AutomotiveAddicts

wow... that’s interesting!!!! can’t wait to try it out. I have always been amazed at the system in the Benz ever since they had it in 2014. Most people don’t realize how amazing it is to have a suspension system basically erase bumps or dips in the road. Technology is wonderful, when it works. Any clue as to settings for the system to auto lower when exiting the vehicle? Can’t wait to play around with it when mine arrives.

Also, there is a current "holdup" for some "issue". Some are being sent back for the ones that were on the way. If anything, glad they are working out any early issues NOW rather than later. Good QC if you ask me... Humans aren't perfect. I would rather they take the time and fix whatever they find now rather than AFTER we get our vehicle.

Mustangchief, very nice! Glad you finally got time with it. Seems you share some of the same thoughts as I did with my limited time. Did you notice the air glide/road preview suspension actually working to smooth out bumps and road imperfections as in did it make you look in your review mirror to see if you went over a bump or now that you know is there that you feel in your Mustang but didn't feel it in the Aviator. Just trying to see how it compares to Benz' E-Active system that reads the road as well but utilizes more aggressive adjustments via pneumatics and hydraulic actuators.

Pretty good video of the Black Label... but without the Dynamic Handling Package...

I'm pretty certain the engine noise, if proven to be artificial through certain speakers, will NOT interfere with the stereo/music sound. I've noticed on may vehicles that I've reviewed that any engine sound pumped through the speakers essentially goes away with certain stereo volume levels. Plus, with such a sound system on the Aviator, the tones were very clear and defined and I didn't notice any distortion or change at speed during my drive. I believe the auto-speed-dependent-volume control was set to OFF as well when I went through the menus.

Oh, please be sure to share your experience when and if you get to drive it! I want to mostly hear about the Dynamic Handling Package's suspension system if it really adapts to "read or preview" the road ahead somewhat like the Mercedes-Benz system does. I am curious to see what type of effect it has on bumps and dips in the road for adjusting the adaptive dampers in a proactive way. Did you order yours with the Dynamic Handling Package?? Also, funny to hear about how they thought something was wrong with the suspension system. From me playing with the pre-production unit last month with the Dynamic Handling Package, it looks as if the suspension is very active and makes several adjustments depending on the weight load and has a set of features to automatically lower when the vehicle is approached and/or a setting to lower upon exit of the vehicle. I want to know more about those features/functions and how much can we customize in the system apart from the drive modes pre-selected heights. Yes, I'm a nerd!!! But I want it to be good money well spent. I've experienced all types of suspension systems and am hoping this one is "good". We shall see.

Sounds pretty much dead-on for what I experienced, my friend. I can't wait to get ours. And YES, I too noticed that the screen, despite it "sticking out like an iPad", didn't look or feel out of place. They certainly did it justice for more of a natural feel throughout the cabin. The smaller steering wheel, which I mentioned in my review, also rings true to my experience giving it more of a "sporty" feel. haha. In all, I'm glad to hear that I am not the only one who shared these very thoughts and "feels" when experiencing the new Aviator. We will be sure to share more notes before and after we get our cars. I am getting all sorts of positive comments on the look of the Aviator and most are like "I didn't realize that was a Lincoln, wow" or the typical, "Wow, this blows the Cadillac XT6 out of the water". Fun stuff... and funny... but true.

again, i only had limited time but i did notice a hint of the fake sound ... however, it was mostly at near full throttle that i noticed it. I probably only notice it because of how picky i am with my test drives... and... the car was very very quiet initially on idle and cruising. i’m sure it is not a deal breaker, after all, you can disable it via some method . i did with my ford focus rs... very easy. next time i drive one i will spend more time and report back.... if that’s before i get mine. lol

Sure... I will try. I have a new BMW X7 right now in for review. It is nearly the same size up front and the Aviator seats a tad better for comfort and use of the massage feature vs. the BMW. As far as room in the second row, the BMW X7 has the Aviator beat a little. Though, I don't think im ever going to spend much time in the second row. Aviator, for the money, seems to offer MORE of substance compared to the X7 or even the X5. I do enjoy the BMWs and have owned a couple. Just for price new vs new, the Aviator is much better value in my opinion that still offers up good space for the driver and front passenger yet gives you decent accommodations for the second row. I can't speak of the third row because I simply didn't have the time. The steering in the Aviator ALMOST felt just like the BMWs even with the BMW having rear steering. I was surprised that the Aviator has such a quick initial turn-in but seemed to back-off after a full turn of the wheel with its aggressiveness... if that makes any sense. At your size you will have NO problems. Hope that helps.

Agree!!! That's a big one. The Aviator Reserve that I drove didn't feel as plush or luxurious as it could - the basic-looking and feeling headliner for one didn't fit the part. There were several soft-touch areas, including the glove box door was soft touch as well as the lower dashboard surrounding it. However the lower door trim was hard plastic that surrounded the door pockets. Not a deal breaker as most will not notice. The other surfaces were well well pieced together with a good fit and finish. What was Cadillac thinking with that poor XT6????

... and thank you!!!

Excellent question, Mostly the pick and delivery which is more than the distance of "normal" non-black label drop off and pickup. Also, I like the uniqueness of the black label colors and interior. I'm always buying vehicles that not many people have.

I would say it met my expectations AND exceeded them in some areas. I do like the complete package and in getting the Black Label I will be utilizing the benefits often. The overall comfort was a plus as I could easily see driving this vehicle over long distances without issue. There was some noticeable artificial engine sound coming from the dash making me think Ford/Lincoln is pumping a lot of fake engine sound into the cabin because of just how quiet it is and isolated the real engine sound is... it's hard to make a V6 sound good. Also, one thing i didn't note was the sound system... the upgraded sound system was EXCELLENT!!! Very powerful where I would have to tone down some of the bass and make some fine adjustments. Sounded great for the time I checked it out.

My dealer had me out and I drove the Aviator Reserve, finally! Published a quick-spin review. I defiantly need MORE time with the Aviator.... either a review vehicle or mine when it comes in... here are some words i put together.. https://www.automotiveaddicts.com/68697/2020-lincoln-aviator-reserve-awd-quick-spin-test-drive

My dealer had me out and I drove the Aviator Reserve, finally! Published a quick-spin review. I defiantly need MORE time with the Aviator.... either a review vehicle or mine when it comes in... here are some words i put together.. https://www.automotiveaddicts.com/68697/2020-lincoln-aviator-reserve-awd-quick-spin-test-drive

Going to try. Will report back soon as I can.

My local dealership JUST had a Reserve II dropped off today (Jacksonville, FL).... has to go through PDI and all and it will be available for sale later this week. They expect a few more units for their own demo unit and another sale unit later this month.

I’m close enough for use of BL Benfits. I ordered normal BL in the same theme and flight blue. It’s currently in production and they are firm on 4 to 6 weeks at this point because they are releasing cars now at the plant. Strange that we haven’t seen any reviews yet. I’m going to call my fleet manager and check on the press fleet to see about the reviews as I get vehicles to review. If my dealer has any to take I will do that date night thing and put up a review on my site and share with you all.

True! Congrats on your order. True congrats on your order!

Edmunds claim a curb weight for the explorer st at 4,701 pounds. Platinum trim is listed at 4727 and hybrid at 4969, again, according to edmunds. But I would take that with a grain of salt. Edmunds has been wrong countless times. So there’s that.

never really had the time to explore the “standard” ford/Lincoln practices. Must you be a moderator to be “somewhat” of an expert? The struggles of the Internet and forums, where many feel entitled. The “expert” mention was a simple disclaimer. Hopefully to better frame my findings. Maybe some took it the wrong way. My apologies. Didn’t want to seem self centered or looking down on anyone. Seems some took offense for some reason. I wouldn't call what I said a “review” exactly. Just some preview notes. There’s not much you come to a conclusion about without driving the vehicle. Guess I need some thicker skin in this forum. However, there is good information here and I appreciate the kind words from others. Thanks for taking the time to read what I wrote. Ill take my “somewhat expertise” back to my publication.

That's cool. Guess I've wasted my time here considering how moderators treat people. But it's okay.

"You'd think an expert would know that." ... geeesh. Not nice. But wow, look at you. You know "something" and you've shared it. Wow. You're going places. Thank you for that bit of information.

Finally had a chance to check out the Aviator in person at my dealership for a preview on a pre-production Reserve II. First off, it looks better in person. Though, I am not trying to say it doesn't look good in photos. For one, I am super happy that I was able to sit in it and make several seat adjustments. being 6-foot 3 I was almost concerned about the space. After spending a good 40 minutes with it and the Lincoln rep from Detroit I am happy to see that there is plenty room and I can even fit behind my front-seat adjustment in the 2nd row. I saw a couple videos of the second row and I became a bit concerned about the space but after checking it out in person there is plenty of room for tall individuals up front and in the second row (captains chairs). Moreover, the cargo room was decent. Not really large behind the 3rd row but more than I was expecting, and that's comparing it to a few other 3-row crossovers I've driven and reviewed. The headroom is plentiful unlike what some videos may tell you. Take my word, I adjusted the 30-way seats several times and had time to "play around" with all seat adjustments. one thing to note before I go on is that I have been an automotive journalist for over 15 years now mostly through my publication (automotiveaddicts.com). I have driven well over 1,000 cars and somewhat consider myself to be an expert. This is the first time I took a chance on ordering a vehicle without driving it. Pretty darn crazy and risky... I know. Other takeaways from my visit with the Aviator is that the air suspension system continually makes adjustments even when the vehicle is stationary. With the vehicle power on (no engine running) the suspension system adjusted to keep the vehicle level when people got in the back and shut the door. Pneumatic door latches work flawlessly despite them sounding a bit clunky when opening the door. The interior was very well thought out and the new vehicle chimes are a nice touch. I asked about the start-stop system and its lack of a physical button to disable. The disable toggle on screen and be brought up by one button press on the dashboard and then a click of the touch screen. The system will revert back to being ON after a new key-start. Though, there is a method to disable it quickly by toggling the drive mode to Excite, which is a turn of the knob counterclockwise. <--- cheap way of disabling it quickly but the vehicle will then be in its "sport" / Excite mode. The tech was saying the latest version of the 3.0-liter TT V6 "probably puts out way more power than Ford claims" - I said I would not quote him on that but its just "speculation" haha. He said the Aviator also has the sport brakes of the Explorer ST but not the track brakes, which are only just a Pad change (different pad surface)... otherwise, the sport brakes option on the Explorer is what we get on the Aviator by default. As far as delivery date, there is a lot of conflicting info out there. Tech says several Aviators have been built but are just sitting awaiting "release" - However, there is a month delay that is being discussed for some reason. No mention as to the reason. Tech still says some of the early orders should arrive at dealers in July. So, take that with a grain of salt for now. My thought is they want them to go through the "review" cycle with top auto magazines first before they release them. Currently, TODAY, the new 2020 Explorer is being tested by auto journalists and their opinions of the vehicle are embargoed until next week. I think the Aviator tests will happen within weeks as well. The 22-inch wheels and tires actually look nice in person and fill up the wheel well. Again, another aspect that looks better in person than in photos. The engine is mounted very low and there are strut tower braces installed. The hood latch is now like BMWs with the two pulls and does not require you to hunt for a hood latch under the hood.. you just lift it up now and let the hood struts do their job. Only thing thus far I was disappointed with is the lower-lower door trim is hard plastic... but I was not able to confirm if it is that way in the production unit. This pre-production unit was a very very early one that has been sitting for a few months in California. Tech says there were several "improvements" made from this vehicle to the production units. So, take whatever you will from that. We shall see very soon. The switchgear in the Aviator is all different from the Explorer... at least all that you can "touch". I was impressed by the immersion of soft touch surfaces and a high-level of quality... mostly like the current Navigator. Though, there was something more cohesive about the Aviator over the Navigator as if the interior fits around passengers better. Should be able to get a better grasp on this when I drive it... hopefully in the next couple of weeks when the dealer is said to get in their first demo unit. I will be sure to report back. Overall, the Aviator looks to be a winner and offers much more over the Explorer - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I've seen both in person now and there's plenty of "extra" substance to justify the Aviator's pricing, especially when you start to configure the competition with the same features. Lincoln has a winner here! Now, they need to hurry up and release the builds.