Lincoln brings quiet luxury to China

US automaker Lincoln has unveiled two models at the Shanghai auto show as part of its commitment to offering Chinese customers more diverse products and enhanced personalized ownership experiences.

The MKZ Hybrid, a midsize sedan launched at the event, is available in three trim packages, priced at 329,800 yuan ($47,900) for the Select, 357,800 yuan for the Reserve and 408,800 yuan for the Preferred.

The Navigator Concept, designed to respond to customer needs with the nameplate's most spacious cabin and strong performance, shows the marque's vision of bringing Quiet Luxury to fullsize SUV customers.

The unveilings came after Lincoln achieved its best quarter since its entry to the Chinese market.

From January to March, the carmaker delivered 11,731 vehicles in the world's largest car market, an increase of 114 percent year-on-year.

"Lincoln's unique product portfolio and passion for creating a truly personalized customer experience have made it China's fastest-growing luxury auto brand," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln, at the Shanghai show.

"Today, we are showing another glimpse of the future with our first electrified vehicle in China, the MKZ Hybrid, and the Navigator Concept SUV."

Before the launch of the MKZ hybrid, Lincoln had introduced five models to the Chinese market: the flagship sedan Continental, the MKZ sedan and three members of its SUV family, ranging from the new small premium utility MKC and the mid-size premium utility MKX to the full-size SUV Navigator.

Lincoln now has 73 stores in China and is expected to increase that to 100 by the end of this year.

MKZ Hybrid

The new MKZ Hybrid achieves a class-leading fuel economy of 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers, thanks to a 2.0-liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine, coupled with an electronic continuously variable transmission, for an output of 188 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque.

This hybrid sports a 25.65-cm-configurable LCD gauge cluster, featuring the patented SmartGauge with EcoGuide to encourage more efficient driving habits.

The center console also features an exclusive L button to engage a low-speed gear, and an ECO button that enables fuel-efficient features.

"The new MKZ Hybrid allows for an effortless ownership experience that wraps together eco-friendliness with luxury, comfort and power," said Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific.

"Introduced into one of the largest segments in China's luxury auto market, this premium hybrid has been designed to meet the needs of China's rising generation of luxury customers."

Navigator Concept

After listening carefully to its customers, Lincoln has crafted the all-new full-size luxury SUV Navigator Concept around how they want to interact with and feel in their utilities.

The concept's new features put the personal experience first, signaling Lincoln's vision of bringing Quiet Luxury to full-size SUV customers.

The model delivers the capability demanded in the segment, with a 3.5-liter twinturbo V6 engine with more than 400 horsepower and Lincoln Drive Control that offers drivers better handling.

The cabin now has the nameplate's most spacious interior ever, creating a personal sanctuary whose design is inspired by luxury sailboats and yachts.

The concept is equipped with new technology for easier, more connected driving and a more entertaining ride.

A 360-degree camera system allows the driver to see around the car on a large panel screen. Rear passengers in every row can connect to head restraint monitors with Wi-Fi to link their desired media from their own devices.

Lincoln will bring the production model of the all-new Lincoln Navigator to China later this year.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2017 page12)