The Lincoln Star Concept is the first-ever concept for an electric vehicle by a luxury brand.
The SUV has large wheels that look like discs and a flat roof that is supposed to improve aerodynamics. The Star Concept is the first indicator of the brand's promise to deliver three fully electric vehicles by 2025.
Lincoln President Joy Falotico said during a press preview on April 19 that premium EV sales will triple by the end of the decade.
The top half of the vehicle is encased in glass, with a see-through roof that can be darkened manually and 3D-printed front and rear pillars that allow light to flow into the cabin.
Under the steering wheel, a single clear plastic pedal splits in half, like the old Lincoln Continentals from the 1960s that had the same configuration.
The cabin isilluminated in soft lighting from glowing pinstripes. The back of the vehicle feels like a comfortable lounge or executive office because of the hidden storage for shoes and the cabinet for chilled beverages.
Not much was novel in the car. The Lincoln concept car has a sound and smell similar to that of a Rolls-Royce, and it has been a staple of Mercedes production cars for years. The glass top is similar to those already in production from General GM and the Hummer EV.
Half of Lincoln's global sales volume will come from hybrid and pure-electric vehicles by 2026, according to executives. When it comes to producing an EV, the brand lags behind almost every other brand. Growth at the top end has been quicker than the mainstream, with 20% of sales of luxury vehicles being electric.
On March 21, Lincoln started production of its own electric car, the Cadillac.
Ford is trying hard to make the conversion with its F-150 Lightning, although its plans may not translate to Lincoln moving quickly to electric. Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, recently boosted the company's spending target on electric vehicles, but delayed plans for an electric version of the Lincoln Aviator SUV. There are no further details regarding the immediate and future manufacturing of Aviator.
Lincoln will eventually offer a full hybrid version of the Zephyr in China, according to a spokesman.
If the budget and go-ahead are given, the Star Concept can be seen as a pitch to the parent company board about what a brand could do. Clues to consumers about what actual production vehicles may look and feel like in the future are also offered.
Lincoln design director Kemal Curic said during the press preview that the vehicles are going to get better over time.
He wouldn't say if a similar vehicle would ever be produced.
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