Picture the impressive presence of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes GLS, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, and BMW X7. Now, elevate your imagination to a vehicle that surpasses them in every dimension—the Lincoln Navigator. Boasting a staggering width of 2.29 metres, height of 1.989 metres, and length of 5.636 metres, this SUV radiates luxury fit for kings and queens. With a legacy as a top pick for American presidents, the Navigator is truly in a league of its own.

We’ve all witnessed the impressive sight of the American presidential convoy gliding by in their massive black vehicles, dwarfing every other car on the road.

Until recently, the choice was a Lincoln Navigator, but now the Administration has shifted to Cadillac. These sleek black limousines give off an air of sophistication, making the men in black with their dark sunglasses look undeniably stylish.

It’s easy to assume that these cars are far beyond the reach of the average buyer in South Africa. Considering that American vehicles are priced in dollars, one would anticipate a hefty price tag for such luxury, not to mention the additional 25% tax and various import duties.

It’s common to witness these stunning vehicles cruising through less regulated automotive markets such as Lesotho, Swaziland, and Botswana. The most disheartening aspect is that they are often unloaded at our ports before being dispatched to neighbouring countries.

Similar to how Toyota’s luxury brand is known as Lexus, Ford’s upscale division is known as Lincoln. Their powertrains typically draw from the high-performance Ford engine lineup. We have all admired the Mercedes GLS and the BMW X7 as the titans of luxury in the automotive world. But what if your preferences lean away from German engineering? Perhaps you find yourself captivated by the raw power and exuberance of American muscle cars, like the iconic Mustang and others.

In the wake of countless tears and relentless lamentations from enthusiasts of American muscle cars, Ford Motor Corporation showed a glimmer of compassion for us with the Mustang. However, spotting a Mustang on our roads is as rare as finding a needle in a haystack. Good luck trying to persuade Ford’s headquarters to grace South Africa with the presence of the Lincoln Navigator.

Imagine the commanding stature of vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes GLS, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, and BMW X7. Now, picture a vehicle that eclipses them all in height, width, and length, exuding a level of luxury that would make even the most discerning royalty feel honoured to be a passenger. Enter the Lincoln Navigator, with its impressive dimensions of 2.29 metres wide, 1.989 metres high, and 5.636 metres long.

Attempting to park this behemoth in a standard garage would be a futile endeavour, particularly if you somehow manage to manoeuvre it through a typical 2-metre gate. This SUV has a storied history as a favoured choice among American presidents.

It distinguishes itself as one of the rare SUVs capable of comfortably accommodating seven passengers, unlike many competitors that struggle to fit adults in the rear seats while offering scant trunk space. Although the Mercedes GLS has made strides in this area, its cargo capacity remains limited, especially for a family of six. The Land Cruiser 300 also disappoints in terms of storage, with even the smaller Toyota Fortuner providing more room than its larger sibling.

In stark contrast, the Lincoln Navigator shines in every regard, boasting opulent interiors, generous cargo space, and powerful engine performance.

The inaugural model of the non-Limousine Navigator made its debut in 1998, tailored specifically for the North American market and initially offered solely in left-hand drive configuration. The first generation spanned from 1998 to 2002, paving the way for the second generation, which lasted from 2003 to 2006. Following that, the third generation was produced from 2007 until 2017, and the fourth generation took the stage from 2018 to 2024.

Now, the fifth generation has been unveiled as a 2025 model. The previous 5.4L DOHC V8 engine has been replaced by a Euro-compliant 3.5L V6 Turbo engine, akin to the robust powertrain found in the Ford F150. The American SUV landscape is fiercely competitive, compelling manufacturers to continually elevate technology, luxury, and design with each iteration to maintain a competitive edge.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator upholds Ford’s commitment to preserving its legacy as an American icon, remaining exclusively available in left-hand drive. While a few companies have emerged to convert various American right-hand drive vehicles, including the Ford F150, to left-hand drive, these modifications can be quite costly, often reaching around R200,000 each.

Beyond its commanding road presence, what else does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator bring to the table?

The Navigator boasts a strikingly large chrome grille that demands attention. Its front lights echo the bold designs found on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the opulent Rolls Royce Phantom. At the rear, an impressive LCD light spans the entire tailgate, featuring an electronic operation that proves handy when your hands are laden with bags.

However, it’s within the cabin that the Lincoln truly eclipses most SUVs. The seats are sumptuously cushioned, rivalling the comfort of the finest living rooms. Owners of the Lincoln often regard it as a luxurious family cruiser, perfect for long journeys that stretch from coast to coast. In the vast expanse of America, that translates to nearly 4,200 kilometres of smooth driving without a hint of discomfort.

Step inside, and you are enveloped by an opulent interior, where rich wood finishes echo the elegance found in the most prestigious vehicles, reminiscent of the Rolls Royce Cullinan. The design embraces a blend of modernity and tradition, with physical knobs for essential functions, including gear selection, ensuring a seamless driving experience. Comfort is paramount, as you sink into electrically adjustable seats that offer both cooling and heating options, complete with memory settings tailored for multiple drivers.

The auditory experience is nothing short of cinematic, featuring a 14-speaker sound system paired with a subwoofer that could easily rival a movie theatre. The cockpit boasts a 12-inch digital display, while a 13-inch infotainment system supports both Android and Apple CarPlay, keeping you connected on the go. Safety and awareness are enhanced with a 360-degree camera and a heads-up display, allowing you to maintain focus on the road ahead.

The second-row seats are generously padded, and the third row accommodates adults comfortably. To ensure this behemoth remains steady on the road, it is equipped with cutting-edge technology like the Lincoln Navigator Co-Pilot 2.0. To top it all off, a vast double panoramic sunroof invites the sky in, complete with a convenient blind for those sunny days.

Starting at $83,000, this vehicle finds itself in the same ballpark as the local Toyota Prado, which retails for R1,494,000. However, once you factor in the 25% import duties and an additional R200,000 in conversion fees, the total cost climbs above the R2,000,000 threshold. In comparison, this option is significantly more affordable than the GLS 560 petrol, which has a suggested retail price of R2,876,000, and the BMW X7, priced at R2,100,000.

Under the hood, the Ford boasts a formidable 3.5-litre double turbo engine, a powerhouse revered in high-performance circles, seamlessly paired with a robust 10-speed automatic transmission, reminiscent of the Raptor’s capabilities.

Is the investment truly justified? My conclusion is a resounding yes, especially for those who wish to stand out and indulge in pure luxury without the encumbrance of trailers or roof racks. Moreover, it is competitively priced, outshining many of its rivals in the market.