Styling we like. The Lincoln Continental rolled out the marque’s current styling language in 2016, moving away from the massive and toothy grilles that dominated most Lincoln models until recent years. Based on a stretched version of the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ platform, the 2020 Lincoln Continental wears its sheet metal well.
Special styling touches set the Continental apart from the pack, including from other Lincoln models. As you would expect, the look is especially fetching in its top trims with the logo-shaped headlights and door handles, the latter integrated into the window trim.
Inside, the cabin hearkens to a bygone era, particularly the luxury vibe of the 1960s. Although the “suicide doors” aren't present (except on special limited edition models), the cabin’s bespoke Black Label trim brings it all home. Chrome, wood accents, and various glossy accents deliver the panache we appreciate.
Raising the quality quotient. Quality and comfort go hand in hand. In this area, the Lincoln Continental excels. It measures over 200 inches long, supplying ample room front and back.
The 30-way adjustable thrones up front are among the best we’ve seen outside of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley. Heating, cooling, and multiple massaging programs articulate the “wow” factor.
The quality of materials offered is quite good, or exceptional if you’re willing to spring for the various “Black Label” enhancements. Even with the available reclining rear seats, this Lincoln doesn’t match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it doesn’t have to. Yet, it does rival some of the best interiors out there and is better built than anything from archrival Cadillac.
Three V6 engine choices. Lincoln could've left well enough alone by giving the Continental one engine paired with one transmission. Instead, shoppers have a trio of V6 engines for the choosing, including two with turbochargers.
Our lone disappointment with these powertrains is that the six-speed automatic transmission seems ancient in this day where 10-speed automatics are widely used, including in other Lincoln products.
The standard engine is the largest but least powerful of them all – displacing 3.7-liters and generating 305 horsepower. A twin-turbo 2.7-liter kicks things up a notch, yielding 335 hp.
The most powerful engine requires all-wheel drive to manage power. Displacing 3.0 liters, this twin-turbo beauty throws down 400 hp, placing the Continental in performance territory approaching the likes of BMW’s M models.
The Continental can’t match the steering and handling competence of top models. It does, however, deliver a comfortable and composed ride. The downside to these engines is that fuel economy is no better than 21 miles per gallon combined, according to the EPA.
Top safety scores and equipment. Lincoln did everything right with all things safety. For starters, the Continental excels in its safety testing, earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Further, Lincoln includes seemingly every active safety feature standard. Buyers get automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking standard.
Make your way to the Reserve trim and a surround-view camera system, an automated parking system, and a head-up display are also present. This trim is the ideal place to start your Continental shopping in our opinion.
Final thoughts. It's easy to overlook the 2020 Lincoln Continental now that the brand has a solid stable of utility vehicles to showcase. We’re not certain what Lincoln’s plans are for this limo-like sedan, but for now, it offers a compelling alternative to models from Genesis, Lexus, and Audi.
The Black Label pushes your cost above $80,000, but it also offers concierge services to go with the special trims. Start your search with the Reserve trim and you’ll find the smaller of the two turbo engines while gaining all the driver-assist features for about $60,000.
