NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Lincoln Continental revealed

Lincoln will launch a fresh assault against big luxurious sedans like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class with a car that carries the iconic ‘Continental’ nameplate.

Replacing the slow-selling MKS sedan, the 10th-generation luxury sedan resurrects the Continental  nameplate last used in 2002. Going on sale in the US and China in 2016, the new sedan is powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6.

Measuring in around the same size as the MKS, the new Continental is around 4.9m long and 1.9m wide and marks a change in design direction for the American brand and the end to its signature split-wing grille.

The new concept, said to epitomise Lincoln’s new ’quiet luxury’ brand dogma, is said to be close to production, according to Ford president Mark Fields at a preview event for the New York show late last night.

Running on large 21-inch wheels, the low-slung luxury saloon concept boasts a huge sunroof that uses smart glass that can electronically switch from clear to opaque to keep interior temperatures low even in direct sunlight.

Inside, Lincoln says its new car uses ‘the brand’s most sensual materials ever’ to create its interior. With wool carpet, satin headlining and a mixture of leather and Alcantara, plus lots of mood lighting, the Continental mimics what Mercedes offers with its Mercedes-Maybach models.

Lincoln is keeping tight-lipped on what platform the Continental is built on, so it’s still uncertain whether or not the big sedan is front- or rear-wheel drive. With German prestige rivals running rear-wheel drive in this market sector, rear-wheel drive seems a strong possibility, or perhaps all-wheel drive for the US snow belt.

The new Continental model is part of a $3.2b investment by Ford  to help boost global Lincoln sales, including in China, where the long-wheelbase luxury sedans is a fast-growing segment.

There’s no word on whether Ford is planning to launch Lincoln here or, indeed, bring the Continental as a rival for the Holden Caprice or a cut-price alternative to its German rivals. In light of archrival Cadillac's stillborn launch here back in 2009 and its diffident approach to re-entering the local market, Lincoln doesn't look a likely starter.