Lincoln, Ford’s luxury brand, says it will launch four new electric vehicles by 2026, by which time 50 percent of its global sales will be electric vehicles. The company also unveiled its Lincoln Star Concept as a way to introduce the new design language that will define its upcoming electrified lineup.
And what a concept! Carriage doors, a front section that expands like a drawer for additional storage, a full array of sensory interior moods, and a sleek, aerodynamic profile that feels more Faraday Future than Ford. The Lincoln Star Concept is conceived as the “ultimate haven” for wealthy elites who prefer to be chauffeured through the team capitals of the future.
Lincoln has been planning to electrify its portfolio for months
Lincoln has been planning to electrify its portfolio for months. The company had hoped to work on an electric SUV with feisty EV startup Rivian, but that plan was dashed by the pandemic. Lincoln later considered introducing at least five new battery-powered SUVs by 2026, according to a Reuters report last February. These include battery-electric models to replace or complement the Lincoln Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator and Navigator, the Newswire reported.
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That appears to have returned slightly in this current iteration: three new all-electric vehicles by 2025 and a fourth by 2026. Lincoln also notes that it recently reported its best annual global sales in 21 years, up 7 percent from 2021, according to the company plans to “build on its momentum with recent launches of the all-new Zephyr in China and the new Navigator in North America.”
The Lincoln Star Concept is also intended to inspire customers for what is coming to market. The automaker claims the concept will “use design, lights, displays, scents and sounds to create an immersive experience for customers.” These include three different mood settings that combine digital graphics, lighting and a variety of scents to put passengers in a calmer state of mind.
Mood settings include:
Coastal Morning uses soft oceanic sounds, a scent of sea mist and the soft, warm glow of the sun with dynamic lighting to mimic a walk on the beach at sunrise.
Mindful Vitality is designed to reinvigorate the senses with uplifting, upbeat sound, dynamic abstract artwork, soft, glowing lighting and a floral fragrance.
Evening Chill reflects the twilight with a soothing night time soundtrack coordinated with night sky videos and an evergreen scent.
Because it’s just a concept, Lincoln isn’t disclosing any powertrain, battery, range, or charging details. We can expect the luxury brand to work hand-in-hand with its parent company Ford, which is preparing to begin delivering its much-anticipated F-150 Lightning pickup to customers.
Ford already has two EV platforms that could be leveraged for future luxury electric SUVs. It seems possible that the company could announce an electric Navigator based on the F-150 Lightning (which would be an interesting answer to GM’s electric Hummer) and a crossover based on the Mustang Mach-E in the near future. The automaker has said it will spend $30 billion on electric vehicles and batteries by 2030.