• by Tanya Gazdik , April 20, 2022

Lincoln unveiled a futuristic concept vehicle Wednesday with an eye toward capitalizing on the opportunities that not having to design around an huge internal combustion engine will bring.

More than half of Lincoln’s global volume is expected to be all-electric vehicles by mid-decade, and the division will deliver three new fully electric vehicles by 2025, adding a fourth by 2026, says Lincoln President Joy Falotico. 

The global debut of Lincoln Star Concept — timed in part to best reach the brand’s important China market  — was livestreamed from Los Angeles.

The vehicle is “an example of how we are redefining luxury for the next generation as we work to transform the vehicle into a third space – a true place of sanctuary,” Falotico says. 

While an exact replica of the concept will not be built, it’s characteristics hint of the brand’s design language for its future electric vehicles, she says.

The vehicle introduces what the automaker is calling a new design language while keeping with Lincoln’s core tenets of beauty, human, gliding and sanctuary. 

Electrification is removing many traditional vehicle design constraints, allowing the brand to reimagine what a vehicle can be, says Anthony Lo, chief design officer, Ford Motor Company. 

“The Lincoln Star is a study of experiences and themes that push the boundaries of Lincoln design, and it’s just the start,” Lo says.

Connected technologies and a next-generation Lincoln Intelligence System provide three moods using scent, sight and sound.

Coastal Morning uses oceanic sounds, a fragrance of sea mist and dynamic lighting to replicate a stroll on the beach at sunrise. 

Mindful Vitality is meant to reenergize the senses with invigorating, upbeat audio, soft  lighting and a flowery fragrance. Evening Chill mirrors dusk, using a calming night soundtrack coordinated with night sky video and an evergreen and amber fragrance. 

The three moods are built around the body’s natural circadian rhythm of morning, day and evening. With the help of connected technology, the moods will offer content updates and ways for clients to personalize their settings into the future.

As Lincoln moves toward an electric future, it is equally focused on keeping its current portfolio fresh and introducing new clients to the brand, Falotico says. Its flagship Navigator SUV has the luxury brand’s youngest customers, with an average age of 50.

Lincoln reported its best annual global sales in 21 years, up 7% over 2021, including a 48% uptick in China. The automaker aims to build on that momentum with the recent launches of the all-new Zephyr in China and the new Navigator in North America.