Photo: Lincoln
A few months before the market launch of a new Lincoln mid-size SUV, the Aviator, we've learned that it actually makes about 10% more power. A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one!
More specifically, we're talking about the Aviator Grand Touring, which is exclusively fitted with a plug-in hybrid system based around a bi-turbo EcoBoost 3-liter V6. During a media launch event, Lincoln has confirmed that this actually makes 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque (854 Nm), up from the 450 hp and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) that it previously announced. That's more power than you get from many sports cars and the torque is huge as well.
The numbers imply they're trying to lift the Lincoln model above the equally new Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid, which also comes with an EcoBoost 3-liter V6 but makes 450 horsepower.
Besides the 101 horsepower it gets from the electric motor and 13.6 kWh battery, the PHEV SUV shares its 3-liter EcoBoost with the base Aviator. For this model, horsepower remains unchanged at 400 hp, but the torque rating has been increased from 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) to 415 lb-ft (562 Nm).
For the record, those are the precise same numbers you get from a new Explorer ST worth $55,000. Interestingly, there are several different German luxury SUVs with V6 hybrid powertrains, like the Cayenne E-Hybrid and BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance, but they all make less power, 394 hp in the case of the Bavarian.
Money also needs to be brought into consideration here, as the 2020 Aviator is priced from $52,195 for the base model and $69,895 for the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid. That's noticeably less than the German opposition, though the top-end model probably isn't worth the premium since Lincoln isn't known for making the highest-quality interiors. But at least the level of kit is ample - standard 19in wheels, 10-way powered and heated seats, active grille shutters, AWD and a 10-speed gearbox.
The numbers imply they're trying to lift the Lincoln model above the equally new Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid, which also comes with an EcoBoost 3-liter V6 but makes 450 horsepower.
Besides the 101 horsepower it gets from the electric motor and 13.6 kWh battery, the PHEV SUV shares its 3-liter EcoBoost with the base Aviator. For this model, horsepower remains unchanged at 400 hp, but the torque rating has been increased from 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) to 415 lb-ft (562 Nm).
For the record, those are the precise same numbers you get from a new Explorer ST worth $55,000. Interestingly, there are several different German luxury SUVs with V6 hybrid powertrains, like the Cayenne E-Hybrid and BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance, but they all make less power, 394 hp in the case of the Bavarian.
Money also needs to be brought into consideration here, as the 2020 Aviator is priced from $52,195 for the base model and $69,895 for the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid. That's noticeably less than the German opposition, though the top-end model probably isn't worth the premium since Lincoln isn't known for making the highest-quality interiors. But at least the level of kit is ample - standard 19in wheels, 10-way powered and heated seats, active grille shutters, AWD and a 10-speed gearbox.
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