Lincoln Star Concept lights up Los Angeles

Lincoln has unveiled its Star Concept at an event held in Los Angeles. A futuristic electric five door, the car expresses an evolution of the company’s “Quiet Flight” design language that will form the basis of further models to come.

“Electrification is removing many traditional vehicle design constraints, allowing us to reimagine what a vehicle can be,” said Anthony Lo, chief design officer, Ford. “The Lincoln Star is a study of experiences and themes that push the boundaries of Lincoln design – and it’s just the start.”

The reveal of the car, complete with celebrity cameo by Matthew McConaughey, demonstrated the vast array of lighting elements on the car. On the outside, a detailed crosshatch pattern of ultra-thin lights feature on the bonnet and around the rear, growing from the two lightbars that span the width of the car. Dual slitted headlamps on the front mask are positioned just above the grille, which features an illuminated Lincoln logo in the centre surrounded by small pillars of light that can animate to create a rippling and flickering effect.

These animated light pillars are also present at the rear of the car, with the illuminated and capitalised ‘Lincoln’ text in the centre. Thin LED strips are also placed above the wheel arches and around the top of the greenhouse, with more glowing Lincoln badges sitting beneath the A-pillars.

Aside from the lights, the exterior of the Star Concept appears to be relatively simple at first. Short overhangs and a long wheelbase make it look tall without being too compact. The body work is kept smooth, as the design team has clearly opted for the inclusion of lighting elements over creases and lines to provide the detail. A large greenhouse with narrow pillars and panoramic sunroof ensures plenty of light enters the cabin.

However, there is more complexity than meets the eye. The Star Concept is based on Lincoln’s new flexible battery electric architecture which can accommodate both rear- and all-wheel-drive systems. The company says that this architecture is allowing its engineers and designers to “reimagine” the EV with unique components such as the illuminated grille area at the front. This can extend outwards when the vehicle is not in motion, and along with the raising of the bonnet, allows for greater space inside. The suicide doors also work to maximise interior space, and as they are frameless, create an element of surprise when opening.

On the inside, the same crosshatch lighting pattern is present on the upper door panels, pillars and centre console, while straight lines of light run along the floor. A giant screen unit dominates the horizontal IP and nearly spans the width of the car, though two small transparent panels are fixed at either end and feature the crosshatch pattern too.

There are no buttons or switches present inside the cabin, alleviating clutter and ensuring a minimal feel. Instead, touch-sensitive controls are embedded inside the door armrests and the steering wheel, with dimly lit illuminations to show their presence, while a single rotary dial sits astride the floating centre console for control of the touchscreen.

Lincoln has opted for the trending lounge-like interior design with the Star Concept. Large wraparound seats can swivel and recline, with individual leg rests and storage compartments for each occupant. Surfaces are all soft to touch, with faux leather and chrome alternatives placed alongside high quality fabrics, all of which add to the typical luxurious Lincoln feel.

Key to the lounge feel are the three interior themes, which the carmaker calls “rejuvenation modes”: “Coastal Morning”, “Mindful Vitality”, and “Evening Chill”. When selected, the modes alter the lighting, audio and scents to create an immersive atmosphere for all occupants, designed to match the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

“The Lincoln Star Concept has been a true labour of love for our team and provides us with a platform to share and test our experiences and design philosophy with clients as we evolve our Quiet Flight DNA,” said Kemal Curić, global design director, Lincoln. “Signifying transcendence through both space and time, the concept creates a sense of peace and serenity within an electric experience and previews what is to come from Lincoln.”