Comfort control: 30-way adjustable seats

Are these the most comfortable, most cossetting seats ever made? Luxury US car maker Lincoln, a subsidiary of Ford, is banking on it, in an attempt to outdo the Germans in the extravagant comfort stakes.

Inspired by the latest and greatest first-class airline seats, there are now 30 reasons to take a closer look at the Lincoln Continental Concept, with front seats that bend and flex in 30 different directions using a patented "flexible comfort carrier" system.

Making use of a flexible foam 'suspension' system, the seats conform "to a wide range of body types, taking stress off shoulders and neck" reads Lincoln's press statement.

"Private aviation caters to no-compromise clients," said Lisa Senters-McDermott, CEO of Jet Senters Aviation. "These seats certainly seem as if they spring from an elevated, no-compromise approach."

As well as heating, cooling, and massage functions, the Venetian leather-covered seats even feature two independently adjustable and extending thigh supports. See the video below for more. Here's the full adjustability list:

Track – 6 way
Recline – 2 way
Head restraint – 4 way
Upper back bolster support – 2 way
Cushion extension – 4 way (two movements on each side)
Thigh support – 4 way (two movements on each side)
Lumbar – 4 way
Back bolster – 2 way
Cushion bolster – 2 way

Although the 30-way seats have not been confirmed for production, Ford/Lincoln have filed more than 100 patents for the technology, which suggests it's serious about providing customers with 'next level' seating comfort.

"The next frontier to serve the luxury automotive client is a seat that conforms to and supports the body – a seat that feels as if it were personally tailored for you each time," Johnathan Line declared, the man who oversaw the advanced seat project.

He said the rolling-pattern massage functions lessen aches, pains and muscle fatigue in the legs and lower back by promoting blood flow.
"The new design of the Lincoln 30-way seats goes beyond the one-size-fits-all design seen in the past," said Line.

"It conforms to your body and supports it in ways not previously possible."

There has been talk in the past of Ford offering Lincoln vehicles for sale in Australia, but at the 2015 New York motor show in April the blue oval brand said it was focussing on China.

Australia is not currently part of the multi-billion dollar Lincoln expansion plan, a company spokesman said.

The Lincoln Continental is due to go on sale in China in 2016, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6 and is roughly the same size as a Holden Caprice.

Holden's premium US brand, Cadillac, is likely to be offered in Australia by 2020, and who knows, maybe the next Caddy will offer local buyers a 30-way adjustable mega chair?