Lincoln to Rival G-Class With Bronco-Based Luxury SUV

Lincoln’s SUVs are known for exceptional comfort, refinement, and luxury—not hardcore off-roading capabilities. This could change before the end of the decade, though. A two-row, body-on-frame Lincoln SUV is rumored to be on its way between 2029 and 2030, and it will be based on the same platform that underpins the rugged Ford Bronco. Aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Lexus GX, and Land Rover Range Rover, the new SUV will join the ranks of luxurious off-roaders.

Lincoln’s Toughest SUV Yet?

News that Lincoln is working on a new SUV was shared with Autoweek, and a source specifically drew comparisons to the G-Class, one of the most formidable luxury off-roaders around. Sharing the Bronco’s platform suggests this will be a proper off-roader, as the Ford is a true Jeep Wrangler competitor. The Lincoln’s styling will likely be softer than the squared-off Bronco’s, though, and logic suggests the new vehicle will be similar to the current Nautilus in size. 

Ford is expected to reveal a new Bronco in 2031, so the Lincoln may share components with this model rather than the Bronco we have now. While no other details are known at this stage, Lincoln’s G-Class fighter could inherit the Bronco’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) driving modes, electronic locking differentials, Trail Control, and stabilizer bar disconnect.

One of Ford’s turbocharged V6 engines will likely power what should be a relatively large, heavy SUV. In the Bronco, the 2.7-liter version of this engine produces 330 horsepower, while the Bronco Raptor’s 3.0L mill generates 418 hp. 

Lincoln’s only other body-on-frame SUV is the mighty Navigator, but that’s a luxury-focused model that’s too bulky for serious off-roading. Even when the Bronco-based Lincoln SUV arrives, the Navigator is expected to remain the automaker’s flagship vehicle.

Lincoln Needs a Shake-Up

In 2025, Lincoln managed a 2% increase in sales in the United States. However, that included sales of the Corsair, which has since been discontinued. Now down to just three models—the Navigator, Aviator, and Nautilus—Ford’s luxury brand needs more diversity if it is to hold off rapidly growing rivals like Genesis.

An off-road-oriented SUV is certainly a starting point, and this vehicle could expand the limited perception of Lincoln products as great cruisers. More hybrid options, a replacement for the Corsair, and possibly a different body style of vehicle are all options that can broaden the appeal of one of America’s oldest luxury marques. The one segment Lincoln should probably steer clear of is pickup trucks, as neither the Blackwood nor the Mark LT managed to capture the public’s imagination.

Lincoln’s possible pivot into the luxury off-road segment could endear the brand to a new group of fans, while differentiating it from domestic rivals like Cadillac and Buick, both of which have no products competing in the same space. If it succeeds, the new SUV could redefine what a Lincoln is.

View the full article