The 2017 Lincoln Continental Is A 400bhp Luxobarge With Bonkers Door Handles

Continental: it’s probably the most recognisable name in Lincoln history, and yet, Ford’s luxury division hasn’t produced a car with that badge since 2002. Yep, it’s 14 years since the last Lincoln Continental went out of production, but for the 2017 model year, it’s making a comeback.

What we have is a powerful, full-size, full-fat saloon that doesn’t look a whole lot different from the concept that preceded it. And yes, it has some jolly funky electronic door handles which are neatly integrated into the car’s belt line.

Unlike the previous Conti, we’ve no V8 under the bonnet. Instead, there’s a twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V6, which develops “a projected” 400hp (394bhp) and 400lb ft of torque. A healthy output, but this thing won’t be some raucous super saloon, with Lincoln stating that the engine is “designed for smooth, responsive, yet quiet power.” The V6’s poke is sent to all four-wheels, with a torque vectoring system altering the amount sent to each one of the rear boots as necessary.

The inside is - as you’d expect - rather luxurious, featuring a set of 30-way adjustable electric seats, which are also heated and cooled. They’re inspired by the sort of chairs you’d find in a private jet, according to Lincoln. The passengers in the rear get a good deal too, with seats that - just like the ones in the front - are heated, cooled and will give you a nice massage if you’re in the mood.

Everyone inside, meanwhile, benefits from acoustic laminated glass, which cuts down on exterior noise. Lovely.

Want one? It’ll go on sale this autumn for an as-yet undisclosed figure.