The Lincoln Continental is offered with a choice of three powerful V6 engines. The base engine is a 3.7L V6 making 305 hp, all-wheel drive is optional, though by default power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic. A smaller 2.7L V6 makes 335 hp, the bigger power number coming courtesy of a turbocharger. Though horsepower only jumps by about 30, the 2.7L makes far more torque than the naturally aspirated but bigger 3.7L engine, with 100 lb-ft more on tap. The top of the line engine is a 3.0L V6, this time with two turbochargers, making an even 400 hp; while still making more torque than any other engine in the lineup. Opting for the most powerful engine necessitates all-wheel drive, with the only transmission option being a 6-speed auto.
Several equipment groups are available with the Continental. Models sold with the 3.7L engine come with either 100A or 200A equipment packages while 2.7L Models are sold in either 200A or 300A trim. Continentals sold with the top of the line 3.0L twin-turbo engine get the 300A equipment package by default.
Standard equipment on the 100A package includes dual-zone, automatic climate control with rear seat vents, a leather wrapped steering wheel with buttons to control the audio and climate control systems, rear-seat reading lamps, three different power outlets, wood trim, and MyLincoln Mobile App. Standard exterior items include 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED tail lamps and integrated blind spot mirrors.
The 200A equipment level adds among other things, leather seating surfaces, a hands free power trunk lid and a trick lighting system that will project the Lincoln logo on the ground when unlocking and approaching the vehicle. The 300A equipment level includes heated and cooled front seats, a blind spot information system and power folding rear head restraints.
Lots of options are available on the Continental, including stylish 19 or 20-inch wheels, a twin-panel moonroof, an active parking assist system, adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 30-way adjustable driver's seat, a Revel premium sound system and LED headlamps. Of course, being a Continental a rear-seat package with reclining, heated and cooled rear seats is also available.
After a brief hiatus, the Continental returns to the Lincoln lineup, bringing with it the luxury and space that has defined the brand in the past, while adding a healthy dose of technology and refinement. The 2017 Continental is the second car in Lincoln's lineup to ditch the old "moustache" grill in favor of a much more conventional front end design. Sharp, clean lines now define the Lincoln lineup, with the new Continental as the centerpiece for their much more mature styling language.
The 2017 Lincoln Continental is the flagship sedan in Lincoln's lineup. It's a full sized car, with plenty of room for back seat passengers as well as all their luggage. Prices start at around $45,000 with the most expensive trim levels still coming in below $60,000. The Continental's pricing puts it squarely in competition with mid-sized sedans from German luxury manufacturers such as the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-series. However, the Continental undercuts its German rivals from a value standpoint at every turn. Even with a base price a few thousand dollars less than either the Audi A6 or the BMW 5-series, the standard V6 engine in the base Continental is much more powerful than any of the turbocharged 4-cylinders offered on lesser versions of the German cars. The Lincoln also promises a much more serene driving experience, with a smaller emphasis on sport and a greater emphasis on ultimate comfort.