Lincoln Aviator: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation

The Lincoln Aviator symbolizes the evolution and innovation of the Lincoln brand. Launched alongside its 1st generation model to meet customer needs for practical vehicles, the Aviator has redefined ‘American luxury’ with its elegant design and advanced technology, showcasing Lincoln’s continuous progress into the 2nd generation.

The 1st generation Aviator was released in North America in 2003, playing a significant role in Lincoln’s luxury SUV lineup. Positioning itself as a vehicle that combines luxury and practicality, it strengthened Lincoln’s standing in the midsize SUV market. This model was built on the Ford Explorer platform and inherited the successful design and performance of the Lincoln Navigator. Additionally, equipped with a 4.6L V8 engine, it boasted impressive power, rivaling that of full-size SUVs, making it a versatile and agile vehicle.

After the 2005 model year, Lincoln replaced the Aviator with the MKX in a smaller SUV segment than the Navigator. However, adapting to market trends, Lincoln announced the return of the Aviator at the 2018 New York Auto Show. This marked the moment when the 2nd generation Aviator opened a new chapter for Lincoln’s luxury SUVs. Following this, the introductions of the midsize Corsair and Nautilus established the current luxury SUV lineup of Lincoln as ‘Corsair-Nautilus-Aviator-Navigator’.

Launched in 2019, the 2nd generation Aviator returned with a sophisticated design and modern technology. David Woodhouse, the director of the Lincoln design team, collaborated with his team to design the Aviator’s streamlined exterior, drawing inspiration from aircraft and the wings of birds. The interior is filled with premium materials, advanced tech, and convenience features such as the Revel Ultima 3D audio system. The revival of the 2nd generation Aviator signaled a rebirth for the Lincoln brand and contributed to redefining ‘American luxury’. It has become the optimal choice for customers seeking a vehicle that is compact yet spacious, unlike larger SUVs.

In South Korea, the first generation model was introduced in 2004, marking its debut. Following brand policy, the similar MKX was sold, and in 2020, the 2nd generation model was officially launched. The Aviator has become Lincoln’s volume model in Korea, offering the utmost comfort and sanctuary in every driving situation, and continues to be loved by many customers to this day.

Meanwhile, Lincoln continues to innovate the Aviator to meet high customer expectations. In 2023, they released a limited ‘Jet Package’ special edition featuring unified black accents including wheels, grille, trim materials, and roof rail colors. Furthermore, they plan to launch a facelift model this second half of the year after four years.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr