THE all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator was unveiled last night to some of the Middle East’s most discerning experts in style, as it made its regional bows at the hottest gathering in town, held in honor of the Vogue Man Arabia magazine’s launch.

Epitomizing presence, style, prestige and class, the 2018 Navigator cut a fine figure set amongst revelers at The Base in the Dubai Design District, where fashion-forward thinkers and first class automotive design blended beautifully.

“Since 2013 we have launched six new models in the gulf, and the 2018 Navigator marks our seventh and arguably our most exciting introduction in history,” said Alex Schaeffer, Director, Lincoln Middle East.

“In developing the 2018 Lincoln Navigator, our team had the discerning Middle East customer top of mind,” added Schaeffer. “Power and functionality are priorities for SUV drivers in the region and that’s exactly what Navigator delivers with best in class 450 horsepower, and the largest, most luxurious interior cabin in the segment. On top of that, the Navigator has a Middle East exclusive Deep Sand Mode for those who enjoy time on a path less traveled.”

Describing the design process behind the Navigator as the rebirth of an icon, Lincoln Design Director David Woodhouse said it was important that his team recaptured the marque’s reputation as a leader in automotive excellence.

“It is the first Lincoln SUV to have the new signature face of the brand, and of course, one of the reasons we chose the new grille thematic is that we knew it would successfully migrate across both sedans and SUVs,” he explained.

Referring to the culture of effortless luxury that defines Lincoln, Woodhouse added: “Every time a customer gets in, they just feel that sense of relaxation. I relate the feeling of the interior to how you feel when you go to the beach on vacation, and you see the ocean and the waterline horizon – that innate feeling of a deep sense of calmness.”

The launch of the all-new Navigator also coincided with the announcement that Lincoln’s exclusive Presidential range of personalised design themes has also arrived in the Middle East.

Seven carefully curated design themes – inspired by love of the arts, travel, fine food, culture, architecture and fashion – comprise the entire Presidential collection, covering all models in the Lincoln range. Using only the highest quality materials to illustrate these themes, every Presidential customer is able to tailor their Lincoln to their personal taste. The Yacht Club theme used on the Navigator Presidential shown in Dubai is one of three available for the model and is designed to capture the magic of a light breeze and calm seas on a perfect day. Whitewashed teak and Coastal Blue Venetian leather evoke the luxury and leather you’ll find in only the finest yacht clubs and super yachts. — SG

Inside, Lincoln’s attention to detail is exquisite. It takes an exceptional hide to make the Presidential cut, with less than 1% of those produced globally chosen. They’re selected by a 3rd‑generation craftsman at Eagle Ottawa – a tannery since 1865 – then transformed into the company’s exclusive Venetian Leather through a process that imparts the softest “hand” and outstanding durability. Custom perforation patterns and precise stitching give this incredible, naturally grained leather the perfect finishing touches.

The all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator is powered by a segment-exclusive 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces best in class power and torque. With 450 horsepower and over 690 Nm available, the Navigator delivers effortless acceleration and performance even when fully loaded, or when towing.

The 10-speed transmission has been calibrated for refined power delivery and seamless gearchanges. With the turn of a dial, the driver can adapt the Navigator to changing road or weather, and enjoy a smooth, confident ride. Specifically for Middle East customers, Lincoln has designed a Deep Sand Mode for those who have a passion for going on a less traveled path.

The all-new Lincoln Navigator has best-in-class seating space for every occupant, and best-in-class cargo space regardless of seating configuration. The driver and front-seat passenger enjoy Perfect Position Seats, which offer massage, heating and cooling functionality, and can be adjusted up to 30 different ways.

Standard SYNC 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility enables clients to manage audio, phone, navigation (including off-road) and more from the vehicle touch screen or steering wheel-mounted controls. Second-row passengers have their own audio and climate control, while third-row seats feature power recline capability.

Passengers can enjoy available Revel Ultima audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics. This transforms the cabin into a personal theatre with three distinct listening modes – stereo, audience and on-stage.

Staying connected is easy in the all-new Navigator with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets and a 220-volt plug. An available wireless phone charger in the first-row centre console media bin eliminates tangled cords.

Lincoln’s new Personal Profile uses the key fob to recall individual driver preferences for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

Navigator is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. A 12-inch configurable instrument cluster allows drivers to choose the information they want displayed. An available Head-Up Display can show selected information on the windshield instead of the instrument cluster. This helps drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Additional available technology includes Trailer Backup Assist, which automatically steers the vehicle to turn a trailer the desired amount – meaning less time required to perform the task. Navigator is expected to deliver more towing capability than any other premium full-size SUV

360-degree camera and enhanced park assist, which reduce stress from parallel and perpendicular parking. The system integrates views from four cameras to create an overhead image so the driver can see all around the vehicle

Adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows Navigator in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic allows

Speed-dependent adaptive lighting, a new Lincoln technology that provides a wider spread of light at lower speeds for increased visibility

The first-class 2018 Navigator will be back in the limelight on the Lincoln stand at the Dubai International Motor Show on Nov. 14-18 November, 2017. The vehicle arrives in the region in early 2018, with Lincoln showrooms accepting pre-bookings now. — SG