“A well-sorted suspension and brisk acceleration make the 2020 Lincoln Continental feel smaller than it actually is.”-thecarconnection
The American manufacturer takes customization to a whole new level by offering three different motors for the Continental sedan. Except for the base trim, Premier, that features a 3.7L, naturally aspirated V6 motor, all other trims come with a 2.7L, twin-turbocharged V6 motor as standard. The former produces a 305 HP of power and 280 lb-ft of torque. The smaller, 2.7L, V6 motor adds 30 more horses to the power figures bumping it up to 335 HP. The torque figures also get a similar treatment and the output increases to 380 lb-ft.
For the top-trims, Reserve and Black Label, Lincoln has also provided an optional motor just in case 330 horses don't quench your thirst for power. Yes, there's another 3.0L, Twin-turbocharged V6 unit, that spits out 400 horses and throws a force of 400 lb-ft on the crank. There is loads of power on tap here, however, you should also realize that with more power, comes low fuel economy. As expected, this motor is the least fuel-efficient of the lot.
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, irrespective of the engine you choose, Lincoln allows the option of sending the power only to the front wheels or to all the four wheels. Power is sent to the ground by the means of a torque vectoring differential. The 3.7L, V6's performance is smooth and feels refined with perfect power delivery when needed, amassing good points for the same. But coming to its automatic gearbox, you’d feel the shifts need polishing and more work as it lets down the experience otherwise given by its engine.
Models
|
Lincoln Continental Premium Sedan
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Cadillac CT6 Luxury AWD
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro Sedan
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Genesis G80 Ultimate
|
MSRP
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$46,145
|
$55,495
|
$59,895
|
$59,500
|
Engine
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3.7L Ti-VCT V6
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Gas V6, 3.6L
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3.0L V6
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5.0L Premium Unleaded V-8
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Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic
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10-speed automatic
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7 Speed DCT automatic
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8-speed automatic with manual shift modes
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Horsepower
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305 hp @ 6500 rpm
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335 hp @ 6800 rpm
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335 hp@ 5000 rpm
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420 hp@ 6000 rpm
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Torque
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280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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284 ft-lbs @ 5300 rpm
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369 ft-lbs@ 1370 rpm
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383 ft-lbs@ 5000 rpm
|
The Continental's V6 motor is overpowered by the Audi and Cadillac. The most powerful is the Genesis G80 due to the advantage of the extra two cylinders as compared to the 6-cylinders in the Audi and Cadillac.
Acceleration
The Continental isn’t really a car you would take to the track. Nevertheless, its performance is quite spectacular for a luxury sedan and that is complemented by the time it takes to reach the 60 MPH mark which is 5.8 seconds. Furthermore, it completes the quarter-mile run in 14 seconds flat.
The more powerful, 3.0L, twin-turbocharged V6 unit does the 0-60MPH run in just 5.0 seconds which is just ballistic for a luxury sedan. However, it isn't very easy to live with because its throttle is snatchy and the power delivery is unpredictable. This could get cumbersome within traffic conditions as you might end up revving the motor hard.
If you're looking for a punch from the motor, then you'll be highly mistaken as the Continental aims to engulf you into luxury and comfort, and it isn't just limited to its extravagant luxury features, but this feeling is also extended beneath the hood as well. The power delivery is linear and is evened across the rev band. However, do not confuse this with sluggish performance as there's enough juice under the hood to make those overtaking maneuvers effortlessly.
Models
|
Lincoln Continental
|
Cadillac CT6 Luxury AWD
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
|
Genesis G80
|
0-60 MPH
|
5.8 sec
|
5.9 seconds
|
4.4 sec
|
5.2 seconds*
|
Quarter mile
|
14 sec
|
14
|
13.0 sec
|
14 seconds*
|
Engine
|
3.7L
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Gas V6, 3.6L
|
3.0L V6
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5.0L Premium Unleaded V-8
|
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
8.8
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N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Only the Genesis G80 and the Audi A6 are quicker than the Continental but the Lincoln goes head to head with the Cadillac CT6.
Ride and Handling
Lincoln pretty much has a reputation of building cars with soft suspensions that kind of offer floaty and wobbly ride quality. But not with this one. Suspensions have been firmed up quite a bit such that the ride quality has gone somewhat on the harsher side and is something that you would generally not expect from a luxury car. Expect a bump or a two to travel through your spine as you go over bad roads. The ride quality is just OK and could have been better.
The steering on the car is sharp and responsive. The car turns perfectly well and the steering wheel isn’t vague. The car zips past corner nicely and the stiffer suspension set up further enhances the high-speed cornering abilities. The steering is not like a sports car but is easily one of the best when it comes to mid-sized luxury sedans.
Braking
Brakes aren’t just mere devices that help in stopping your car but also protect you from fatal accidents. Moreover, good stopping powers of the car give you the confidence to exploit all the horses that the engine makes. The Lincoln Continental comes with 13.9 inches diameter discs at the front and gets 13.6 inches diameter discs at the rear. Slam on the brakes and the Continental will come to a halt at a distance of 110 feet from a speed of 60 MPH.
Model
|
Lincoln Continental
|
Cadillac CT6 Luxury AWD
|
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan
|
Genesis G80
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
13.9
|
N/A
|
13.6
|
14.2
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
13.6
|
N/A
|
13
|
12.4
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
4224
|
3985
|
4266
|
4716
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
110
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A |
Unfortunately, we do not have the braking figures to compare with as of now. However, judging by the weight, the Genesis G80 seems to lose out on this front.