Ford's Lincoln Star Concept Offers a Glimpse into the Electric Future of the Luxury Brand

author: Manish Kharinta   

The Lincoln Star Concept luxury electric SUV.

Ford Motor Co. is quickly advancing its electrification strategy with offerings like the new F-150 Lightning pickup which just entered series production, and Mustang Mach-E SUV. Both vehicles made their world debut to much fanfare. These new EVs are just the beginning for Ford, as the automaker intends to become a carbon-neutral company by 2050.

Interestingly enough, Ford's luxury brand Lincoln has yet to launch an electric model of its own. This is especially surprising because, in recent years, Lincoln has not been performing well in the U.S. market. However, the Lincoln brand is still quite successful in China, which also happens to be the world's largest EV market.

Now it looks like we won't have to wait too long for a battery-powered Lincoln product. The automaker recently unveiled the fully-electric Lincoln Star concept, which provides a look into the future of the Lincoln brand. With its all-electric SUV concept, Lincoln unveiled its next-generation design language, which all future Lincoln EVs will eventually adopt.

Lincoln aims to deliver four battery-powered models by 2026. According to Ford's own  estimates, EVs will make up for over half of Lincoln's global volume by then. Lincoln will introduce its first electric model later this year,  which will essentially be a more luxurious version of the Ford Mustang Mach-E built on the same platform.

Ford says  that the flexible electric vehicle platform that underpins the Lincoln Star concept can be used for building other EVs with both RWD and AWD configurations. So far, Lincoln has not revealed any other information regarding the new EV concept.

As expected, the Lincoln Star Concept's luxurious cabin offers a connected experience. The vehicle's exterior flaunts a dynamic front end, a sleek profile, a sloping roofline, and a sporty rear end. The automaker also claims that the new design language is an evolution of Lincoln's "Quiet Flight" DNA  which offers passengers a luxury and tranquil experience while riding in  one.

"As Lincoln enters the next chapter in our transition to a zero-emissions future, the Lincoln Star Concept will lead the way for our portfolio of fully electric vehicles," said Joy Falotico, president, Lincoln. "It is an excellent example of how we are redefining luxury for the next generation as we work to transform the vehicle into a third space, a true place of sanctuary for our clients."

The new design language also retains Lincoln's three core principles of beauty, gliding, and sanctuary. The concept vehicle is designed to provide occupants with an immersive experience using design, light, displays, scent, and sounds.

In addition to backlit exterior accents, doors, and seats, the new Lincoln Star Concept also uses an illuminated greeting on the front grill. Drivers can experience the "Lincoln Embrace" welcoming lighting sequence as they approach the vehicle.

The illuminated wheel arch contours and roof are also part of the spectacle, along with the headlight and taillight clusters that stretch across the vehicle's width. 

In addition to its bold styling, the Lincoln Star Concept rides on a set of beautiful aero-style wheels. 

The Star Concept also features the Lincoln Intelligence System digital assistant.

Ford expects that more than half of Lincoln's global sales volume will be all-electric vehicles by mid-decade.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.