2017 Lincoln Continental

2017 Lincoln Continental Highlights

The Lincoln Continental makes a grand return for the 2017 model year, marking the first time the Continental name has graced a new vehicle since 2002. Replacing the outgoing MKS in Lincoln's lineup, the all-new Continental is a full-size luxury sedan that aims to reclaim the elegance and sophistication of its predecessors. With a sleek exterior design, opulent interior, and a choice of powerful turbocharged engines, the 2017 Continental sought to reestablish Lincoln as a player in the premium sedan market.

2017 Lincoln Continental Specs/Key Details

• Full-size sedan body style
• Seating for up to five passengers
• Three engine options: 3.7-liter V6, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space

Benefits

• Elegant exterior styling with distinctive grille and LED lighting
• Spacious and well-appointed interior with premium materials
• Powerful twin-turbo V6 engines deliver strong acceleration
• Available all-wheel drive for improved traction
• Comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies
• Exclusive Black Label trim offers top-tier luxury and personalized service

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2017 Lincoln Continental Overview

Performance

The 2017 Lincoln Continental offers three engine options:

• 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 with 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque
• 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque (AWD only)

All engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional with the 2.7-liter engine and standard with the 3.0-liter engine.

The base 3.7-liter V6 provides adequate power for most driving situations, but the twin-turbo V6 options deliver more impressive acceleration. The 3.0-liter engine, in particular, offers effortless passing power and a 0-60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2017 Lincoln Continental a top five-star overall safety rating. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Continental a "Top Safety Pick+" designation, its highest award, on versions equipped with specific headlights and front crash prevention.

The Continental comes standard with a multi-air bag system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and Lincoln's MyKey system, which allows owners to set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers. Available safety features are bundled in the Technology Package and include:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree camera system
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Driving

The 2017 Lincoln Continental prioritizes comfort over sporty handling and excels in this regard. The suspension smooths most road imperfections, delivering a smooth and composed ride even on rough pavement. An available adaptive suspension with three modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) allows drivers to customize the ride quality to their preferences.

The Continental's cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, creating a serene environment for long highway cruises. The steering is light and precise, making the car feel relatively agile for its size. However, those seeking a more engaging driving experience may prefer European rivals like the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

In tight spaces and crowded city streets, the Continental's large dimensions can be a bit cumbersome. However, the standard rear parking sensors and available 360-degree camera system help mitigate this issue.

Interior

The 2017 Lincoln Continental interior boasts high-quality materials, an attractive design, and ample space for occupants. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and higher trims introduce premium leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and aluminum accents. The 30-way "Perfect Position" front seats, standard on Reserve and Black Label trims, are a standout feature, offering exceptional comfort and adjustability.

Rear-seat passengers are treated to an equally luxurious experience, with generous legroom and available heated, ventilated, and reclining outboard seats. The Continental's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk is competitive for the class, providing ample space for luggage or golf clubs.

Notable interior features include:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats with ten-way power adjustability
• Push-button gear selector
• Ambient interior lighting
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3

The range-topping Black Label trim offers three designer interior themes—Chalet, Rhapsody, and Thoroughbred—each with unique color schemes, premium leather, and distinctive trim materials.

Technology

The 2017 Continental comes standard with Lincoln's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ten-speaker audio system. The interface is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. Voice-activated navigation is optional, as is a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system for audiophiles.

Other technology includes:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Two USB ports
• Satellite radio
• Wireless device charging
• Head-up display (optional)
• Remote start

Fuel Economy

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Lincoln Continental are as follows:

3.7-liter V6 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined

2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined
• AWD (mpg): 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined

3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine:

• AWD (mpg): 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined

2017 Lincoln Continental Reviews

2017 Lincoln Continental reviews from consumers on Kelley Blue Book have an exceptional average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Owners praise the Continental's quality, reliability, comfort, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Elegant styling inside and out
• Powerful and refined twin-turbo V6 engines
• Spacious and luxurious interior with high-quality materials
• Comfortable and composed ride quality
• Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features
• Exclusive Black Label trim offers top-tier luxury and service

Problems

• Fuel economy lags behind some competitors
• Handling isn't as sporty as some European rivals
• Rear headroom can be tight for taller passengers
• Some advanced safety features are only available in packages
• Infotainment system may experience occasional glitches

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CoPilot's Take

The 2017 Lincoln Continental marks a triumphant return for this iconic American luxury nameplate. With its elegant styling, powerful engines, and well-crafted interior, the new Continental is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a spacious and comfortable full-size sedan. While it may not have the same level of brand cachet as some European rivals, the Continental offers a uniquely American take on luxury that prioritizes comfort and relaxation over sporty handling.

The Continental's available twin-turbo V6 engines provide ample power for merging and passing, while the adaptive suspension delivers a smooth and composed ride. Inside, the cabin showcases premium materials and attention to detail, with high-end touches like the 30-way "Perfect Position" front seats and available designer Black Label themes.

However, the Continental's fuel economy may be a concern for some buyers, especially compared to more efficient competitors. While the handling is competent, it lacks the agility and engagement of sportier rivals.

2017 Lincoln Continental FAQ

Is the 2017 Lincoln Continental reliable?

The question of the 2017 Lincoln Continental's reliability is still open. While J.D. Power gives this luxury sedan an average quality and reliability score of 80 out of 100, other car ratings groups don’t have much to say, which makes a determination on dependability challenging. At the same time, NHTSA has few complaints about the 2017 Continental, making this car very reliable, or that problems have yet to surface. Regardless, any 2017 Continental under consideration should undergo a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

How many miles will a 2017 Lincoln Continental last?

With proper maintenance, a 2017 Lincoln Continental can last 200,000 miles, potentially more. However, the vehicle's longevity will depend on driving habits, environmental conditions, and observance of the recommended maintenance schedule.

Does the 2017 Lincoln Continental require premium gas?

Yes, the 2017 Lincoln Continental requires premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. This is true for all three engine options: the 3.7-liter V6, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, and 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Using regular unleaded gasoline may reduce performance and potential engine damage over time.

How many 2017 Lincoln Continentals were made?

According to Lincoln, 12,012 Continental sedans were sold in the United States during the 2017 calendar year. This figure represents the first full year of sales for the reintroduced Continental nameplate. It's worth noting that sales numbers do not always directly correspond to production numbers, as some vehicles may have been produced in 2016 but sold in 2017, and others may have been produced in 2017 but sold in later years.

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