In many ways, Lincoln's pivot to electric vehicles will be the most important — and riskiest — move the brand has attempted in its century under Ford ownership.
How is Lincoln going to distinguish itself from Audi, Lexus, Cadillac, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and all the other luxury brands making the same transition?
Maybe the bigger worry is how Lincoln EVs are going to be different enough from Ford EVs to make consumers want to pay the premium.
Because the electric motor is nearly noiseless and vibration-less, Lincoln vehicles likely won't be much quieter or more refined than Ford EVs or those from the competition.
Noise, vibration and harshness is one area where Lincoln vehicles were always different from and better than the Fords on which they were based.
There's not much room for Lincoln to grab some white space between Ford vehicles and the competition in performance, either. The Mustang Mach-E GT can already reach 60 mph in under four seconds. Many other EVs are in the same league or quicker.
But there is an answer. When it comes to driving range between charges and charging times, Lincoln must lead the way; no Ford-branded vehicles should be able to go farther on a charge or charge faster.
Also, the pivot to EVs allows for a complete reinvention of the interior. In the last five or so years, Lincoln has, in my view, set the standard for luxury interiors in its price class. The materials are not only first rate, but the colors of leather, the feel of the switches, and the extraordinary attention paid to the seats have made Lincoln vehicles outstanding. The interiors even smell great. Interior excellence is a great pillar to own in the EV era, and Lincoln should build on its success.
