Lincoln planning luxury ‘Bronco’: report

FORD Motor Company’s luxury arm Lincoln is reportedly readying a luxurious, off-road version of the Bronco to cater to growing demand in the segment, both in left- and right-hand drive markets.

As reported by American publication Autoweek, the ruggedised Lincoln will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Land Rover Range Rover – and potentially rivals from Audi and BMW – as a body-on-frame entrant set for debut in “the 2029-30 timeframe”.

The five-seat model is expected to share its underpinnings with the Ford Bronco, itself related closely to the T6 platform that underpins the Australian Ford Ranger and Everest.

Sources told Autoweek that the Lincoln version will see softer sheetmetal and a frontal treatment similar to that of the Lincoln Nautilus (pictured in red), with an identical wheelbase to the Ford derivative.

Given an all-new generation of the Ford Bronco is expected around the same time, it is certainly feasible that Autoweek’s source is on the money, the rationalisation of vehicle platform’s tying well with FoMoCo’s plans to drop its Corsair mid-sized SUV, which shared its architecture with Ford’s Escape.

While there is no word yet that the Lincoln ‘Bronco’ will be as rugged as its donor, the report suggest the four-wheel drive model will likely offer a range-extending hybrid driveline – and not a battery electric system – ensuring it can meet the demands of off-road and towing customers alike.

Unfortunately, with Lincoln as absent from the Australian market as Ford’s Bronco, it is highly unlikely we will see either vehicle in local showrooms anytime soon.