Since Ford released the new Chinese 5-Year plan, “China 2025 PLAN”in 2017, all its brands have began to make some move. Among them, Lincoln has planned to focus on the Chinese market. Mao Jingbo, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific and China, told IIA: "Lincoln will take a solid step in 2019, starting with the new Lincoln MKC and the new NAUTILUS. Lincoln will launch the new plug-in hybrid AVIATOR in the second half of the year. Lincoln will also launch its first made-in-China SUV at the end of the year."

In 2017, Ford announced its development strategy in China, “China 2025 Plan”. And in which, Lincoln will strengthen the localization process and Lincoln will launch the first made-in-China SUV in 2019. And the launch of the new Aviator will strengthen Lincoln’s leading position in the luxury SUV segment of China. 

The new Aviator is based on the new platform (longitudinal rear drive) and features a 2+3+2 and 2+2+2 seating layout. In terms of appearance, the new Aviator adopts the latest design language of Lincoln FAMILY with a large size grille, just like a small AVIATOR. And the new model also does a quite good job at the luxurious atmosphere. 

In terms of power, the new Aviator will be powered by a 3.0T double-turbo engine with a 10AT gearbox, or a 3.0T engine with a plug-in hybrid system. In addition, the new model will be equipped with the adaptive suspension and a 4WD system.

The first made-in-China model has not yet been determined. According to previous news, the first made-in-China model will be a luxury mid-large SUV.