Lincoln pulled a bit of a surprise here at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Ford’s luxury unit used the show to debut the Lincoln Navigator concept, essentially previewing the next production version of the SUV.
Ford Authority has covered the SUV’s reveal as it unfolds, but we’re here to discuss what the Navigator concept is a response to: the blatant, money-printing success of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade. Despite Cadillac’s feelings towards a body-on-frame SUV in its lineup, the brand has come to embrace the SUV’s success. It oozes everything Cadillac wants its sedans and crossovers to ooze.
Back in the early 2000s, the Lincoln Navigator was actually a formidable foe to the Escalade, snatching up plenty of buyers against the then crest and wreath. But, today, the Navigator has lagged behind in the premium SUV segment, with the Escalade reining supreme. The Navigator concept is stretched, wide and long, mimicking the Escalade ESV’s proportions. The concept is utterly massive in person.
Inside, premium materials, and a classy, semi-retro look definitely please the eye, but it remains to be seen how the look will translate to a production vehicle when that does occur next year.
All we know is, Cadillac is going to have some new competition sooner rather than later. But, with a name like Escalade, we’re sure the brand isn’t too worried.
Comments
There is no target. Ford is just arriving late to the party.
While the production car may carry much of the styling it will not get the goofy show gimmicks like the doors etc. Even Tesla wishes they had skipped those now.
Not only is Lincoln and other luxury makers put a target on the Escalade because it is leading the field, but in this case Lincoln has slapped Cadillac in the face.
They have one upped the Escalade in the new home of Cadillac (New York).
I expected Cadillac to make some kind of a splash at this years NYIAS with refreshes of some of the older models like ATS, CTS and Escalade but nothing so far.
Colour me very disappointed.
This just may be the best thing to have happened to Cadillac . Sometimes having a little competition forces you to up your game . Sales of the Escalade have been flat as of late .. It’s time to move more upscale .
It was the Navigator that got Cadillac to take notice .
You are right that it was the Navigator that got originally got GM to make the Escalade.
It just seems that GM is generally a day late and a dollar short on many things. They seem not willing to lead but rather to follow.
time for Cadillac to get new and inspiring designs like the Elmeraj styling….the raising crease Art and Science has gotten vary old and
It just lacks true luxury …time for A&S to be but to bed.
The A&S is evolving and keeping up with the current trends I think. None of the articles I have read about the XT5 or CT6 suggested that the styling was dated or out of step with the competition.
From the pictures I have seen I think the CT6 looks great.
First the Continental concept, and now this stunning Navigator concept! Lincoln sure has been capable of garnering some serious attention as of late. Much like the Buick brand; except Lincoln actually does a better job of integrating their concept designs into their production models!
At the end of the day, Lincoln’s approach to regaining relevance in the luxury market is beginning to yield some decent results! Offering an attractive design at a relatively affordable price is how Lincoln will regain market share! If they can preserve and bring at least the body profile and front fascia from this concept for the next Navigator, then I have no doubt it’ll be very profitable for Lincoln! Therefore, Cadillac should be worried, and already hard at work preparing for the next Escalade to respond to this!!!
I guess I have to wait till 2025 to see something new and radical…A&S could evolve till 2025 and that when I would be loveing and buying Cadillacs.
Am I the only one that sees a bling-ed up GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook….not impressed, why are you calling out Cadillac but looking like down market brands?
Cadillac is already working on a re-fresh for Escalade that’s just business as usual . But when will we see it is another question . Lincoln just might be forcing Cadillac to do it sooner . The Navigator looks like an ESV version , thats a big truck . It’s a good thing that Dearborn has finally decided to spend some money on Lincoln . The division has been in need of new product for sometime now .
Some think the A & S is getting stale , maybe for the XTS and SRX but it is evolving with every new product coming out. As with the XT5 every thing I’ve read lately from auto journalists admit that the styling isn’t revolutionary but evolutionary . And the Escalade will do the same .
This is just my opinion , but looking at the Navigator and then scroll down to the pic of the Escalade it looks more modern to me . So Lincoln may be aiming at Cadillac but it’s going to take more to score a hit .
Styling will be revolutionary by 2025 ??….the 2020 CT8 is going to look like a giant CTS ??
That is not entirely bad. The CTS is a good looking car.
Yes the CTS is good looking cars and I think A&S still has another 7 or 8 years.