The Lincoln Z is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by Ford's luxury division, Lincoln. It was first introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model and was based on the Ford D3 platform. The Z was designed to compete with other luxury SUVs in its class, such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the BMW X3.
The original Lincoln Z had a length of around 193 inches (4,900 mm) and a width of 74 inches (1,880 mm). It featured a unibody design and was powered by a range of engines, including a 3.5-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8. The vehicle had a curb weight of around 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg) and could reach speeds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h).
The interior of the original Lincoln Z was designed to be luxurious and feature-rich, with amenities such as heated and cooled seats, a premium sound system, and a navigation system. The vehicle also featured a range of safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.
In 2013, Ford discontinued the original Lincoln Z in favor of the new MKC crossover. However, in 2022, Lincoln reintroduced the nameplate with a new generation of the SUV, which was unveiled at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The new Lincoln Z is built on the same C2 platform as the Corsair and Aviator models and features a more aggressive design language compared to its predecessor. The vehicle has a length of around 194 inches (4,920 mm) and a width of 78 inches (1,990 mm). It is powered by a range of engines, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and a plug-in hybrid variant.
The interior of the new Lincoln Z features a more modern design language compared to its predecessor, with amenities such as a 12-inch touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and a range of comfort and convenience features. The vehicle also features a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The new Lincoln Z is available in several trim levels, including the Base, Reserve, and Black Label variants. The vehicle has a starting price around $44,000 for the base model and can reach up to $60,000 for the top-of-the-line variant.
In terms of competition, the new Lincoln Z competes with other luxury SUVs in its class, such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The vehicle's key competitors are the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, both of which offer a range of engine options and advanced safety features.
The new Lincoln Z has received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and strong powertrain options. However, some reviewers have noted that the vehicle's handling can be somewhat vague, particularly in sportier driving situations.
Overall, the new Lincoln Z is a solid choice for those looking for a luxury SUV with a strong feature set and comfortable ride. Its range of engine options and advanced safety features make it a compelling option for buyers who value both performance and practicality.