Lincoln Reportedly Developing Ford Bronco–Based SUV to Rival Mercedes G-Class

As Ford Motor Company’s luxury brand, the Lincoln lineup is usually pitted in the minds of consumers against Cadillac. But its own aspirations have always been higher, and we might see that with a new vehicle rumored to launch before the end of the 2020s. According to a report, Lincoln might launch a Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Range Rover competitor that will ride on the Ford Bronco platform. But what could that look like?

According to Autoweek, the body won’t look like a Bronco with Lincoln badging slapped on. This new luxury SUV will simply use the underpinnings from Ford’s body-on-frame (BOF) SUV and top it with a unique design. What Autoweek’s source describes is a Lincoln Navigator shrunk down to fit the 114.2-inch wheelbase of the Bronco. There is also a launch timeline of 2029 or 2030 to get this Ford luxury BOF to market, which creates a couple of potential speed bumps.

The next-generation Ford Bronco is expected to emerge in 2030 as a 2031 model year vehicle. It’s expected to retain its BOF platform but wirth tweaks and improvements to its original design. Either the Lincoln version launches with this updated architecture or it rides on the old one. The first option means less time baking in the oven, while the second means it’ll be using an outdated platform. Neither is ideal.

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We’d bet the Lincoln will debut the new bones, though, as it’s not unusual for a luxury brand to introduce a new or updated platform before a mainstream brand. These buyers are always looking for the latest and greatest and are often more willing to cope with teething issues that come with being ahead of the game.

What could the powertrain of this future BOF Lincoln be? As this would also be another Lincoln that is expected to tow quite a bit, there is a possibility that this luxury model could become its first extended range electric vehicle (EREV). Ford CEO Jim Farley has stated that any vehicles the company sells with big towing and hauling capabilities and electrification will be EREVs, while its next generation all-electric offerings will be aimed for the mainstream and starting as low as $30,000.

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The other possibility is that it won’t have any electrification at all and utilizes the Bronco’s optional 2.7-liter twin turbo V-6. It’s also not entirely out of the question that Lincoln could use the 2.3-liter turbo-four, but we can’t see a four-cylinder taking on the luxury off-road leaders. A detuned version of the Raptor’s 3.0-liter V-6 could be on the menu, too.

Size-wise, this vehicle would be in the same general area as the current Nautilus, which could be affected by its arrival, according to Autoweek. That said, pricing is very likely to near or even cross the $100,000 barrier, and Lincoln would be wise to offer a more affordable two-row model alongside the Bronco-based model.

The real question is whether Lincoln customers even want an off-road-capable luxury SUV. While, the Mercedes G-Class, the Range Rover lineup, and, more recently, the Ineos Grenadier are seen as status symbols among the wealthy, is this a vehicle traditional or potential Lincoln customers are asking for? Either way, we’re eager to see how this turns out.