2020 Lincoln Continental Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

With the Continental, Lincoln has created a luxury sedan that has a sizable cabin and upscale interior details. The 2020 model year feels fresh and modern, and it comes with many advanced components that are intended to improve performance, comfort, and convenience.

Three engines are available on the Lincoln Continental, and intelligent all-wheel drive is available if anyone feels that he or she would benefit from having extra traction. The standard one is a V6 with a displacement of 3.7 liters. It comes with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. With a little bit more capability, having 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, is a slightly different V6. This one is a twin-turbocharged model with a displacement of 2.7 liters. Another twin-turbocharged V6 is the third option, and it's a 3.0-liter model. It outshines the other two engines by having 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

In addition to having enviable performance statistics, the Continental does well in the technology and safety categories. All models benefit from having an eight-inch touchscreen and a SYNC3 infotainment system. SYNC3 is voice-activated, and it comes with a highly responsive touchscreen that has intuitive controls that are similar to what many smartphones have. The swipe function is particularly convenient. With Lincoln+Alexa, anyone in the car can have instant access to so many things, including Amazon Prime shopping, weather and traffic news, and connections to compatible smart devices at home.

Five driver-assist features make up the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite. Blind spot detection with cross-traffic alert can be very useful in alerting drivers to other vehicles that are situated in hard-to-see spots. The pre-collision assist feature works in conjunction with automatic braking to prevent frontal collisions from occurring. With the use of cameras that continuously monitor the lane markings, the car can keep itself on track and centered in a lane. The rear view camera improves vision, and finally, automatic high beam headlamps can get brighter when the road is dark and dim themselves when other cars or lights are detected.

The three trims - the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label - all vary in terms of how many features they come with and the quality of those features. This guide provides more information so potential Continental customers can decide which trim would work best for them.

 

Compare the 2020 Lincoln Continental Standard vs Reserve. What is the difference?

It's important to know that not all three engines are available on all three Continental trims. The 3.7L is what the Continental Standard runs on. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters are included to give drivers some more control over when they switch gears. In contrast, the Reserve is built with the 2.7L engine, and it comes with the option to upgrade to the 3.0L engine. In either case, the same six-speed transmission is used.

Both models have adaptive steering and adaptive suspension so they offer smooth and stable rides. These advanced mechanisms can monitor the conditions and how the car is performing and will make adjustments in response to anything that changes. The two trims also have an auto hold function. When the vehicle has been brought to a stop, pressure to the brakes can be maintained until a driver pushes down on the accelerator. This can be nice to have when stopped on hills.

Several differences are found on the outside of the Continental when comparing these first two trims. While the Standard runs on 18-inch wheels and has the option to upgrade to 19-inch wheels, the Reserve sits on 19-inch wheels and has the option to upgrade to 20-inch ones. Also, the Reserve has a twin-panel moonroof. The front panel is power-operated and glides back to let in air, and a power shade can be used to keep the car from getting too hot in the summer. The Reserve is the only one out of the two trims that has the opportunity to have premium LED headlights.

Otherwise, the Standard and Reserve have the same luxury amenities and stylistic details. The chrome mesh grille is bold and elegant. Power folding mirrors are convenient to use, and they come with a heating element so they can quickly defrost, approach lights, and built-in turn signals. The headlights are adaptive bi-functional versions, and they're located next to LED daytime running lights. In the back, the LED taillights can be clearly seen by other drivers, and the dual chrome exhaust tips add a sporty feel.

Soft touch seats are found in the Standard, and up front, there are heated and power-operated seats that can be adjusted in ten ways. Driver's seat memory allows anyone to program the seat so it can quickly move into a favorite position. In the back, heated rear seats are available, and the armrest comes with some storage and cupholders.

Many of these elements are upgraded in the Reserve. The seats are trimmed with Bridge of Weir soft leather, and heated rear seats are automatically included. The front seats can be adjusted in 24 ways, have heating and cooling functions, and have power thigh extenders. Available on the Reserve are back seats that have heating and ventilation as well as 30-way power front seats.

The difference in their infotainment systems is that the Reserve has built-in navigation and a better sound system. With SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, the Reserve can make routing recommendations based on traffic. Instead of the Standard's Lincoln Premium Audio System that comes with ten speakers, it uses a Revel system that has HD Radio and 13 speakers. Plus, there's the opportunity to get a 19-speaker configuration.

A head-up display is only found on the Reserve, and this system provides the driver with key information in an easy-to-see location: on the windshield. That information can alert drivers as to their speed, their distance to empty, the time and temperature, and any alerts that the driver-assist systems may have generated. The projection is clearly visible without being distracting, and it's a clever touch that makes the car feel futuristic.

There are numerous other conveniences found throughout the cabin, and when combined with premium materials, they give everything a high-end feel. Both trims have wood trim and leather-wrapped steering wheels. Ambient lighting and rear-seat reading lights can provide just the right amount of illumination. With a remote start system and intelligent access, key fobs can stay tucked away in safe place while people unlock their cars and start their engines.

Related to the convenient access to the car is the Reserve's power trunk lid. Since it's a hands-free model, it can be opened by kicking underneath the sensor or by pushing a button on the key fob. The Reserve has a traditional trunk lid that's manually operated, which is fine for normal use but may be a little inconvenient when one's hands are full.

The Reserve has a few additional things that differentiates it from the Standard. Instead of having a dual-zone climate control system, it comes with a tri-zone system, complete with a rear-seat zone. Passengers are sure to appreciate that it has USB charging ports in the back in addition to in the front. Its active park assist function can prevent the frustration sometimes associated with maneuvering in small spots, and it comes with a 360-degree camera so a driver can get a greater perspective on how the car is doing.

To keep those back-seat passengers more comfortable, the Reserve has an available package. This package consists of power lumbar support, heating and ventilating, reclining, and even massage functioning. The controls are located on the rear center armrest.

Compare the 2020 Lincoln Continental Reserve vs Black Label. What is the difference?

 

In terms of performance, the Black Label has the same engine options as the Reserve does. Note that a special dynamic torque vectoring control system that improves handling and responsiveness only comes with the 3.0L engine.

The Lincoln Continental Black Label exudes luxury in so many ways. Even when starting to shop for a Black Label vehicle with Lincoln, consumers get a red carpet treatment. For example, many dealerships have a mobile showroom and a dedicated concierge service for Black Label customers. This makes the entire experience as pleasant as possible. Those dealerships often provide complimentary car washes and detailing so Black Label owners can keep their cars looking their best.

Inside the Black Label, there are three potential themes that one can choose. The Rhapsody theme has dark materials that contrast well with bright accents, the Thoroughbred theme has many wood grain elements similar to what might be seen at the racetrack, and the Chalet theme has contrasting light and dark tones that are reminiscent of what a high-end ski lodge might have.

The Reserve does come with optional themes, and while they're quite nice, they don't have the level of luxury that the Black Label themes have. Reserve themes include Burgundy Velvet, Red Carpet, and Iced Mocha. Additionally, customers can select the monochromatic appearance package if they love the look of an pristine white or infinite black car.

Beyond this, there are only a few exterior differences between these two types of Lincoln Continental. The Black Label models use premium LED headlights to light up the road, and they ride on 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. Those wheels are enhanced by an exclusive Black Label center cap.

There are some key ways in which the Continental's interior is upgraded on the Black Label. It comes standard with the Revel Ultima Audio System, which has 19 speakers, and it also has a 110V/150W power outlet that's just an option on the Reserve. Seating is enhanced on the highest trim to Venetian leather seats with perfect positioning and massage. 30-way power front seats come on all Black Label models.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

All three models have a lot of features that make them attractive, but each higher trim does come with notable enhancements over the previous ones.

When price is taken into consideration, one has to think about what extra amenities are worth it. The Black Label is significantly more expensive than the Reserve, and at the Reserve level, there's a big price jump in comparison with the Standard.

Since an engine's capabilities can greatly affect the overall driving experience, it makes sense to consider the Reserve or Black Label because they come with the advanced engines. The Standard is stuck with the base engine, and while it's capable on its own, it doesn't come with as much zip as one might expect from a luxury sedan.

When looking at the Reserve and Black Label, it's clear that the Black Label comes with the finest of materials and systems. However, the Reserve has leather seats, navigation, and many conveniences, all without the inflated price tag. In the end, it appears that the Reserve would be the best choice for most potential 2020 Lincoln Continental buyers. It has a complete package, both under the hood and inside the cabin, and it would be fun to drive and enjoyable to ride in.