Lincoln Corsair vs. BMW x3
1. Introduction
At the major entry-level, the X3 faces the happiest of the Corsair selection: a front-drive Reserve that starts at $36,105 and a base model that undercuts it by $810. Lincoln says the starting price is $1,545 cheaper than that of the MKC, so that would mean a cost of about $35,000 when the Corsair goes on sale this fall. The Corsair shares its underlying support structures and most of its body and interior with the new Ford Escape, but like the MKC it'll be available only in two rows of seats, whereas the Escape accommodates three. The Corsair gets a version of the Escape's new rear-drive-affable athletic Ford architectures, with self-sufficient rear ends on its inclement-weather-themed models. This is a similar but up-to-date revision of the architecture that underpins the awful handling and former versions of the Eson Edge and Lincoln MKX, with a stronger emphasis on weight reduction for both vehicles and high-strength steel. (The current existing Chinese-built MKC was a re-bodied Escape). Lincoln is stressing the Corsair's isolation and serenity. It's using plenty of sound-deadening materials and the rear suspension has additional isolation to keep street noise to a minimum. The tires are designed to cut back on noise as well. We'll wait to see if Lincoln has achieved its objectives for a quiet ride and in that case, what compromises have been made in performance.
1.1. Overview of Lincoln Corsair
The first look of the Corsair is quite stunning. The front is designed to appear aggressive with a smooth swooping line, the side appears elegant with Lincoln's signature a bit in the past, and the rear is designed simply and arched. The body uses a new isolated system to provide a much quieter experience. Lincoln has boasted that the Corsair is purposely made for a younger audience, thus the interior design looks quite stunning with elements from the Aviator, especially the dashboard and center console. There's Bridge of Weir leather available on higher models, and the front seats have 24-way adjustable and massage capabilities for higher driving comfort. Users are also greeted by a piano key shifter which might be a surprise for those who are not accustomed. Lincoln has always made their vehicles one step ahead in terms of comfort, this time Corsair uses CCD (Continuously Controlled Damping) for a smoother ride and a lot of storage in any row. Predictably for Lincoln, there are 2 minor gripes in the interior with a push button gear selector and touchscreen-heavy control panel, considered not straightforward for drivers. Source: topgear.com
Having been announced at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair is released to the automotive world with mostly positive expectations. With it being replaced by the Lincoln MKC, Corsair aims to fill the small compact SUV segment while wearing Lincoln's image as a member of the luxury vehicle. The Corsair embraces the same platform as the Ford Escape, but expects a different driving feel between these two as Lincoln always said that they wanted to differentiate their vehicle from Ford's. The Corsair has a new 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine which produces around 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There's also a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, both engines using an 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the Corsair start from $35,945 for the standard, up to $47,295 for the Reserve model. Corsair is available in FWD and AWD systems. Source: carscoops.com
1.2. Overview of BMW X3
The 2018 X3 is available in three trims. The base xDrive30i has a 248 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that also makes 258 lb-ft of torque. The M40i packs a serious punch with its 355 horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. All X3 models benefit from an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds flat for the xDrive30i and just 4.6 seconds for the M40i, matching the current Porsche Macan GTS. EPA fuel economy estimates for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i are comparable for the class with 23 combined/21 city/28 highway mpg. The M40i is understandably more costly with an estimated 23 combined/20 city/27 highway mpg. Standout X3 features include a standard 40/20/40 split folding rear seat and an optional trailer hitch that allows the X3 to tow up to 4,400 pounds. Full LED lights are standard. The X3 cockpit, along with the rest of BMW interiors, ignores a lot of feedback requesting a return of mechanical simplicity but has rich materials and overall luxury ambiance.
The X3 is BMW's mid-size luxury SUV, positioned between the lesser X1 and larger X5. It's a rival for the likes of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC, although the Jaguar F-Pace isn't far off these days, too. With rugged styling, BMW's invariably strong, efficient engines and driving dynamics that are more car-like than any of its rivals, the X3 is a convincing SUV for those that don't want an SUV. It's a classy and capable choice. The X3 is largely unchanged for 2019. An optional 265 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be adding a bit of performance to the xDrive30i and several option shuffling along with the rest of the BMW lineup add up the extent of changes.
2. Exterior Design
The BMW X3 has a well-balanced SUV body shape. It has a lot of design elements and cuts from the more aggressive BMW lineup. It also features LED lights and twin exhausts. All X3 models have artificial leather seats and standard equipment such as a 12-speaker audio system, 19-inch wheels, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, Bluetooth, and a range of internet-based services. Premium package X3s come with a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, and 4-way power lumbar adjustment. The Euro brands like to load up on options, so the mid and upper trim X3s have many little features like ECO PRO, Vehicle Assistant, and BMW Remote Services.
The Lincoln Corsair has an elegant look with an assertive grille design that closely resembles the rest of their SUV lineup. It has a very distinct silhouette with a sloped greenhouse which gives it a very streamlined look. The Corsair has a chromed grille with wraparound LEDs and you get 19-inch wheels as standard while 20s are optional. From some angles, the Corsair resembles the Lexus NX and the Mazda CX-5, but overall it's a brave attempt by Lincoln to differentiate the Corsair from its Ford Escape cousin. From the back side, the Corsair features LED taillamps and dual chrome exhausts. Corsair's sporty exterior design has also made its way to the interior. This is evident in the Corsair Reserve package which adds unique 19-inch wheels, body color bumpers, and a panoramic windscreen.
2.1. Styling elements of Lincoln Corsair
Lincoln had aimed to eliminate the unnecessary. So, it replaced the traditional gear shift with a set of push buttons on the dashboard. While it clears up space to some extent, it's a bit awkward and doesn't really free up any extra storage space. On the plus side, piano-key push buttons do serve as the transmission shift for those who get the upgrade to all-wheel drive. Soaring forward vision and lots of glass are standout attributes of the new Corsair; that's today's version of what made a classic Range Rover so appealing more than 40 years ago. Another unusual feature is called Lincoln Embrace, which brings a symphony of the audio system, a display of the Lincoln logo on the ground, and a sequence of illuminated elements inside and outside the vehicle—lighting the way, so to speak, before you get in and after you depart. The styling of the Corsair can be manifested inside and out with Monochromatic and Reserve Appearance packages, Black Label themes, and a sporty themed treatment called Corsair Grand Touring. The alternatives build from there, to provide a wide degree of personalization.
2.2. Styling elements of BMW X3
At the front, the latest X3 can be easily distinguished from its predecessor by its smaller kidney grille, which has broadened out and stretches all the way to the headlamps. It also appears to be more projecting than the grille on the Lincoln. Full LED headlamps come as standard and have a sharp, hexagonal appearance. The lower bumper has a honeycomb lower centre grille and dual-tone under-body protection with a faux-silver trim. Moving down the sides, the X3 has short overhangs with a long, tapered bonnet. It also has a character line which rises from the front wheel arch and continues upwards with a dip on the rear passenger door. The rear quarter is a bit bland, although the mix between the straight character line, the bulge above the rear wheel, and the dropped roof line does give it quite an essence of depth. The back of the X3 is much improved from the previous model with a less upright tailgate and a roof spoiler. A sharp character line gives a new sense of shape to the rear, which looks particularly good in darker colours. The rear lights have gone back to the two-piece design which was seen on the E83 X3. Although they are a bit more rounded, they still keep the model easily distinguishable from other current X models and the rest of the BMW range. The dual exhaust comes as standard on 30i, 20d, and 25d models and is located centrally within the under-body protection. Step up from the standard model and you will gain the M-Sport model, which encompasses different wheels, body kit, and a unique paint colour as well as the variable sports steering and performance control. Overall, the latest X3 has the appearance of a small X5, and its looks are very befitting for the segment. The hint of added aggression and sportiness give the X3 quite an edge over the current crop of rival SUVs and should give it a specific place at the head of its class.
2.3. Comparison of exterior features
At the back of the vehicle, the Corsair features a pair of LED tail lights that span the width of the tailgate and a dual exhaust. Although the rear end looks modern and stylish, the tail lights and rear bumper lack a defining shape and are less bold than features on other areas of the vehicle.
The side profile of the Corsair is quite daring. It is characterized by a rising window line and sharply styled rear end. There are also creased lines in the doors and in the rear quarter of the car. This all gives the Corsair a sense of individuality and makes it look like no other car on the road. The wheels are set to the four corners of the car and are available in various sizes up to 21 inches, also adding to the vehicle's stance.
The Lincoln Corsair has a unique design that is chunky but also sleek and modern. Its front end is very stylish and features a bold and aggressive grille and sharply styled headlight clusters. The front bumper is angular and modern, and the bonnet is long and curved.
3. Interior Features
There are a variety of luxurious amenities offered in Lincoln Corsair. Some of the features that are specific to certain Lincoln Corsair models include 24-way adjustable seats, a premium 14-speaker Revel audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free liftgate, and a phone app that can be used to control the vehicle. The Lincoln Corsair has the option for a plug-in hybrid which provides around 28 miles of electric only range. When the seats are adjusted to their most forward position there are 33.2 cubic feet of available cargo space and when the seats of the Corsair are readjusted to their furthest back position, the vehicle has 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Other notable features of Lincoln Corsair include the Lincoln Embrace with a dazzling theatre sequence of exterior lighting, approach detection and a Lincoln logo welcome mat, this system provides a sense of security and luxury. In addition to this the heated wiper park prevents ice and snow buildup which is a further convenience for those living in areas with harsh winters. The elegant features mentioned above provide a sense of luxury that Lincoln prides itself on.
3.1. Luxurious amenities in Lincoln Corsair
While enclosed in the comfortable luxuries of Lincoln Corsair, drivers and passengers will enjoy a multitude of opulent amenities. Indulging comfort is a standard with Bridge of Weir Deepsoft Leather-trimmed seats for not only the driver and front passenger, but the rear passengers as well. Available in Sandstone or Plush Brunello, with appealing perforation and subtle contrast or miniature diamond pattern, it is a lavish place to spend your time. The driver's seat is a 10-way power heated seat with memory feature, including power lumbar and recline. The front passenger will enjoy an 8-way seat and the rear seating is 60/40 folding with recline. An inventive feature to aid entry and exit to the vehicle is the available Easy Entry Seat, that slides the rear seat forward via a single touch and returns it to its original position once the seat is in place. Dual Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and a Heated Steering Wheel are just a few additional benefits, to ensure each and every passenger's needs are met. Lincoln Corsair also offers an available panoramic Vista Roof with power shade. A first row that operates as a sliding and lifting panel and rear that is a fixed skylight, it sets the perfect mood for any destination. Step into an invitingly warm vehicle during the winter months or warm your shoulders after a long day on the slopes, with Remote Start System. Lincoln Corsair also offers Co-Pilot 360 Plus Package, an advanced driver-assist technology that includes a 360-degree camera, an active park assist plus and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. All of these extraordinary luxuries set Lincoln Corsair well above any competition given today's busy and demanding lifestyles.
3.2. Premium features in BMW X3
The BMW X3 has a few trim options, and some of the premium features from the higher trims make it more luxurious in contrast to the Corsair. Almost all of the features here are standard on the higher trims but they are noted where they begin. First, the X3 has a panoramic moonroof that adds a very nice touch by letting in natural light. The X3 comes standard with 3-zone climate control, and has ambient lighting with 6 colour options. Next, the X3 has power adjustable front seats that come standard, and offer 3 person memory on the driver's seat, as well as seat and steering wheel heating, all at the base model. The X3 has added comfort in terms of noise with acoustic glass on the front side windows, and a sensatec dashboard which adds a touch of leather without the premium price. This vehicle also transmits luxury through its HiFi sound system with 12 speakers at the base model.
3.3. Comparison of interior offerings
The Corsair's dual butterfly-themed digital and analogue display is a flexible arrangement that enables a broad range of information and design themes. The dash has an option of a 12.3-inch digital display and head-up display. For the first time in a Lincoln, sound comes via the Revel audio brand. The cabin offers good front storage and walk-through rear storage. Materials include onyx and palazzo leather, real wood, alloy, and other trims. The Select adds Bridge of Weir deepsoft leather, and the Corsair Reserve offers Perfect Position front seats with 24-way adjustability, massage, and Welsh Green or Beyond Blue interior themes. The Reserve optional package adds a full leather-wrapped dash, upper door panels, and armrests. A panoramic Vista Roof is standard on all models. The X3 has a simple but elegant dash with a configurable 5.7-inch center and 12.3-inch gauge BMW Live Cockpit Professional displays, with a 75 percent increase in screen area than its predecessor. These can be operated through touch, the iDrive controller, voice, or gesture controls. There's also a standard head-up display. Interior ambient lighting can be specified with six color designs to match mood or situation. X3 interiors are offered in Sensatec or Vernasca leather; the latter has multiple colors with contrast stitching and adds a leather-wrapped dash. Real wood, alloy, and piano black trims add luxury, and additional options include a three-zone climate system with separately adjustable rear sliders and a panoramic moonroof. Both SUVs have power folding and reclining rear bench seats and good underfloor or underseat storage. Lincoln also has a hands-free, foot-activated power tailgate, and the Corsair has backlit Lincoln logos in the headlamps, which cast a "welcome mat" on the ground near the front doors.
3.4. Comfort and convenience factors
There are plenty of things that catch the eye in the 2020 Lincoln Corsair, and there are even more that you'll appreciate with prolonged exposure. The frameless digital rearview mirror, for example, seems like a small thing, but it's a huge plus below freezing. It isn't limited by what you're carrying or who might be in the rear seats, so there's no loss of function out back on a snowy day. The mirror has a wide-angle camera that can make the view behind the car six times larger and brighter than a regular rearview mirror. It's a clever helper. Another trick in the rear is Lincoln's "Quickfold" system for the 60/40 split sliding rear seat. This allows an easy fold and slide of one or both rear seat sections from the cargo area, resulting in a fully flat second-row surface without requiring the removal of any head restraints. This solves the two main problems with folding rear seats: the headrest problem and the chore of returning misaligned seats to their prior position. Step over to the passenger side, and the Corsair has the perfect thing for a frustratingly cold afternoon when you don't have a garage in which to store the car: a "Simple and secure" keypad located on the B-pillar that lights up the approach and unlocks all doors. In Climate Package-equipped models, the activated keypad also enables a helpful feature called Approach Detection, illuminating exterior and interior lights, as well as a Lincoln welcome mat on the ground, to provide a warm (literally and figuratively) greeting. These small things mean a lot in daily life.
4. Performance and Technology
Lincoln Corsair is equipped with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gives a radiant drive up to 250 strength with 280 lb-ft of torque. The accessible 2.3-liter motor quickly swaps out more force with 295 strength and 310 lb-ft of torque. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in the Corsair is a key selling point for purchasers that from a driving point of view, AWD is favored in vehicles over customary front-wheel drive arrangement. Saying this doesn't take away the way that the Corsair AWD framework has a front-biased design, which is that it maps a large portion of the capacity to the front wheels and only sends shifts of force rearward when required, e.g during quick departure. Keep an eye out for potential Corsair "Territory Management System" which permits drivers to choose diverse drive methods of Normal, Excite, Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Each mode physically adjusts the AWD and traction control systems at a driver's choosing incidents at the turn of a dial. However, PowerShift automatic transmissions are utilized in Lincoln's past MKZ and current MKC models, formal information concerning the Corsair's gearbox hasn't yet been confirmed. But expect for the transmission to be a variant of an 8-speed automatic. This is class of norm for larger I-4 and V6 motors in compact size wagon/vehicle SUVs and the entire size/mid-size hybrids. Step-shift automatic transmissions are intended to keep motors in their peak efficiency band and the additional shifting gears take into account energy saving and smoother transition movements. The additional benefit of Step-shifts are that drivers can manually choose gears and control the vehicle's acceleration rate. Due to Lincoln's planned phase out of all current models, FWD Corsair models may happen delivered/made below the happening to a refreshed second-generation Corsair. Step into next entry where we talk about the innovation behind the new Corsair.
4.1. Engine options and powertrain capabilities
The Corsair's adaptable ride is able to change each time the customer gets behind the wheel, varying displacement or head magnitude, frequency and magnitude of suspension changes, and damper actuation to minimize vehicle acceleration, braking, steering, and body motion that results from various road disturbances. With road disturbances identified by an advanced suite of sensors, the chassis-mounted module monitors vehicle acceleration, braking, and steering at all four wheels and driver or passenger input through up to 12 different driver-selectable modes including normal, conserve, excite, slippery, deep conditions, and the Corsair's unique to the lineup, "unbiased" setting. This will provide a comfortable, customizable drive for the customer on any kind of road. With a quieter interior and better results in vehicle dynamics, the customer can truly obtain a luxurious driving experience.
According to the official Lincoln website, the 2.0L turbocharged engine with FWD offers a gas consumption rate of 8.2 L/100km for city driving and 8.0 L/100km for highway driving, with a combined fuel efficiency of 8.1 L/100km. The AWD version will offer 10.4 L/100km for city driving, 10.2 L/100km for highway driving, and 10.2 combined. The 4.3 L/100km saved for city driving on AWD is compared to the rated city driving fuel consumption of the Corsair's optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine on AWD, which is 10.7 L/100km. AWD versions have equal fuel efficiency ratings for the respective engines but offer superior fuel economy as they are 43 and 42 horsepower stronger than the base FWD 2.0L engine. This fuel efficiency is beneficial to customers' finances, reducing the frequency of refueling.
The Lincoln Corsair, an entry-level luxury crossover SUV, provides customers with two engine options: a 2.0L I4 turbocharged engine capable of 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.3L I4 turbocharged engine capable of 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These powertrains are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which drives the front wheels as standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional.
4.2. Advanced technology in Lincoln Corsair
"Gone are the days when cars were simply a means of transportation. Nowadays, car buyers expect their vehicles to be technologically advanced, and Lincoln has taken that to heart with the Corsair" (Consumerguide.com). Undoubtedly, the most interesting electronic feature in Lincoln's latest entry in the highly competitive small premium SUV segment is the 'Perfect Position' front seats. Available with both heating and ventilation as well as massage functions, Corsair's seats are certainly trying to live up to the name. The Perfect Position seats also incorporate the 'Personal Profiles' function, which can memorize individual driver preferences for seat positions, side view mirror angles, display settings, and even audio settings. Up to 3 driver profiles can be saved to memory and linked to individual key fobs, so the Corsair can automatically recognize which driver is getting in the car (lincoln.com). All Corsairs feature Lincoln's 'Co-Pilot360' driver assistance system. This includes Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and auto high-beam lighting. Optional features include adaptive cruise control with 'Traffic Jam Assist' (including stop-and-go and lane centering features), a 360-degree camera system, and an 'Active Park Assist Plus' system, allowing fully automated parallel or perpendicular parking (lincoln.com). The Corsair features Lincoln's latest version of their infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless device charging, and a premium 14-speaker audio system provided by Revel. Notably absent, however, is Lincoln's traditional gear shifter, replaced here by a 'piano key' push-button style shifter."
4.3. Cutting-edge features in BMW X3
.de performance and driving. When we talk about an SUV of this range and a brand BMW, we expect a vehicle for driving with some speed and fun. So, performance is certainly an important aspect to look for. BMW offers a wide array of engine options and choices in petrol or diesel. Starting with the smallest 2.0 litre engine, it gives two options in the same 20d and 20i, which produce a power of 187 and 181 bhp respectively. Then there is a powerful 30i petrol, which churns out 250 bhp. If you are a diesel fan, then there is an option of a 30d engine producing a tremendous 261 bhp. For the M and X series whacky spirits, the X3 offers an M40i, which comes in petrol. This variant is powered by a 3.0 litre engine, which produces 382 horses, giving immense power to the vehicle. All these different engine options are complemented with a nice and smooth 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission.
4.4. Performance comparison and driving experience
The Corsair is more fuel-efficient than any of the X3's models. This is partly due to the X3's significant power advantage, but likely still a deciding factor for value-conscious customers. Overall, the Corsair and X3 are very evenly matched in terms of driving experience and the battle for luxury SUV dominance.
The Corsair has a continuously controlled damping suspension system for a smooth ride and handling, whereas the X3 has Dynamic Damper Control for more sporty or comfortable ride settings, and the M40i has an adaptive M suspension allowing the driver to adjust stiffness and height. Both cars come with driving assist features, with the X3 boasting an advanced lane-keeping system with steering assist. The Corsair comes with Co-Pilot360, which comes standard with Traffic Jam Assist.
The BMW X3 comes with many engine options. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i come with a 2.0-liter I4 putting out 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is very comparable to the Corsair. Where BMW takes a lead is available M40i and M40d models putting out 355 and 382 horsepower respectively from the 3.0-liter I6 engine. This is quite a performance advantage over the Corsair. The X3 M40i model can hit 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds, an impressive feat for a small SUV. The performance gap between the 2.0-liter I4 X3 and Corsair will close more when Lincoln releases its plug-in hybrid model.
The New York Times applauded the Lincoln Corsair for its matchless ride quality. However, for a compact luxury crossover, its performance appears underwhelming. The Lincoln Corsair comes with a 2.0-liter I4 engine capable of putting out 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque. The other available engine choice is a 2.3-liter I4, pushing the power numbers to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available.