2017 Lincoln Continental: First Look

CARS.COM

Competes with: Audi A8, Cadillac CT6, Genesis G90

Looks like: A Jaguar that's been stretched vertically ... which isn't a bad thing.

Drivetrains: 400-horsepower (estimated), twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6; six-speed automatic transmission.

Hits dealerships: Fall

Lincoln is resurrecting the Continental name and jumping back into the full-size flagship luxury sedan arena with a car aimed at both the American and Chinese markets. A concept was shown at the New York Auto Show in 2015, and the production version was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

More 2016 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Exterior

The first things one might notice walking up to the 2017 Lincoln Continental are the unconventional door handles tucked into the chrome strip that runs beneath the windows. The doors are opened by pressing a button and an electronic latch does the rest of the work.

Aside from that feature, the rest of the Continental's styling is pretty conventional, but not in a bad way. It wears the brand's new grille that mimics the Lincoln badge. Also it has a fairly upright looking cabin and big front and rear overhangs. In an age where more automakers are going to swoopy, coupelike styling for sedans, it's almost refreshing to see a car with more conventional styling.

Interior

It seems like whenever an automaker comes out with a new luxury car, it will suggest that the interior is inspired by private jets, and it's no different with the Continental. The Continental has available heated and cooled seats; they also have a massage feature as well as independent thigh extensions for more support. Backseat passengers aren't left out either, as the available features include reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats, audio and climate controls, and sunshades. I'm not up to the latest info on private jets, but that sounds a wee bit better than what one normally would expect.

Lincoln also says it's worked to create a quiet interior, with Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass, that provides a "comfortable environment conducive to conversation or contemplation." But, really, c'mon, we all know people will just be sitting back there Tweeting away on their phones, not contemplating Zen theory.

Under the Hood

The sole powertrain is a Lincoln-exclusive 400 horsepower (estimated), twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that's estimated to produce 400 pounds-feet of torque.

The sedan will offer available all-wheel drive and three drive settings -- Comfort, Normal and Sport -- that will alter steering and suspension settings as needed.

Safety

Available safety features include a collision mitigation and avoidance system with pedestrian detection and optional adaptive cruise control plus a 360-degree camera system for parking.