Continental

Make
Lincoln
Segment
Sedan

A recent rumor suggests that the current Lincoln Continental may be discontinued after 2020, despite having just been revived for the 2017 model year. Continental sales have been paltry compared to Navigator sales, further validating Ford's decision to get rid of sedans to focus on crossovers and SUVs. There were some rumors circulating that the next-generation Continental could switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform and bring back the iconic suicide doors, but the more likely scenario is that 2020 will be the last model year for this short-lived flagship.

Before it does go away, Cars Direct reports that there will be a 2019 model at the very least. Published information on pricing for the 2019 model year also shows that the price has gone up compared to the 2018 model. You heard that correctly, despite sluggish sales, Lincoln is increasing the price of the 2019 Continental. This may sound like a dumbfounding move, but the Continental gains important standard features to should justify the price increase.

The base model will start at $47,140 including destination, a modest increase from last year's MSRP of $46,155. That additional $985 does get you a ton of value because all 2019 Continental models now feature adaptive cruise control plus Lincoln Co-Pilot360, which includes auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. These options were previously found in the Technology Package for an MSRP of $56,830, so Lincoln has essentially offered it at a $9,600 discount.

The higher trims get increasingly more expensive with the Select trim starting at $50,940 ($1,830 more than last year), the Reserve trim starting at $60,705 ($4,925 more than last year), and the Black Label trim starting at $71,040 ($4,630 more than last year). Of course, all of these price increases bring with them additional features including a 360-degree camera, head-up display, park assist, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, windshield wiper de-icer, and 30-way adjustable seats. Lincoln sold just 573 units of the Continental last month, so the company hopes these changes will help increase those sales numbers.