When the Lincoln Continental returned to showrooms last year, there was plenty of agreement that it earned its luxury credentials. Earning its safety credentials, however, was equally important to the automaker, and we can proudly report that the Continental has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus.
This is actually its second year in a row for the award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This non-governmental body performs its own crash tests, looking at everything from roof strength to LATCH attachments. Multiple criteria are applied to every crash scenario to determine if the sedan has enough protections for its passengers. When the tests were over, the Continental was found to have a good in every category, including the difficult small overlap test.
Underneath its handsome curb appeal, the Continental has a strong core. This inner structure helps it repel impact, keeping intrusions out of the cabin. The idea is to radiate dangerous force away from the passengers as much as possible. When that fails, eight airbags are ready to blanket the cabin. Among luxury automakers, only Lincoln offers inflatable rear seatbelts. Parents appreciate these devices which are a good match for children who are no longer in carseats. Teenagers and adults need the extra protection, too.
A superior rating for the car's crash avoidance features helped it earn the Plus part of the award. The IIHS crash tests considered three key aspects of the Continental's warning and automated system. The forward collision warning was found to be effective, sounding the alarm at the appropriate time. A low-speed autobrake increased that effectiveness, stopping the vehicle completely to avoid a fender bender or more serious collision. At higher speeds, the high-speed autobrake could reduce impact and, in some cases, eliminate the collision.
Lincoln Continentals have another feather in their safety cap. They have earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This was awarded to first the 2017 and more recently the 2018 models. Federal crash tests are just as hard, if not harder, than the IIHS tests. Therefore, it's important to do well at both. Shoppers who want a premium product can rest easy knowing that the 2018 Lincoln Continental is ready to protect its passengers.
Shoppers can get a lane watch with an automated assist. While driving, a car may veer out of the lane lines. This system corrects for that, notifying the driver and, as necessary, making the necessary correction. A blind spot monitor also works to help the driver avoid side-swiping neighboring cars. Helping the driver avoid scratches and fender-benders, Lincoln offers parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system.
Lincoln's many avoidance systems help Continental owners maintain their prized investment. Come sample the Continental's luxuries and spend some time behind the wheel at Grapevine Lincoln.
* NHTSA Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportations New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).