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Lincoln’s Navigator has established itself as one of the top luxury SUVs since its debut in 1997. Redesigned for 2003, it has a new frame, new body panels (except for the roof and front doors), independent rear suspension and more of everything, in the carmaker’s words. It should be on sale in midsummer.

Available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive, the new Navigator will have price tags that start at $48,035 for the two-wheel-drive Luxury model, $49,285 for the Premium and $54,210 for the four-wheel-drive Ultimate. Lincoln expects roughly half of Navigator sales to be the four-wheel-drive Ultimate. The test vehicle was a preproduction model.

Visually, the new Navigator looks much like the old one, except that it sits a little lower and looks a little smoother. Body panel gaps are tighter and the overall appearance is cleaner and more unified. The Ultimate model is absolutely loaded to the gunwales with creature comforts, as its name implies. It has a power folding third seat, power rear liftgate and power running boards that move in and out each time the door is opened. Wood and leather are abundant throughout, of course, and the interior’s new design theme includes dark wood highlighted by satin nickel finishes. A large metallic silver panel folds over the stereo and navigation screen, creating an interior look that is much like a high-tech audio system. White LED lights are used throughout, and the luminescent gauges look rich without being gimmicky.

Other conveniences include a rear-seat DVD player with LCD screen that folds down from the ceiling, power moonroof and premium audio system.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes, the AdvanceTrac vehicle stability system and side-curtain airbags that protect occupants in a side impact or rollover.

Ride and handling have been improved significantly with the addition of the same independent rear suspension as the one used on the Expedition, which is kin to the Navigator. Bumps and undulations are dispatched with much less disruption, and on-road behavior is better because there is more grip and less top-heaviness. The new, hydroformed frame is significantly stiffer than before, and that contributes to improved ride quality and handling.

The 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 burbles with horsepower and moves this 5,994-pound truck with reasonable elan. It gobbles gas, however, and is rated at 11 miles per gallon in the city and 16 on the highway. It can tow a maximum of 8,500 pounds.

Brakes are larger for better stopping, and the 18-inch wheels are shod with huge tires that smooth the ride. Any vehicle this size is still going to be a bit cumbersome in tight circumstances, but the Navigator feels reasonably nimble considering its girth.

The tall driving position gives a good view of the road and a sense of command. The ride has been tuned to be soft enough for comfort, yet it never feels floaty or remote.

Inside, the new Navigator is much bette r than the previous one. New textures, especially on the instrument panel and steering wheel, look elegant without being overdone. Perforated leather seats can be heated in the cold or cooled with internal fans when it is hot. Dual-zone climate control is standard, plus rear-seat passengers can set their temperature as well.

Three rows of seats seem to be a requirement for full-size SUVs, but those in the Lincoln are unique because the rear seat of the Ultimate folds down by pushing a button just inside the rear door. Achieving a flat load floor is hassle-free. The power liftgate, similar to the one on some minivans, makes loading groceries a breeze.

One thing I didn’t like was locating power window switches on the center console instead of the door panels. Captain’s chairs, divided by large consoles, are provided for the first and second rows. Second-row seats tumble forward to ease entry to the third seat. We drove a short distance with six people aboard and all seemed reasonably comfy, although the third seat is relatively tight.

Clever touches include the power running boards that extend when the door is opened and small “puddle” lights in the bottom of the outside mirrors that create a nice pool of light in front of the doors.

Since the test vehicle was a preproduction unit, final opinions will be held in abeyance until a regular production model is available later in the summer. Based on this early drive, the 2003 Navigator is a significant improvement over the first one, both in terms of performance and luxury.

Price
The four-wheel-drive Ultimate starts at $54,210. There was no sticker price for the test vehicle.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

There is no At a Glance box since this is not a regular test drive of a production vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 5.4-liter, 300-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Four-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 118.8 inches
Curb weight: 5,994 lbs.
Base price: $54,210
As driven: not available
Mpg rating: 11 city, 16 hwy.
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