2019 Lincoln Aviator headed to Los Angeles

American luxury marque Lincoln is expected to reveal the production version of its 2019 Aviator hybrid SUV at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.

Industry journal Automotive News says the new model, which previewed at the New York motor show in March this year, should hit the US market in the "second half of 2019" carrying many of the concept's features.

With that in mind, the Aviator is expected to offer three rows of seating – with 30-way adjustment up front – a digital instrument cluster, WiFi hotspot, various charging points for mobile devices, and a full suite of driver assistance systems.

The new model will be based on a rear-wheel drive architecture to be shared with the next-generation Ford Explorer – Lincoln is to Ford what Lexus is to Toyota.

Another key highlight will be the availability of a brand-first plug-in hybrid powertrain, which was previewed by the New York concept. The preview vehicle paired a "twin-turbocharged" petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, though more specific details weren't disclosed.

Our guess is that the combustion motor will probably be based on one of Ford's small-capacity EcoBoost petrol engines, while the battery pack should allow for between 30-50 kilometres of zero-emissions driving.

The Aviator will play a key role in Lincoln's goal of reaching 300,000 global sales by the end of 2020, with a primary focus on crossovers and SUVs.

Fun fact: 'Aviator' was a badge used by Lincoln until 2005.

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