned with rear or all-wheel drive. After all, off-roading is not the primary function of the Lincoln, but it no doubt still has the torque for dune climbing. There are no exact figures for the MPG and CO2 stats of the Aviator yet but expect them to be highly competitive for the sector.

The global popularity of luxury sports utility vehicles shows no signs of abating as we enter into 2019, and it makes sense for Lincoln (Ford’s prestige sub-brand) to shift their efforts away from the underselling Continental towards the Aviator and Nautilus sport utility vehicles. After all, the saloon might have been the luxury car of choice in the 1970s but today is the age of the SUV.

There is no word yet on exact pricing on the Aviator, but early estimates put a start price in the region of $55,000-65,000 USD – about 180,000 to 200,000AED.