IAB reader spots the 2019 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid on test

The 2019 Lincoln Aviator debuted as a plug-in hybrid concept at the NYIAS 2018 in March. New IAB reader Cody Wagner spotted the future SUV undergoing road testing in the USA last month.

The 2019 Lincoln Aviator will look very close to the concept version that debuted in New York this year. Some of the differences hiding beneath the camouflage are likely minor revisions to the front grille, bumpers and mirrors.

The second generation Aviator, although still a concept, is Lincoln’s first model designed around the 'quiet flight' theme. The luxury SUV is a North American mid-sizer in dimensions, featuring three rows of seats. While luxury SUVs are increasingly going softer on the styling, Lincoln’s offering looks masculine with the feel of a typical American SUV.

Unlike its predecessor, the next generation isn’t a body-on-frame SUV. It rides on a new unibody platform that is one of the five platforms that will live through Ford's cost-cutting exercise. This platform likely underpins even the next-gen Ford Mustang.

The 2019 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid could come with the Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. Wouldn’t surprise us if Lincoln offered the non-electrified variant with a turbo 2.0-litre four-banger to kick-off the range.

The medium SUV’s notable features would be the 12-inch virtual instrument cluster, the company’s first-ever Suspension Preview Technology, Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist technology suite, Perfect Position front seats offering 30-way adjustability and massage capability and wireless phone charging.

Also See: Lincoln Continental - Auto China 2016

The reborn Aviator releases in 2019, Lincoln has confirmed. It is designed to compete with the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX as well as the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7.

[Image Source: twitter.com]