2019 Lincoln Continental Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Lincoln Continental has been around since the 1930's, and it has always upheld an image of luxury and prestige. This spacious sedan still has a lot to offer, so there is a pretty good chance that you will find what you are looking for in the 2019 Lincoln Continental line-up.

With four trim levels to choose from, you won't get too much of a headache from trying to find the right configuration. Each trim is pretty straightforward, and as you move up the line, you will get more standard features. Of course, more optional features open up along the way as well. The lower trim levels are equipped with a base 3.7-L V6 engine that generates 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, this engine is rather underwhelming, but there is a turbocharged 2.7-L V6 that gives the higher trim levels a decent 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

There are some differences between the 2019 Lincoln Continental's Standard, Select, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. Most of these differences come in the form of standard and optional features. As you might reasonably expect, the base Standard trim has the fewest while the line-topping Black Label has just about everything included as standard issue.

So, which trim level is the best fit for you? Does one present the greatest overall deal of the bunch? Read on through to the end of this comparison review. By its conclusion, you should have a clearer idea of which 2019 Lincoln Continental is right for you or if pursuing a different luxury vehicle might be a better option.

 

Compare the 2019 Lincoln Continental Standard vs Select Trims. What is the difference?

Both the 2019 Continental Standard and Select trim levels receive their power from a 3.7-L V6 engine, which is the only engine that can be equipped on either trim. This engine is paired up with a SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission that comes with paddle shifters. The Standard and Select also share 18-inch front twin piston brakes and 17-inch solid brakes on the rear. Front-wheel drive is standard equipment, but an all-wheel drive system is an option on each trim level in this model year's line-up. Other standard mechanical features on both trims include the AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system, adaptive steering and suspension, auto hold, and a small spare tire. The only real difference between them is that the Standard rides atop 18-inch premium magnetic wheels set in painted aluminum while the Select gets upgraded to 18-inch premium dark stainless ones that have chrome inserts.

On the outside, a lot of features are also the same. Both trim levels are decked out in luxury features like the E-latch electronic door handle that is built into the belt line. The two trims also share bright fender vents, dual chrome exhaust tips, a Lincoln chrome mesh grille with active grille shutters, adaptive HID headlights that are bi-functional, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and power-folding heated side mirrors that have integrated turn signals. Also, the Lincoln Experience is included. The only real differences on the outside are that there are automatically folding mirrors and the option of equipping a two-panel moonroof with a sun shade on the Select trim.

Inside of the cabin, the Standard and Select also have quite a bit in common. They both come with rear seat air conditioning vents and heat vents built into the center console. A reverse sensing system, message center with a trip computer and built-in compass, the Blind Spot Information System (otherwise known by its acronym, BLIS) with a cross-traffic alert, a defroster for the rear window, reading lights in the rear seat, ambient lighting throughout the cabin, and an automatically dimming rearview mirror and side mirrors all come equipped on the Standard and Select. Three 12-volt power outlets are also included, as are cruise control, a push button start function, remote start, a universal garage door opener, and active noise cancellation. The Select goes upgrade you to a power trunk lid that doesn't require you to use your hands to open, 110-volt power outlet, two USB smart charging ports in the rear seat, and the E-Latch power door cinch closing function. Options open up for the Perfect Position Seat, a heated steering wheel, and de-icer for the windshield wipers.

With regard to multimedia features, these trim levels both have Lincoln's SYNC3 system that can be accessed from an 8-inch LCD touchscreen located on the center stack. The MyLincoln Way App comes equipped as well. There is also a 10-speaker Lincoln premium sound system and SiriusXM Satellite Radio connectivity. The Select does get the added benefit of having a built-in navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic. There is also an option for equipping an upgraded 13-speaker Revel Audio System.

Seats on both trim levels have memory settings, and the front seats have 10-way power adjustment with built-in heating and lumbar support for extra comfort. The rear seat has an armrest with cup holders and additional storage space. On the Select, you can opt for front seats that are 30-way power adjustable and multi-contoured with a headrest and thigh extender for extra support. The Luxury Soft Touch seats on the Standard get upgraded to Lincoln Luxury Leather that come with beautiful Bridge of Weir Deep Soft leather trim. Also, you can opt to give the rear seats a heating function.

Safety features include a good amount of standard driver aids for both trim levels. adaptive cruise control with stop/start, a pre-collision assist system with pedestrian detection and active braking, lane keep, front and rear parking assist, a forward sensing system, hill start assist, Co-Pilot 360, and the Lincoln Connect telematics system all come equipped on these two trims. The Belt-Minder alert, an emergency trunk release, and SOS post-crash alert system are also included. For added security, there is an anti-theft alarm, a perimeter alarm, and the standard Enhanced Security Package.

Compare the 2019 Continental Select vs Reserve Trims. What is the difference?

Up another trim level is the Reserve. This trim adds more standard features as well as some pretty alluring optional ones. The most attractive upgrade is likely going to be the standard twin-turbo 2.7-L V6 engine. Of course, you can upgrade even further to the twin-turbo 3.0-L to get dynamic torque vectoring control. The Reserve also gets 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with their pockets painted in premium ebony. If that doesn't do it for you, though, you can go for the 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with dark tarnish-painted pockets or 20-inch wheels with summer high-performance tires - but that is only if you opt for the 3.0-L engine.

On the outside, the only significant change to the Reserve is that the two-paneled power moonroof comes standard. Premium LED headlights can be added at will.

The interior has a few more noticeable upgrades. For example, on the Reserve trim, you get standard tri-zone electronic automatic climate control and temperature control for the rear seat. A head-up display and enhanced active parking assist feature also get wrapped into the deal. The Select's optional heated steering wheel, Perfect Position Seat, and windshield wipers with de-icing capability all become standard on the Reserve trim level. The 13-speaker Revel sound system also becomes standard with an even more powerful 19-speaker version becoming an option. You can also opt for heated and ventilated rear seats.

As for the Reserve's safety features, a standard 360-degree camera that gets included. That is the only real difference in safety features between the Select and Reserve trims.

Compare the Continental Reserve vs Black Label Trims. What is the difference?

Finally, we have the line-topping Black Label trim. This is the trim that car enthusiasts and buyers alike really get excited over. The same standard engine and optional 3.0-L engine that get equipped on the Reserve are available on the Black Label, and it comes with upgraded 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with the Black Label logo slapped across the center cap.

The exterior also has a few more differences from the Reserve trim. Aside from a few optional body color paint choices, the only one that is really worth making mention of is the standardization of the premium LED headlights.

Likewise, the interiors of the Reserve and Black Label have quite a few similarities. They can be made to stand apart, however, if you opt to equip the Black Label with one of the three additional themes: the Chalet, Rhapsody, or Thoroughbred. The 19-speaker Revel audio system comes already equipped, as do the 30-way power adjustable front seats with headrests and thigh extenders built in. Also, the upholstery gets upgraded to stunning Venetian leather.

 

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Lincoln Continental continues the automaker's trend of trying to hearken back to the model's glory days. In those days, the Continental was the creme de la creme of luxury sedans. Today, however, it seems to be just hovering around the muddied middle of a saturated segment.

While the lower trim levels are more affordable, their underpowered standard engine is less-than-exciting. The ride quality just isn't there, either. To get the best ride possible from the Continental, you will have to go with either the Reserve or Black Label. The Reserve, in this case, presents the best deal with its moderate number of standard features.

Still, if you are looking for an abundance of features and solid engine options for a reasonable price, you will have to look elsewhere. The Lincoln Continental just does not deliver that on any trim level.