2019 Lincoln Continental

Which Continental does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

If ever there was an evocative American luxury automaker nameplate, the Lincoln Continental is it. It's been around since the late 1930s, with some breaks in production along the way. Early on, it was a prestigious luxury car that reflected European styling sensibilities and it was among the last American cars available with a V12 engine.

The Continental name lost some of its luster in the meantime, with a succession of models that didn't resonate the way Continentals up through the 1960s did. In creating the current-generation Continental that debuted in 2017, Lincoln aimed to capitalize on the memory of its halcyon days.

Today's 2019 Continental shares its fundamental platform with the Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion, albeit with a longer wheelbase. It's handsome and roomy, especially in the back seat. Lincoln packs it with features, including optional 30-way-adjustable front seats and an available turbocharged V6 thumping out 400 horsepower.

However, the Continental suffers from its positioning in the marketplace. Lower trims have an uninspiring engine and can't match the feature content of loaded-up sedans from non-luxury manufacturers, such as the Honda Accord. Meanwhile, costly higher trims of the Continental don't fare well against the formidable competition from true luxury brands.

While the 2019 Continental is quiet and plush, its indifferent steering and handling are in marked contrast to buttoned-down European sedans. Likewise, its cabin design is a mindless rehash of past glories that look and function awkwardly. Overall, there are better choices for a midsize luxury sedan.

What's it like to live with?

The Edmunds editorial team purchased and lived with a Lincoln Continental for a year, logging just over 14,000 miles. We were unanimous in our praise for the powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged engine but had mixed opinions about the 30-way adjustable front seats and build quality. Note that while we tested a 2017 model, our observations still fully apply to the 2019 Continental as well. To learn more, check out our long-term Continental test for all the details, good and bad.

2019 Lincoln Continental models

The 2019 Lincoln Continental is available in four trim levels. The base trim shares some luxuries and features with its more expensive brethren but has a limited options list. The Select is only a modest upgrade but has access to a decent options list. The Reserve trim is more generously equipped with luxury features. The range-topping Black Label comes with unique, upscale interior options and membership in Lincoln's lifestyle service program.

Three engines are available for the Continental. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 (305 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque), which comes standard on base and Select trims. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque) is standard on the Reserve and Black Label trims. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The third engine option is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft) 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 base trim receives 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, power-folding side mirrors (driver-side auto dimming), front and rear parking sensors, an adaptive suspension and keyless entry.

Inside, you get dual-zone climate control with a rear-seat air vents, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and simulated-leather upholstery. 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. All Continentals now come with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist as well.

Moving up to the Select trim adds 19-inch wheels, power-operated soft-close doors, a hands-free trunklid opener, navigation, leather upholstery and rear-seat USB ports.

The Reserve trim, in addition to the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, gets heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera system, an automated parking system, a head-up display, a panoramic moonroof and a 13-speaker Revel audio system. 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.

At the top of the range, and nearly doubling the base's starting price, is the Continental Black Label. This trim comes standard with 20-inch wheels, 30-way-adjustable seats and unique interior materials and colors. A Rear Seat package with power-adjustable seats is available as an option.

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 reservations for you (and even buy you dinner), among other services. Black Label Continentals are also covered by a four-year/50,000-mile maintenance plan that covers services and wear items.

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