Aviator takes luxurious Lincoln SUV to new heights

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I had not test driven a Lincoln motor vehicle in a long time ... dating back to the 2018 model year for crying out loud!

After a week in the Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring AWD sport-utility vehicle, I was really kicking myself for missing out.  The experience was that pleasant.

There are certain things I expect from a vehicle wearing a sticker with a bottom line of $89,925.  The tester met them all.

And beyond that, passengers who went motoring with me in the vehicle were absolutely over the top with their praises.  They liked the comfortable seats, the roominess, the smooth ride. They all but gushed about this three-row, luxury, midsize SUV.

A little research showed me that the Aviator also has drawn positive reviews from some typically hard-to-please auto reviewers.

What I liked most was the tester's surprising level of performance, courtesy of a plug-in hybrid system that generates 494 combined horsepower and 630 combined foot-pounds of torque.

At speed, these numbers translate to a rush.  Remarkable acceleration from a standing start.  I found myself darting the Aviator around, even on short trips.  It just felt  good.  Wisely, the Lincoln folks seem to have figured out that even luxury lovers need a horsepower fix from time to time.

Mashing the accelerator comes with little guilt, as the combined gas/electric fuel economy on the tester came in at a combined 56 miles per gallon in city/highway driving.

I should note that very little noise reaches the interior cabin, even when the smooth-riding Aviator is being propelled at near maximum thrust.  The serene atmosphere allows one time to enjoy the extensive luxo features for which Lincoln is known.

Interior leather stitching is excellent. I loved the ambient lighting, and the quad-zone climate control came in handy.  This being a Black Label edition, my Aviator was dressed up with numerous extra eye-catching touches.

This elegance transfers to the exterior skin as well.  From the outside, the Aviator exudes class, with just enough sporty lines to give one advance warning of the acceleration rushes to come.

Lincoln has been a regular at the luxury party for a long time.  For the record, it hasn't lost any of its class.