Lincoln's launch of new Aviator boasts a slew of debut technologies

Premium carmaker Lincoln launched the all-new large SUV Aviator in Zhuhai, Guangdong province on Friday, in an effort to tap into the world's largest auto market and provide a luxury traveling experience for Chinese customers.

"The all-new Aviator is a new start of Lincoln and will lead us enter a new era," said Joy Falotico, president of Lincoln.

In the past five years since the American automaker entered into China, Lincoln made efforts to bring the pure American luxury experience beyond expectations of Chinese customers.

Based on a deep understanding of Chinese culture, Lincoln rephrased its brand concept and product positioning as "Quiet Flight" last November to establish a deeper connection and resonance with Chinese customers.

Mao Jingbo, president of Lincoln China, said the all-new Aviator is the first model to perfectly demonstrate the concept of Quiet Flight, and has competitive product advantages.

The seven-seat SUV has a class-leading 3,025-millimeter-wheelbase, 5,080 mm in length and 2,022 mm in width to meet Chinese customers' demands of wide space.

The model is the first-ever Lincoln vehicle to offer an advanced plug-in hybrid option matched with a twin-turbocharged engine, providing a strong but refined performance.

According to Lincoln, the all-new Aviator has two powertrain variants. The plug-in hybrid version with a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine has a maximum output of 441 horsepower and a top torque of 813 Newton meters.

With a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox, the gasoline version can generate 355 horsepower and a top torque of 553 Nm.

The combination of power and electrified capability will help it deliver Lincoln's quietest, smoothest and most powerful drive yet, the carmaker said.

The model takes on rivals such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, according to Lincoln.

Inspired by modern aeronautics, the all-new Aviator offers graceful streamlining resembling that of an aircraft.

A first-time technological feature in Lincoln's vehicles is Phone as a Key. Activated through the Lincoln Way app, owners can lock and unlock the car, open the windows and trunk, and most importantly, start up the vehicle with no key fob necessary.

The Lincoln Aviator's Auto Air Refresh feature is one of the industry's first fully integrated interior air monitoring and air cleansing systems. The system features a PM 2.5 laser sensor to monitor cabin air quality, matched with a filter to clean the air in the cabin.

The carmaker said this is the first Lincoln to meet Chinese customers' increasing awareness and demand for satisfactory air quality at home, at work and on the road.

Lincoln will offer three variants of the all-new Aviator at suggested prices ranging from 628,800 to 818,800 yuan ($43,320 to $58,802).

Lincoln started presales of the all-new Aviator at the Chengdu auto show in September and has received 1,200 orders.

Currently, Lincoln's lineup in China is composed of four SUV models－the all-new Aviator, the new MKC, the new Nautilus, the Navigator－and two sedan models: the Continental and the MKZ.

Mao said that Lincoln will launch five models in the next two years in China, including the first model produced in the country.