2020 Lincoln Continental Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The large luxury sedan may not be as practical as it once was, but that does not stop people from wanting one. These vehicles typically contain all the latest when it comes to tech, comfort, and convenience features. The 2020 Lincoln Continental definitely checks all of those boxes. There are many reasons to consider purchasing one. At the same time, this car does have some drawbacks that are worth thinking about. So is it a smart buy, especially when compared to the competition?
What's New for 2020?
Lincoln did not make many changes for the Continental in 2020. The paint colors available for the exterior change a bit but remain largely the same. Newly available colors go by the names Silver Radiance, Red Carpet Metallic, and Pristine White Metallic. There are also a few new package options to consider, including one with an impressive 19-speaker audio system. Many consumers find that packages are the best way to end up with the perfect version of a vehicle for their needs.Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Lincoln Continental – The Pros
1. Large, Comfortable Back Seat
One of the hallmarks of a large luxury sedan is comfort. Even tall adult passengers will find that the backseat of the 2020 Lincoln Continental has plenty of room for them, no matter how long the journey is. Legroom, in particular, is impressive with this sedan. The Continental is a rare sedan that can comfortably seat five adults. The overall passenger volume for this vehicle is an impressive 106.4 cubic feet. This includes spacious figures like 41.3-inches of rear legroom, 37.7-inches of rear headroom, and 44.4-inches of front legroom.
2. Three Strong V6 Engine Options
There are three different engine options for the new Continental, all of which are fun. Standard for the base model is a 3.7 V6 that generates 305-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. For the Continental Reserve and Black Label, the standard engine becomes a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 that makes 335-horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Optional on these trim levels is a twin-turbo 3.0L that brings power up to a whopping 400-horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. No matter which engine drivers find themselves with, they will love the thrill of putting their foot down in their 2020 Lincoln Continental.
3. Cavernous Trunk Space
The Continental is ready to load everyone up for the airport or to hit the golf course with its huge trunk. Drivers will find 16.7 cubic feet of space. As a bonus, the rear seats of the 2020 Lincoln Continental fold down, something that is not always seen in larger luxury sedans. Smaller items are easily stored in the large cargo bins found in the cabin. This is one of the ways that the Lincoln Continental can offer practicality on top of luxury.
4. Loaded with Advanced Tech Features
Inside the cabin of the 2020 Continental are the features one would expect from a vehicle at this price point, and then some. All models come standard with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen that has the popular "swiping" feature. The system runs the user-friendly Sync 3 app. Satellite radio is standard for all trims, and navigation is optional on the base model while standard on the others. Sound systems range from having ten all the way up to 19 speakers.
5. Eye-Catching Exterior Appearance
All trim levels of the 2020 Lincoln Continental will turn heads with their sleek and sophisticated outer appearance. Standard on all models are dual-chrome exhaust tips and bright fender vents. All versions of the vehicle also give drivers LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and heated side mirrors with turn signal integration. In front of the Continental drivers will find the iconic Lincoln mesh grille. The overall effect is elegant.
6. Quiet and Relaxing Cabin
One of the first things drivers will notice about the Continental is how quiet it is, even at highway speeds. Neither road nor wind noise can easily seep in, making for a comfortable and calm experience. Active noise control technology is standard for all trim levels. This technology emits opposing acoustic waves through the stereo system of the vehicle, effectively canceling out unwanted noise.
7. Advanced Adaptive Suspension
An adaptive suspension, which allows drivers to choose from normal, sport, and comfort modes, is standard on all models of the 2020 Lincoln Continental. Drivers can easily switch modes when the road calls for it or simply when they feel like changing things up a bit. This works well with other performance features, such as adaptive steering, to make drivers feel completely in control of their Continental.
8. Convenient In-Door Controls
Both the driver and front passenger can make adjustments to their seating position using buttons located on the door panel. This eliminates the need to fumble around with the bottom of the seat. It is one of those features people do not know they need until they have it, then they cannot live without it! The buttons can be used to control the driver seat memory function, which is standard on all trim levels. For the entry-level, there are buttons for the 10-way heated and powered front seats with lumbar support. The Reserve trim level takes this number up to 24-way adjustment, and the Black Label models have 30-way power multi-contour front seats. Plus, these two upper trims add ventilation to the front seats. It is easy to see how drivers and front passengers can get their seats just right for the journey ahead.
9. Available 19-Speaker Revel Audio System
Available for the Reserve and standard for the Black Label models of the 2020 Lincoln Continental is a 19-speaker audio system. The speakers have been placed strategically throughout the cabin to give drivers a surround-sound experience. There are even three different listening modes to select from, known as stereo, audience, and onstage. There is also a 13-speaker version of the Revel Audio system, which is standard for the Reserve trim. These systems add HD radio to the Continental.
10. Configurable Driver Display
Different people have different priorities when it comes to the information they need to see at a glance. That is why the 2020 Lincoln Continental gives drivers a configurable display. Certain pieces of information relating to the safety and performance of the vehicle cannot be altered. However, drivers can choose to see items related to their music, navigation, and more by adding and deleting things from this display.Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Lincoln Continental – The Cons
1. Handling Lags Behind Competitors
Although the Continental surpasses many non-luxury competitors when it comes to handling, it is not quite as competent as European rivals. That said, there are three different driving modes to choose from. Odds are, most drivers will be able to find at least one that suits their style and meets their handling needs.
2. Transmission Can Shift Rough
Although there are three great engines to choose from, they are all paired to the same six-speed automatic transmission. While this transmission is just fine most of the time, it occasionally can shift in a rough and slightly jarring manner. Some drivers may be put off by this, while others may be too busy enjoying everything else the 2020 Lincoln Continental has going for it to notice it.
3. Lacking Finesse with 20-inch Wheels
The good news is that consumers can get eye-catching 20-inch wheels for their new Continental. The bad news is that they will detract from the overall ride quality of the vehicle. Luckily, there are 18 and 19-inch wheel options as well. Unfortunately, those who want the top-of-the-line Black Label trim only have 20-inch wheels available to them.
4. Not Terribly Fuel Efficient
No one buys a Lincoln thinking it is going to save them a ton of money on gas, but the Continental is a particularly thirsty vehicle. This is true of all three engine options. Competitors tend to be a little more generous in their MPG ratings. Again, this is something many will be willing to overlook due to the other attractive qualities of the 2020 Lincoln Continental.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
Drivers will have a few other vehicles to consider in the large luxury sedan market for 2020. One option is the Cadillac XT6. This is an attractive choice, but consumers need to be aware that it has a rough ride in comparison to the Continental. Plus, there are very few ways to customize the XT6. Another vehicle buyers may consider is the BMW 740i, which is certainly a nice option. That said, it is way more expensive than the Continental, offers a shorter powertrain warranty, and has fewer standard driver assist features. Plus, the trunk space is quite a bit smaller. The trunk of the Mercedes-Benz S550, another common competitor, is smaller as well.
Conclusion
The 2020 Lincoln Continental is a good pick for many consumers because it offers luxury at a more affordable price point. All three trim levels are well-equipped with cutting-edge features that are aimed at making drivers' lives more comfortable and convenient. While it may not be as agile and smooth as some of its more expensive competitors, it is still a joy to drive. Drivers considering the new Continental should feel confident in this choice.
