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The Velar interior is picture pretty, but fades quickly once you start casting a critical eye over the details. Q7 has to have a better interior because it is trying to play in the Escalade/Navigator/GLS class while also bridging down to GLE pricing. The fact that we're even talking about a mid-size Lincoln crossover in the same conversation as the GLE and Q7 is testament. The possibility that Lincoln could possibly sway would-be German intenders is not even close to zero. One really couldn't say that before today.

Completely different markets. Cadillac does not have direct competition for the Aviator yet. This matches up with the MKC in price. That said, if this is any indicator of the future of Cadillac interiors verse Lincoln interiors, Lincoln will be making big moves on Cadillac very soon. There is nothing wrong with the XT4 interior, but it is nothing special, it could be a new Infiniti or Acura or BMW in styling. Cadillac cannot put this kind of half-hearted effort into the new Escalade or they will end up where the Navigator was in sales for the past decade.

This one is clearly still just a concept, but wow what a concept! Much of the vehicle is production ready with off the shelf parts from other Lincoln vehicles. I don't expect there to be as big a change concept to production as there was on Navigator and Continental. Even if only 90% of what we see in the interior makes it, it will compete easily with GLE and Range Rover. Those who like the Range Rover Velar but can't stomach the frequent trips to the dealer for warranty repairs will like the Aviator.

I'm getting the pictures loaded into Lightroom now for processing. I think you all know my opinion on Toyota styling of existing products.... but I think this really changes the market for them. This RAV4 is now closer to Jeep Wrangler rugged looks than the Cherokee is.

Wow. Looks fantastic. Bravo, Lincoln. This brand may finally be getting it's act together.

It can be weird. I have eaten fried chicken at KFC three times in my life, the last of which was in my late twenties. I have gotten sick each and every time while the others in the party did not. It was soda crackers, ginger ale, a major headache, and throwing up for the next 12 hours. I am probably allergic to a seasoning or something in the batter. I do not get sick when I've eaten fried chicken (which I don't really like all that much) elsewhere.

The Navigator has the larger three-row RWD BOF SUV niche covered. This is smaller, replaces the MKT. The Nautilus (MKX rebadge) is the two row CUV. It's like how GM has 3 row CUVs (Traverse, Enclave) and 3 row BOF SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade). Ford will have the new Explorer, then two lengths of Expedition. Same with Lincoln.

This could be a true renaissance of Lincoln if they can bring out quickly a new product portfolio of SUV/CUVs that are done like this. Potential light after all for Lincoln!

Looks great, sort of European looking out the outside.. And yes new platform that will also underpin the new Explorer as stated..

Vehicle looks great. It's exciting to hear about a plug-in hybrid, because that's my current favorite hybrid/EV design. Did I hear that correctly? REAR WHEEL DRIVE??? @Drew Dowdell is this a new platform or...? I guess while i tagged you and speaking of platforms.. any idea when the new Ford modular platform is supposed to be a thing? CD8, I think?

Done right, Family connection to the big momma and sharp. Could be a decent Hybrid to own. Look forward to seeing one in person.

It's... actually really good! The interior too! I wouldn't mind driving one. CR-V is put on notice.

The absolutely SMASHING new Aviator (while admittedly a near production version) renders this invisible. It's decent I guess, but the black lower perimeter cheapens the look considerably, I mean, the Buick Encore has less black textured plastic around the lower extremities than this. I'm thinking part of the issue with that is the "sport" trim. And the horizontal jag on the taillights takes away its Cadillac identity, forcing people to get up close to ID it. I agree with SMK on the door trims... plain. Not luxury. I guess they're trying to sell a "first Cadillac" to people who don't know or care about Cadillac history.

Vw continues to get smart. Where is the GM / Chevy competitor to this and the edge?

The Acura CDX has been sold in China for over a year now, maybe they don't want to go that low end again in North America..

I'd have to look, but I think this 2.5 liter is all-new and supposed to have some ridiculously high MPG numbers for even the non-hybrid version

God he annoys me so much. Nothing about his reports... its the way he acts at the show. He has no problem pushing people out of the way or walking right in front of you when you're taking your shots. Even for such a short clip as this, it takes him for. freaking. ever. to get all his takes in.... If I see him working at a car I immediately turn around and leave because he's probably shooting a Time-Life mini-series. It's got something to do with height. The RAV4 is a much taller vehicle. The XT4 is not only shorter over all, but seems to sit much lower to the ground.... much more "tall hatchback" than crossover. I already hear @dfelt complaining about the headroom... anyone taller than my 5'10" height is not going to like the back seats. The cargo room of the XT4 feels roughly the same size as my Encore.

The Lincoln Aviator is making a comeback as a three-row crossover. At the New York Auto Show, Lincoln unveiled the Aviator Concept which looks like a smaller Navigator. The bold front end, clean side profile, and smooth rear end are here. But that isn't the big news about this concept. For that, you need to look under the Aviator's skin. The concept uses an all-new rear-wheel drive platform that will also underpin the next-generation Explorer. Lincoln hints the production model will have the option of all-wheel drive. As for power, the concept boasts a twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. No other details such as power figures or range were given. Inside, the Aviator looks to be a carbon copy of its larger sibling complete with a lowered dash and 12-inch screen for the instrument cluster. For tech features, the Aviator concept can be unlocked and started through your smartphone (through the aptly named Phone as a Key), and Suspension Preview Technology that looks at the road ahead and automatically adjusts the chassis settings. A production version of the Aviator is expected next year and we wouldn't be surprised if it mostly looks like the concept seen here. Source: Lincoln Press Release is on Page 2 Elegant Aviator SUV Previews Lincoln’s Next Act With Power, Technology, And Plug-In Hybrid Option Aviator preview embodies Lincoln’s future as the brand moves toward a portfolio of more utilities highlighting beauty and elegance and offering Lincoln’s quietest, smoothest drive yet Three-row, rear-wheel-drive Aviator marks the first time Lincoln will offer a plug-in hybrid model that is capable of using its twin-turbocharged engine if needed – easing range anxiety Owners will be able to use their smartphone as a key when Lincoln debuts the Phone as a Key technology on the production model of Aviator, allowing clients to lock and unlock the vehicle, open its trunk and, most importantly, start and drive it – no smart key fob necessary NEW YORK, March 28, 2018 – Aviator glides into New York this week, offering a preview of The Lincoln Motor Company’s newest vehicle along with a glimpse into the brand’s future, which is moving toward a broader portfolio of utilities and electrification in conjunction with effortless services. As more consumers choose the spaciousness and capability of SUVs, Lincoln unveils Aviator, a distinctive three-row plug-in hybrid production preview. The “teaser” model serves to preview the direction Lincoln plans to take with its newest SUV when the production model goes on sale next year. “The Lincoln Navigator continues to turn heads and bring new clients to the brand,” says Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. “We believe Aviator’s elegant design, state-of-the-art technology and refined plug-in hybrid option will draw even more clients to the Lincoln showroom, including families who are looking for three-row capability.” With its slim, tapered lines, roomy interior, twin-turbocharged powertrain available with an advanced plug-in hybrid option, the three-row Aviator targets the heart of the premium market, entering the medium luxury SUV segment that represents more than a quarter of all premium SUVs sold. Appealing to millennials starting families, with the majority of vehicles sold to people ages 35 to 44, the medium luxury SUV segment saw sales of more than 585,000 vehicles in 2017. Aeronautical inspiration The synchronicity of Aviator’s name and form language is intentional; aeronautics has long inspired automotive design. “In Aviator, the lines of the vehicle are streamlined,” says Lincoln Design Director David Woodhouse. “You have the stature and presence of the grille at the front, then the body and tail taper off – creating a distinct aerofoil analogy.” The emphasis of graceful lines pulling downward toward the rear – a cue to Aviator’s rear-wheel-drive platform – is what Woodhouse describes as an in-flight gesture. “If you look at a bird or plane in flight, the wing is always at an angle to the air and falling downward toward the rear,” he says. “You see that in the main bodyline of Aviator. From the headlight to the taillight, there’s a beautiful undercut feature varying in depth that connotes poise and grace.” The iridescent Flight Blue exterior color complements Aviator’s elegant, flowing lines, while the signature Lincoln grille is executed in high-gloss black and chrome accents. A wraparound windshield helps complete the aviation-inspired theme. Comfort and convenience The effortless experience begins even before entering the Aviator, as owners can use their smartphone as a key. When it debuts on the production SUV, Phone as a Key technology is expected to be one of the industry’s leading systems. Activated through the Lincoln Way™ app, it allows owners to lock and unlock, open the trunk and, most importantly, start and drive the vehicle – no smart key fob is necessary. Phone as a Key is designed to offer other amenities similar to a smart key fob. For instance, drivers can activate a locator chirp to find Aviator in a crowded parking lot, or recall their personal profile. Should the phone battery go dead, a backup passcode can be entered on the standard exterior keypad to gain access, then clients can start and proceed to drive the vehicle via the center touch screen. And, if the phone is lost or stolen, Phone as a Key can be easily deleted, providing additional peace of mind. Inside, Aviator’s spacious, airy cabin accentuates horizontal lines, minimizing visual clutter to deliver a soothing sanctuary. A thoughtfully designed steering wheel is intended for ultimate ease of use, with only subtle finger movements needed to access the many functions it houses. As comfort is paramount with Aviator, the amenities continue with Perfect Position seats offering 30-way adjustability and massage capability, while flexible second-row seats can recline and slide forward for easy access to the spacious third row. Wireless phone charging is located in the front armrest, while a convenient media bin is available for passengers in front as well. Multiple power outlets are located throughout the cabin, while standard Wi-Fi ensures everyone stays connected. An all-new Lincoln Black Label-inspired theme harmoniously combines Shearling Beige and Lunar Gray to further elevate the ambience. Machine-turn aluminum appliqués, brushed in small circles to replicate the shape of early aviation instruments, enhance the theme. The supple leather of the seats is minimally processed to retain its natural texture. Power, capability and choice Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, Aviator allows for the power and capability luxury clients require in a three-row SUV. The platform also serves to enhance Aviator’s elegant proportions, with a long wheelbase allowing for a spacious second and third row. The Lincoln powertrain is designed for clients interested in options. A twin-turbocharged engine can be paired with the brand’s first advanced plug-in hybrid technology, marking the first time the company will offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain mated to a twin-turbocharged engine. This combination of power and electrified capability will help Aviator deliver Lincoln’s quietest, smoothest, most powerful drive yet. Offering the capability of its twin-turbocharged engine in combination with a hybrid electric powertrain makes Aviator mightier than many supercars on the road today. The plug-in hybrid experience provides for a responsive, refined ride, with no powertrain-induced noise and vibration when operating on battery charge, yet is capable of using its twin-turbocharged engine if needed, easing range anxiety. Lincoln Drive Modes allow clients to further customize the drive experience, while a 12-inch standard cluster display confirms the choice with beautiful and dynamic, easy-to-read graphics. Client-focused technologies, services Aviator delivers a wealth of advanced technologies designed to assist the driver every step of the way. With Aviator’s advanced forward camera scanning the road ahead, Lincoln’s first-ever Suspension Preview Technology seamlessly adjusts the suspension for upcoming road conditions. This can help reduce driver stress caused by potholes and bumps in the road. Aviator will be equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360™, an advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping system, reverse camera and auto high-beam lighting. Aviator offers Reverse Brake Assist, an enhanced driver-assist technology that integrates rear sensors and a camera to provide automatic braking if an obstacle is detected behind the vehicle. Aviator also debuts a selection of considerate prompts delivered through the newest version of SYNC®. With the introduction of these prompts, or cues, Lincoln advances the brand’s holistic approach to vehicle ownership by bringing those services into the car. The prompts are designed to deliver helpful information to drivers visually on the cluster display, recommending appropriate actions to help them overcome whatever situation they’re facing. Should they run low on fuel, for example, Aviator will notify them and seamlessly connect them with navigation to offer them the closest gas station options. “Lincoln is committed to delivering the innovation and features that luxury consumers expect today,” says Falotico. “And, the Aviator is yet another example of how we are creating an effortless experience for our clients.” View full article

They're the same 37+ way seats offered as optional in the Continental and Navigator. Like in those vehicles, they'll be optional or part of an upper tier package.

This is true. The Explorer is a big mid-size, it is near a full size SUV, I don't think they gave the specs, but my guess is this Aviator is pushing 200 inches long, but so is the Q7. We have to see the final version to see if it can compete with a German, but yes a year ago Lincoln was barely above Honda and probably if you put an MKX in a comparo test vs a Pilot it would have lost. Huge win for Lincoln if they can even get in the same sentence with the Germans, but I also like that Lincoln doesn't even mention the Germans and just focuses on "American luxury." A lot of marketers try to compare their product to the Germans (Kia Stinger) and they are almost dead on arrival because they aren't going to be a good as a German car so why oversell and under deliver.

If the production version interior is 90% then they have a strong case against Infiniti QX70, MDX and anything Lexus has, I think they beat all them. Cadillac has their work cut out for them for an XT7. Range Rover can go off road in a serious way, the Aviator is no match for that but probably for the Velar which I don’t see that interior being that good. GLE and Q7 are a tall mountain to climb, the Q7 is already better inside than the Navigator and Ford will cut corners somewhere with this vehicle.

Exactly. Who would ahve thought...but this is fantastic!

At the dealer for service, saw this Trackhawk in the showroom. Sharp. They also have probably 100 Compasses on the lot, a few of the new Wranglers also. On the used section, saw a black Acura TSX wagon. Haven't seen one of those in ages.

There is no correlation between body length and cabin size. PDF attached. 2019-Cadillac-XT4-Order-Guide-Revised-March-24-2018.pdf

I pretty much love everything about it except the ridiculous cross-body LED lighting front and rear. Simplify that and it'd be golden.

I think this is really well done. It looks like a Navigator (which makes sense) and it looks even better because it doesn’t have that slab sided pick up truck look that the Navigator is stuck with. Interior looks nice, I like the different colors, you have to sit in it to know what the quality is like but from the pictures it looks good. I read the turbo V6 would be “mightier than super cars.” Lincoln lost me at that point unless this thing has 600 hp in it which I doubt. They should put the 2.7 liter turbo V6 base and the Navigator’s 450 hp V6 as the optional engine to go along with whatever plug in they do. I rarely think Lincoln gets much right but it looks like they got this right unless they really dumb down the production version.

With the Navigator proving itself (at least initially) to be a true world class large SUV, I hope for the same for the smaller Aviator. It does look promising, to say the least and having it be a hybrid (although still not high on my personal taste) should open some sales doors.

Sounds like a good RWD CUV, but why a three-row CUV? I thought the Navigator was supposed to have that niche. Doesn't Lincoln need a five-passenger CUV underneath the Navigator?

Wow so many new autos at NY this year... Apparently with standard AWD in Canada...

Absolutely. I would not be shy about telling you all if I did not like this...but I really do like it!

Sorry but last time I tried them I had their Philly and ended up with Food Poisoning. The Arby's around me seem to be run poorly and the health department is constantly hitting them for improper sanitation. I question if any will still be open by the end of the year. PASS

The photos of the black/dark gray interior are uninspiring. The design is anonymous, without the Cadillac steering wheel, I'd be hard pressed to identify the marque. Lincoln is using interior color much better, IMO.

Love the looks.. Love the tail lights.. its a about time for a lil change. Love the powertrain for what it is (What it is will be a vehicle for the segment.. not an enthusiast like me) Only complaint is that they caved to the knob heads and brought back a knob when I loved touch of the CUE system so much.. if for no other reason that I am more intelligent than most Perspective.. to those talking about size.. We must remember that Cadillac is going back to its TWEENER strategy in the coming years in some categories to accommodate various customers.. and this is Length X3 is 186 inched long X1 is 176 inched long XT4 is 181 inched long Price Point ($35,790) is that this starts off at X1 ($33,900) prices.. but has a size more in line with the X3 ($42,650) That being said. remember that the X3 is longer in the FRONT.. because of engine placement not because it is actually larger in usable people space. What I often felt was weird before the actual debut.. was that people bitched about the engine HP.. which now seen in perspective seems again like people loving to bitch about nothin. I looked at the HP of the competitors.. and it has to be noted that the Q3, for instance has a 200 hp engine.. the NX starts with a 195hp .. GLA.. a 208 hp engine.. X1.. 228HP.. this thing has a 237HP 2.0L with torque that comes and stays.. from 1000rpm. That my friends is a stout package if weight is where it should be. Remember the 0-60 of the X1 with a 228 hp engine is 6.3.. hell a Terrain with the 252hp 2.0L is 6.8.. but its torque and power come in at 2000rpm. I have a feeling that this will match a X1 or beat it

Since two big debuts haven't been posted here yet, I just want to say the new Lincoln Aviator is a STUNNER. And the Toyota RAV4 also looks great, it seems to shadow the Jeep Compass with functional and style features (with the addition of a useless hybrid model) while improving on every aspect of the Jeep. It's even got a 4WD mode wheel like the Jeep. I can see a lot of hard work in both of these vehicles and I predict success for both.

the brand's problem is its not-so-mini prices

Styling wise they did ok but I might have thought it was a smaller Ford Edge from the side profile caddy played it safe with styling here because they almost had to interior quality will be a concern but the design of it looks good 35k is more of a Buick price point ? not enough power in that 2.0 liter. Why is it detuned? cargo area figures seem small. Makes me wonder just how small this thing is. This essentially replaces the function of the ATS. except they should make sales volume with this which will keep caddys doors open enough to sell ct6's. There's no premise of performance here and the plain styling doesn't command big prices. This becomes caddys lease special queen. If anything it should bring new customers to the brand finally. Problem is this may be cheap enough to steal what really should be buick customers. Hell if this were cheap enough I might even want one Overall still i worry about why GM is overall still behind the curve in crossovers. GM needs to awake from their stupor of dumping huge $$$ on stuff like autonomous vehicles and earn back some market segments. It feels like GM has no product types in the company any more. Just 'marketing' types. Is it stempel era again? At least the xt4 should help win some business back. It signals a pretty passionless future for Cadillac though if every thing following is this neutered.

I'll go with the Nancy Reagan motto when it comes to curries: "just say no." It is one flavor and scent that doesn't do it for me and I definitely like to eat. This weekend, if my quick checking and memory serves me right, we've got two smaller Catholic universities squaring off against two bigger Midwestern universities in the Final Four. Not a real conventional looking Final Four.

All what was said and done in this thread. Yes. It all comes down to communication and respect, on both parties.

Wife and I worked in restaurants during college and I know how hard the work it. Good Service deserves a good tip. My wife and I always over tip for solid good service. I agree with everyone here, as a customer, the service I get be it from a place to eat or a place to make a major purchase can make me spend more money if the end result is I want to come back. Even in the discovery phase, you always treat everyone as if they are buying right then and there. Listen to what they are telling you, ask the probing questions to get them to open up so the sales person can help you. Course I go in with a solid Idea of what I want or at least want to look at and so I value the sales persons time as much as my own. No waste.

Dont get me wrong. I could be a little bastard with some customers...but the ones that Im a bastard to are the ones that manipulate the situation to get free shyte from me. LIE that they had a hair in their food. Or try to be confusing and not clear when ordering so the order gets messed up so they could cause a scene to embarrass the staff and the establishment to bully us to a free meal... I could see that shte a mile away...and I guess that would be akin to tire kickers that truly waste salespeople times.... Or the ones that use a quote from one salesman and then leave that dealership and go to another one and try to get another salesman to beat that quote... Or the truly indecisive ones that have no clue what it is the need or want... Or the ones that want to buy a Bentley Mulsanne with a Chevy Cavalier budget...(I get those types in my restaurant....they order a shyte load of food, they want cheese on a burger and flip out on the 75 cents I charge for extra cheese...then they start eliminating stuff from their order because apparently Im too expensive and then they pay with a credit card...and sometimes that credit card dont work... ) But I take all that with a smile....because the other customers in the restaurant all listen to how I handle that and when I take it in like a champ, they realize how shyte that client was and how nice I was (my partner and my staff included) and then they come back to my restaurant instead of that McDonald's next to me...OK...sometimes they go to the McDonald's next to me...a Big Mac will ALWAYS be a Big Mac...) But the ones that want to ROB me trying to FOOL me dont fare too well with me...I do NOT hold back. If we are at fault and there truly was a hair in their food, or we truly messed up their order, THAT is a different thing and we are very very sorry for it and we compensate for it...yes with a reimbursement of the complete meal AND we re-do whatever they want us to re-do...ONLY if we truly are at fault. But yeah...in the restaurant business, Id say there are MORE dipshytes in MY industry as some try to take advantage of the old adage "The customer is always right". I get those types almost on a weekly basis. Well...it used to be weekly. Now its more of a monthly thing. People know NOT to phoque around in MY restaurant. But they also know that our service is next to excellence! I say yes to the poutine! But everytime I have one at the store, I dont feel like working right after. It stuffs you and it makes you lazy afterwards. A hotdog at a baseball game is AWESOME...sadly...Montreal does not have a baseball team anymore. (I do eat hotdogs sometimes at my kids games...but not last year as a coached last year. No time was had for eating. We spent are time...WINNING!!!! Thinking about doing the same this year. ) Soon though...Montreal will get my beloved Expos back!!! I usually go burger and fries or 2 hotdogs and a poutine at a fast food joint. Depending really on my appetite. I got no preference. I HATE onion rings. I HATE serving them too! We have McCains Frozen rings at our restaurant. They are good. I just never took to onion rings.

Agree on the dash cam... In other news of useful inventions, I created a land mine that looks like a prayer mat. Prophets are going through the roof! See I can be a good businessman.

Very cool 1000HP Dually Diesel truck burn out!

Sadly I have been sick on and off for a month. Starting to think seriously of moving out of Ohio and getting away from Ohio winters.

Oldsmobile tried this just before they keeled over for the last time. Lamebrains at GM management, trying to save 50c per unit.