Brand keeps its promise with new models

The all-new Lincoln Continental. [Photo provided to China Daily]

US premium brand Lincoln has kept its promise of delivering five new models to China by 2016 with its unveiling of the all-new Continental, a full-size sedan, and the new MKZ, an upgraded midsize sedan, at the Beijing auto show.

Lincoln already offers the medium utility MKC, the medium-large utility MKX and the Navigator, a full-size SUV, in the Chinese market.

The automaker said both the Continental and MKZ embody the new design language of "Quiet Luxury", a tailored experience that marks the next phase of The Lincoln Way.

"With the Lincoln Continental, we bring the ultimate luxury sedan to China, and prove our commitment to our Chinese customers," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln.

Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China, said as the brand expands its lineup, "we are making every Lincoln an expression of individuality that connects emotionally with our customers".

Available by year's end, the Continental delivers first-class travel in a contemporary design.

The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms, craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety.

Lincoln's new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the vehicle with car key in hand, an LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and tail lamps slowly turn on while the headlamp signature lighting awakens in one fluid motion.

The new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers is designed for smooth and responsive, yet quiet power.

Its available all-wheel drive system is paired with Dynamic Torque Vectoring that transfers torque on demand to the appropriate rear wheel while driving through corners, providing confident handling and stability.

The new MKZ, an upgraded midsize sedan from Lincoln. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The interior boasts Perfect Position Seats that match the luxury of private jets, plus spacious rear seat leg room and amenities. An exclusive Revel? audio system offers three listening models that can amplify live concerts and stage plays in the serene cabin.

The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something different in the luxury market.

From the placement of technological features such as a push-button gear shift, to re-imagined interior spaces including a floating center console, drivers can relish in discovering an unexpected experience through intelligent functions and beautiful form that offers, above all, an enjoyable drive.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces an output of 253 hp and a top torque of 389 Nm for effortless performance and refinement.

Available Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to choose three drive modes: comfort, normal and sport.

The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling.

The Active Noise Control system keeps the journey consistently quiet and private, further enhancing the driving experience.

The automaker said its engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions for new Lincoln MKZ customers. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access.

The all-new Lincoln Continental.

The new MKZ, an upgraded midsize sedan from Lincoln.

Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Q+A: ROBERT PARKER

Who are the new MKZ and Continental's target customers?

A lot of them are first-time premium car buyers, customers about 25 to 35 years old. We have seen many of them as buyers of our MKZ.

The Continental we hope appeals to customers slighter older than those customers, like business entrepreneurs, established executives who want a larger vehicle.

What is Lincoln doing to distinguish itself?

Our focus since the very beginning has been on the customers. Our research shows that they were not the focus in the premium segment before we got here.

As the team started working out Lincoln's strategy in 2012, all of the work was done around the customer's experience with buying the car and owning the car. And that continues to be our focus. That defines who we are.

What is Lincoln's target this year?

Our target for this year is to satisfy every single customer. That is our No 1 target.