Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Lifetimes of memories and influence were created this past weekend as I utilized Automotive Rhythms and Fit Fathers resources to secure an opulent American chariot to escort my mentees from the Paint Branch Panthers football team to prom this past weekend. They were ecstatic over the amenities and comfort features of our luxurious 2018 Ingot Silver Navigator 4×4 Reserve provided by Lincoln while I in turn was blessed with youthful recollections and memoirs from my own prom days.
The Navigator story is one ripe with passion, commitment and legacy. There was a time when this supreme SUV was atop of the utility world alongside the Cadillac Escalade. People couldn’t get enough of the Navi, as it was called on the streets. In fact, one of my auto test editors Leon Brittain still owns an original Navigator. However, the SUV lost ground since the model update took far too long to execute while customers continued to pay homage to Escalade along with the Range Rover, Infiniti QX56 (now the QX80), Yukon XL Denali and a few others. Some even downsized as fuel prices continued to bounce up and down. Nevertheless, the wait is over and families looking for three rows of premium, upsized travel can now enjoy Zen driving from within the inviting cabin of the 2018 Navigator. Keep in mind the exterior has been adjusted a bit but no dramatical redesign has taken place to truly captivate your senses.
Our $87,930 ($81,205 MSRP) Navigator 4×4 Reserve was blessed with beautiful 22” designer wheels, illuminated and retractable running boards, full LED adaptive lighting, an adaptive suspension, Forward and Reverse Sensing System, a massive and true metal, jeweled grille and the $2,640 Technology Package. On the highway we experienced one of the most divine rides in the business. I could have driven from Maryland to Massachusetts without complaining. Some of the standouts the boys and their dates enjoyed were the ultra-cozy 2nd row captain chairs, massaging 30-way adjustable front seats, panoramic vista roof, pod-like middle consoles and the 10” LCD centerstack screen to operate their music via Apple CarPlay which sounded from the 20-speaker Revel Ultima premium audio system. Yes, they were on top of their game during the drive which was powered by the growling 3.5-liter Twin Turbo V6 engine. Everything was golden until I ran out of fuel and had to pay a hefty fee to refuel. But I guess that comes with the territory.
Technology is the Navigator’s middle name due to the fact that it is enhanced with an array of innovation for safety, security, entertainment and performance. Included in the formula are Lane-Keeping System, a 12” configurable instrument cluster, third-row power fold flat seats, Lincoln Connect WiFi, Lincoln Drive Control with various drive modes, smartphone wireless charging, Personal Safety System, Side Impact Protection System and SYNC3 multi-media with an array of featured apps and touch commands for the navigation, audio settings, phone connection and more.
It certainly feels good giving back to society and helping our next generation of innovators just as my mentor Mr. Tim Crawford did for me when I was a high school football recruit out of South Jersey. He showed me guidance, taught me respect and instilled the key virtues to becoming a gentleman. Thankfully, I can now do the same with my mentees who are also devote auto fanatics!
