The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is taking a different approach to in-car technology with its massive 48-inch screen and wheel-mounted touchpads. While other luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade have opted for large touchscreens closer to the driver, Lincoln is implementing touchpads for the upper display set right under the windshield. The design philosophy behind this is called “up and out,” which refers to the driver’s ideal field of vision. By keeping the driver’s eyes fixed up and out, Lincoln aims to reduce distractions and enhance safety.
The use of touchpads in the Navigator’s interior design was inspired by the aviation industry, with Lincoln’s design director, Kemal Curić, explaining that they wanted to keep distractions away while still providing all the necessary information. The team found that the “eyes up and out” approach, along with the use of haptic buttons and trackpads on the steering wheel, allowed for a more engaging and immersive driving experience. The goal was to keep everything within eyesight so that drivers could stay focused on the road while still enjoying the panoramic views.
Lincoln’s approach to incorporating technology into the Navigator’s cabin was driven by a desire for genuine usefulness. The team behind the new generation of the Navigator included ex-Apple engineers who emphasized the importance of technology being practical and providing meaningful content to the customer. By using virtual reality design tools, Lincoln was able to iterate the interior design and determine the perfect size and layout for driving and stationary moments. This allowed them to consider the experience of not just the driver, but also the passengers in the second row.
Testing focal points for drivers was a crucial part of the design process, with Lincoln opting for a layout that prioritized an open-air feel and visibility. The goal was to minimize the need for drivers to constantly switch their focus between the road and a screen located lower on the dashboard. Chief Engineer Scott Grandinett believes that this combination of an open-air cabin and a well-placed display will be a winning combination.
One concern with a large screen like the one in the Navigator is the potential for information overload and distraction. However, Lincoln’s approach to this is to focus on providing useful information rather than cramming as much as possible onto the screen. The size of the screen is intended to allow for spreading out the information and giving it room to breathe, similar to the concept of a grand entrance to a house.
While touchpads have had a hard time catching on in the past, Lincoln is confident in the “up and out” design motif and the overall open-air cabin concept. They believe that this approach will resonate with drivers and provide a unique and immersive driving experience. Only time will tell if Lincoln’s bet on touchpads and a massive screen will pay off, but their commitment to innovation is commendable.
In conclusion, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator’s use of touchpads and a massive screen is a departure from the traditional approach to in-car technology. By prioritizing the driver’s field of vision and minimizing distractions, Lincoln aims to create a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. The use of virtual reality design tools and a focus on genuine usefulness demonstrate Lincoln’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. While touchpads may have had a mixed reception in the past, Lincoln is confident that their unique design philosophy and open-air cabin concept will be well-received by drivers.