News: Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring, luxury electrified

In an announcement that took absolutely no one by surprise, the Lincoln Motor Company introduced a plug-in hybrid version of its all-new Corsair to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Following the same nomenclature as the Aviator PHEV, this electrified version will be known as the Corsair Grand Touring.

Differentiated from the gas-only powered versions it features a unique grille, blue badging, and a door on the driver’s side front quarter panel for the charging port.

Using a dual motor hybrid system similar to that of the Lexus UX, Corsair Grand Touring has a 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine paired with a permanent magnet electric motor up front, synchronized with a second electric motor driving the rear wheels when necessary. This provides the confidence and performance of all-wheel drive without a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. With its 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seat, the Corsair Grand Touring delivers 25 miles of all-electric range in Pure EV drive mode. Switch to Preserve EV mode and the system recharges the battery, using only the gas engine. Other drive modes include normal, excite, conserve, slippery, and deep conditions.

Developing 266 total system horsepower, Corsair Grand Touring should be plenty quick but with a smooth power delivery we’ve come to expect and enjoy from Lincoln vehicles. This vehicle is really about offering a quiet, efficient sanctuary to luxury buyers who want something a little smaller and more manageable.

Corsair Grand Touring will also feature Lincoln’s Phone As A Key technology that uses your smartphone connectivity and Lincoln Way App to allow you to leave the key fob and home. As you near the Corsair, it will recognize your phone signal and begin the welcoming process, turning on lights, unlocking doors, and allowing you to start the car. With this tech, you can share your key with up to four other people and each can recall individual settings for seating and steering wheel position, comfort, and entertainment systems.

The Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring will go on sale mid 2020. Pricing and mileage have yet to be announced. We’ll update all the information and provide driving impressions as soon as it becomes available for testing.