2018 Lincoln Continental

Pros: Luxurious interior; wide selection of technology and convenience options

Cons: Mainstream midsize front-wheel-drive sedan origins; many desirable features such as leather upholstery, turbocharged engines are not standard

CG Says: The 2018 Lincoln Continental now has standard Wi-Fi hotspot on all models. Otherwise, Continental is little changed for its second year. Lincoln revived its iconic Continental name for a new flagship sedan in 2017. The Continental rides a stretched version of the front-wheel-drive Ford Fusion platform. Three V6 engines are offered: a 3.7 liter with 305 horsepower, a 335-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter, and a Lincoln-exclusive turbocharged 3.0-liter with 400 horsepower. All are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel-drive system can be teamed with a Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that transfers torque to the appropriate rear wheel when cornering. Available features include Lincoln Drive Control, which alters suspension calibrations according to comfort, normal, and sport settings; adaptive steering; Revel-brand premium audio system; and reclining heated and cooled rear seats. The “Perfect Position” front seats are adjustable up to 30 ways, and offer independently adjustable left- and right-thigh extensions in addition to heating and cooling. Also available are a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree surround-view camera system, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Continental’s unique, beltline-mounted “E-latch” handles pop the doors open at the touch of a button; the doors also offer an available power-cinching feature. Lincoln’s flagship offers a tantalizing 400-hp turbo V6 and an impressive array of the latest technology and convenience features. Its conservative styling and mainstream midsize-sedan origins might leave some big luxury car shoppers cold, but the Continental could carve out a niche for itself as an understated alternative to its Asian- and European-brand rivals, and the flashier Cadillac CT6.