Lincoln Continental

Just saying the words "Lincoln Continental" summons a certain elegance that harkens back to the glory days of the luxury brand. And from a distance, the new sedan that carries that torch appears to do its predecessors justice, with graceful looks and the subtle flair

Just saying the words "Lincoln Continental" summons a certain elegance that harkens back to the glory days of the luxury brand. And from a distance, the new sedan that carries that torch appears to do its predecessors justice, with graceful looks and the subtle flair to turn heads along any fashion district.

The problem is that the Continental can't match modern trendsetters when it comes to build quality. And even at a price that places it among affordable luxury sedans, competitors from Cadillac and Genesis offer a more complete package. A handful of minor updates for 2020 don't go far enough to keep the Continental current in a segment that is rapidly improving.

The latest model year offers refreshed exterior colors and new optional packages that include helpful features such as soft-close doors and a 19-speaker audio system. Otherwise, the Continental returns with its three available engines — a 3.7-liter V6, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 — that offer muscle but not much panache. The seats are comfortable and the rear legroom is impressive. Overall, the Continental is a likable enough sedan, but there is little about it that suggests its predecessors were once among the most desired vehicles on the planet.

What's it like to live with the Continental?

The MatoCar editorial team purchased and lived with a Lincoln Continental for a year, logging just over 14,000 miles. We were unanimous in our praise for the powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine but had mixed opinions about the 30-way adjustable front seats and build quality. Note that while we tested a 2017 model, our observations still largely apply to the 2020 Continental as well. To learn more, check out our long-term Continental test for all the details, good and bad.

Which Continental does MatoCar recommend?

Take a look at the Continental Reserve, which comes standard with the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It also offers an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with some extra oomph. The price difference over the base Continental trim is justified by 24-way power leather seats, a 360-degree camera and a power-shade moonroof.

Lincoln offers the Continental in three trims: base, Reserve and Black Label. The Continental offers three engine choices, and all-wheel drive is available with each one. The sedan also presents a wide variety of equipment packages to add.

First up is the Continental base, an entry-level luxury sedan that comes with some luxurious amenities such as 10-way power-adjustable seats, interior wood trim and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp, 280 lb-ft) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety equipment is a strong point thanks to Lincoln's Co-Pilot360, a comprehensive suite that includes pre-collision assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert. The Sync 3 infotainment system is also a welcome addition.

Stepping up to the Continental Reserve brings substantial features to the table. First is a different standard engine, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) and an optional twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft). The wheels increase from 18-inch to 19-inch designs, the audio system expands from 10 speakers to 13, and the power seats adjust up to 24 ways. Small luxury touches abound, from a heated steering wheel to illuminated doorsill plates.

At the top of the model line, the Continental Black Label adds a small number of premium features and a few that leave us scratching our heads. It is available with either of the twin-turbocharged engines, but for some reason, the 2.7-liter V6 in this trim only comes with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive requires the 3.0-liter V6. The suede-like material generally found in sports cars comes on the floor mats of all places.

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