2018 Lincoln Continental
What’s new
- The Lincoln Continental is unchanged for 2018
- Part of the new Continental generation introduced for 2017
Pros
- Exceptional rear-seat legroom
- Strong optional V6 engine with capable AWD system
- Cabin stays quiet at highway speeds
Cons
- Occasional rough and disruptive shift from automatic gearbox
- Value factor is lacking
- Interior and build quality a bit inferior to other luxury rivals
2018 Lincoln Continental pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Continental does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
3 / 5The Continental nameplate has a lot of history for Lincoln. At its inception in the 1930s, it was intended to emulate the sleeker European design language of the day. While the 2018 Lincoln Continental is a far cry from the curvaceous coupe of the art deco era, its mission remains much the same: compete with European rivals.
Lincoln introduced its new Continental just last year. The result is an undeniably handsome car with expansive rear legroom, a full suite of optional technology upgrades and a quiet, comfortable interior. Unfortunately, the Continental straddles a price range where it has trouble competing. In lower trims, the rather unimpressive standard engine and lack of certain standard features make the Continental a slightly less appealing value. In higher trims — which can get up to almost double the Continental's base price, at least from an as-new MSRP perspective — the Lincoln is priced against some of the best luxury sedans on the market, and simply can't match their refinement.
In its absolute base trim, the Continental faces pressure from downmarket options that are fully loaded. Cars such as the Buick LaCrosse, Kia Cadenza or Toyota Avalon offer similar comfort and quiet (although less presence), and significantly more content for the money. Other luxury marques avoid this sort of comparison thanks to their higher starting prices and distinct driving dynamics, but the base Continental is priced similarly and features a similar powertrain and similar performance numbers to these near-luxury full-size sedans.
Loaded up with all the bells and whistles, the Continental is priced against heavy hitters like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. While you're getting the upgraded engine and more rear-seat room with the Continental, all three of the Germans offer similar acceleration from their base engines, and all three still offer generous rear passenger space. Moreover, the Continental simply can't match the execution of the Germans' technology, or the level of refinement and engagement found in their driving experiences. Even the Genesis G90, Hyundai's recent luxury spinoff, is a more refined luxury car that competes directly with the Continental in terms of rear passenger space and comfort, and offers more room up front for the driver.
Standing next to the 2018 Continental, it's easy to see its appeal. It's a car that makes an impression, and the experience of sitting in and driving the Continental is one of comfort and authority. The problem is that in choosing the Continental, you have to accept that you're going to get a little less for your money than what competitors have to offer.
Trim levels & features
Three engines are available for the Continental. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque), which comes standard on the Premiere and Select trims. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque) is optional on the Select and standard on the Reserve and Black Label Trims. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and can be had in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.
The third engine option is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque) that's optional on the Reserve and Black Label trims. To manage this engine's power, Lincoln bundles it with a torque-vectoring AWD system. This engine also uses a six-speed automatic transmission.
Beyond the 3.7-liter V6, the Premiere trim receives 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillights, power-folding side mirrors (driver-side auto dimming), front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, hill-start assist, adaptive suspension and steering, and keyless entry.
Inside, you get dual-zone climate control with a rear-seat air vents, heated 10-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, simulated leather upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear bench and push-button start. Infotainment duties are handled by Ford's Sync 3 system, which comes with an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker sound system.
The base Premiere also comes with Lincoln Connect, which allows you to use an app to remotely start the car, lock and unlock it, or locate it via GPS, among other features.
Moving up to the Select trim adds 19-inch wheels, power-operated soft-close doors, a hands-free trunklid opener, leather upholstery and rear-seat USB ports. Beyond the engine choices, several options packages are available.
The Climate Package adds automatic high beams, automatic wipers, a windshield-wiper de-icer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The Technology package includes the auto wipers, windshield wiper de-icer and auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as a head-up display and a suite of driver aids: a top-down parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring is a stand-alone option.
Other options include navigation, a 13-speaker Revel stereo, Lincoln's 30-way power-adjustable "Perfect Position" seats, 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
The Continental's Reserve trim, on top of starting with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, gets blind-spot monitoring, the 13-speaker Revel stereo and navigation standard. It also upgrades to 24-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated, three-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls, and a power rear-window sunshade.
The Climate and Technology packages are available for the Reserve, as are two more major packages. The Rear Seat package adds upgraded outboard rear seating (four-way power lumbar, reclining, heating and ventilation), rear side-window sunshades and the panoramic sunroof. The Luxury package adds LED headlights, upgrades the stereo to Revel's 19-speaker system and adds a CD player. The sunroof, 30-way power-adjustable front seats and 20-inch wheels are available as stand-alone options.
At the top of the range, and nearly doubling the Premiere's starting price, is the Continental Black Label. This trim comes standard with 20-inch wheels, the panoramic moonroof and both the Luxury and Technology packages. It also benefits from unique interior trims that combine bold colors and trims with lots of extra premium materials draped over many of the interior plastics. The 30-way seats and Technology and Climate packages are available as upgrades.
Buying a Black Label car also gets the buyer access to Lincoln's lifestyle and concierge service. Lincoln will wash your car for free, pick it up from you for service and book you reservations (and even buy you a dinner), among other services. Black Label Continentals are also covered by a four-year/50,000-mile that covers services and wear items.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Lincoln Continental Reserve (turbo 3.0L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Lincoln Continental has received only minor revisions. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Lincoln Continental.
Driving
3.5Acceleration
3.5Braking
4Steering
3Handling
3Drivability
3Comfort
3.5Seat comfort
3.5Ride comfort
3Noise & vibration
4Climate control
4.5Interior
4Ease of use
3Getting in/getting out
3Driving position
4Roominess
4Visibility
3.5Quality
2.5Utility
3.5Small-item storage
2.5Cargo space
3Child safety seat accommodation
5Technology
3.5Audio & navigation
3Smartphone integration
4.5Driver aids
3Voice control
4Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Lincoln Continental.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Continental safety features:
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Alerts the driver of the need to apply the brakes to avoid a forward collision, and automatically brakes if the driver takes no action.
- Lane Keeping System
- Warns the driver when the car drifts out of its lane, and can apply steering input to keep the car in its lane.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Monitors the vehicle's blind spots and alerts the driver to the presence of other cars.
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Lincoln Continental vs. the competition
2018 Lincoln Continental
2018 Cadillac CT6
Lincoln Continental vs. Cadillac CT6
Both of these American flagship sedans boast optional turbocharged six-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive. Both cars also have feature-packed infotainment systems, but the Lincoln's is a bit easier to use. The Cadillac is a little bigger on the outside, but interior space is very similar for both cars.
Lincoln Continental vs. Lexus LS 500
The larger Lexus is more powerful, and it's also more fuel-efficient. Credit its 10-speed automatic transmission: Those extra gear ratios help this sedan achieve 5 mpg higher on the highway. In general, the Lexus is a more refined and premium luxury sedan. Alas, the LS costs more, such that you can get a fully loaded Continental for about the starting price of the Lexus.
Lincoln Continental vs. Genesis G90
The G90 starts at a higher price, but keep in mind that it has few if any options. As far as engines go, the Lincoln offers an array of six-cylinder engines and tops out with a powerful turbocharged V6. The Genesis starts with a turbo six-cylinder, but you can step up to a 5.0-liter V8. Though the Genesis can cost more, it doesn't offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which are standard on the Lincoln.
2018 Lincoln Continental for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Lincoln Continental is a large luxury sedan that delivers on looks and rear-seat legroom.
Resurrecting the Continental nameplate made a lot of sense for Lincoln. The original Continental, way back in the 1930s, wore a bold exterior design meant to compete with the sleek European cars of the time. This time around, Lincoln has its sights set firmly on the best from Europe and Asia, aiming to rival them on looks, power, quiet and roominess.
The Lincoln has style in spades, and every trim level of Continental comes with the same exceptional rear legroom and noise insulation. To handle power duties, three engines are available for the Continental. A 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque) comes standard on the base Premiere and third-tier Select trims.
A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque) is optional on the Select and standard on the second-tier Reserve and top-tier Black Label trims. Both engines rely on a six-speed automatic transmission, and can be equipped in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.
For real power, Lincoln offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque) is available on the Reserve and Black Label trims. To make sure the Continental can handle that power, the 3.0-liter comes with a torque-vectoring AWD system that's based on the system underpinning the high-performance Ford Focus RS.
Among other standard features on the base trim, Continental Premiere buyers get 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, adaptive suspension and steering, and proximity entry. Inside, you get dual-zone climate control, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, leatherette upholstery, 60/40-split rear seats, and push-button start. Infotainment duties are handled by Ford's Sync 3 system, which comes with an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio and a 10-speaker stereo.
Moving up through the 2018 Continental's trim levels will get you 19-inch wheels, soft-close doors, a hands-free trunk, leather upholstery, a premium Revel stereo, navigation, three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Many of these features are available as optional add-ons for the midtier trims.
Other options include Lincoln's 30-way power-adjustable "Perfect Position" seats, 20-inch wheels, and a rear-seat package that transforms the rear bench into a pair of power-reclining heated and cooled seats. Also available is a suite of active safety features and driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking.
The top-dog Black Label trim boasts unique interior colors and materials, along with lifestyle services, car pickup for maintenance visits and free car washes.
If you want to wow rear-seat passengers, the Continental is certainly worth a look. For more information make sure to check out our full review on Edmunds, and take advantage of our shopping tools to find the best deal on a 2018 Lincoln Continental near you.
2018 Lincoln Continental Overview
The 2018 Lincoln Continental is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A), Black Label 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Black Label 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A), and Premiere 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Lincoln Continental?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Lincoln Continental and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Continental 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Continental.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lincoln Continental and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Continental featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Lincoln Continental?
2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $55,550. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $4,175 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,175 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$51,375.
The average savings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is7.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $57,550. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,179 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,179 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$52,371.
The average savings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) is9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 7 2018 Lincoln Continental Reserve 4dr Sedan AWD (2.7L 6cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $50,880. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is trending $4,889 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,889 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$45,991.
The average savings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is9.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $48,880. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is trending $4,037 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,037 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$44,843.
The average savings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Lincoln Continental Select 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Lincoln Continental Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Lincoln Continental Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,925. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lincoln Continental Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is trending $4,325 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,325 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$41,600.
The average savings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) is9.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Lincoln Continental Premiere 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Lincoln Continentals are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Lincoln Continental for sale near. There are currently 93 new 2018 Continentals listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $46,085 and mileage as low as 1 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Lincoln Continental. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,410 on a used or CPO 2018 Continental available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Lincoln Continentals you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Lincoln Continental for sale - 2 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $11,056.
Find a new Lincoln for sale - 7 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $10,001.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lincoln Continental?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lincoln lease specials
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Related vehicle information
2018 Lincoln Continental Information
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