The Cadillac Escalade is all-new for the 2021 model year and looks set to be a formidable foe for its longtime crosstown rival, the Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator was last completely redesigned for 2018 and has been a smash hit ever since. However, Lincoln isn't taking any chances regarding its incoming Cadillac competitor, at least in terms of luxury.

As part of that effort, Ford Authority claims it has learned that a new Navigator Special Edition package will arrive very soon, and it'll be a part of the already ultra-luxurious Navigator Black Label trim. The name 'Special Edition' will reportedly remain and it'll boast a number of aesthetic upgrades.

Items like a body-color mesh grille and mirror caps are expected as are a new set of 22-inch wheels featuring a 12-spoke design with an Ebony Black finish and Lincoln Star Hub wheel ornaments. Oddly, the special edition model reportedly won't be offered with the Infinite Black exterior paint, which is available in the Monochromatic package released for 2020. That means a blacked-out Navigator can only be had when buyers opt for the Monochromatic pack. Lincoln wants to keep the two packages unique. The special edition will be available for all other exterior colors as well as the extended-length Navigator L.

Nothing in the report mentioned any interior upgrades or new tech features.

Under the hood, expect to see the familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 450 horsepower paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. At the moment, Lincoln has yet to confirm the existence of this package which explains the lack of official photos. More than likely, the Navigator Special Edition won't be available until sometime later in 2021.

Will the new Special Edition help handle the expected Escalade onslaught? It definitely won't hurt but the reality is that the Navigator will best benefit from a mid-life refresh. Chances are, Lincoln is already hard at work doing that very task.