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https://www.blackenterprise.com/2025-lincoln-navigator-suv-returns/
Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
The Lincoln Navigator (Navi) broke ground when it debuted in 1997 as the brand’s first premium full-size SUV, arriving a year before its longtime competitor, the Cadillac Escalade. It didn’t take long for the Navi to become a status symbol during the “bling era” of hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with icons like Jay-Z and Missy Elliott name-dropping the stately SUV in their songs. The Escalade took over the segment while remaining relevant today. With all things considered, the all-new 5th-generation Lincoln Navigator has no choice but to become a success story and take back the throne.
San Diego’s desert landscapes, rolling hills, manicured landscapes, and citrus groves became the backdrop for the media drive of the Navi’s comeback story. Though the redesign is graceful and invigorating, the thoughtful experience once inside will take your breath away, whether positioned in the driver’s seat or any of the passenger chairs. Lincoln designers reminded us that its customers are not looking for flamboyancy like the Range Rover; they prefer modest styling but overflowing amenities, on which this vehicle bases its foundation.
“Navigator is the flagship of the Lincoln brand and represents our ultimate expression of sanctuary,” said Dianne Craig, president of Lincoln. “The all-new Navigator is more than just a vehicle; it can become a home away from home and a third space that rejuvenates clients in an entirely new way on and off the road.”
For 2025, the Navi underwent significant updates and interior enhancements. The well-appointed utility vehicle offers heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a 48” panoramic and multifaceted backlit LCD screen, standard Panoramic Vista Roof, the Lincoln Split Gate, and a powerful 28-speaker (8 in the suede headliner) Revel Ultima 3D sound system.
Also new is Rejuvenate Mode, which transforms the cabin into a space of serenity by adjusting the seat into a relaxing position and turning on the massaging feature, toning down climate control, playing nature-themed music, and dimming the lighting for a soothing, driver-friendly experience. I first became familiar with Lincoln Rejuvenate on the Nautilus last year and found it refreshing, especially the massaging chairs and Lincoln Digital Scent. Mystic Forest was my favorite aroma.
For the day, I was assigned a Black Label edition, which has become the epitome of the brand for a decade. Navigator Reserve is the entry model and starts at $99,995. Both can be selected in an extended “L” variant, and all four trims are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that distributes 440-horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine might come off as small for such a large vehicle but it is just as impressive as a V8. My only issue was the console placement of the shift tabs utilized in manual mode. It’s such an odd place and mechanism for shifting. I”m not sure why Lincoln didn’t go with traditional paddle shifters. One reason could be the small octagonal-shaped Wollsdorf leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel.
An adaptive suspension and 4WD are also standard, as well as 22″ rims; 24s are available in high-gloss Ebony or Luster Nickel aluminum. The Black Label steps up to base 24s, which are lovely in Lincoln’s Radiant Copper finish. A Jet Appearance Package blacks out key elements like the unique wheels, molding, grille, front bumper fascia, roof rack, and Lincoln badging. The illuminating light bar that crosses the Lincoln grille is another keystone of the redesign. After driving through the mountains, we stopped for a picnic-style lunch. The dessert ensemble was served in an inviting presentation using the available Cargo Tailgate Manager. Perfect for caterers hosting outdoor culinary events, its table and multi-level storage sections can be set up for various food trays.
Back in our $133,000 (MSRP plus options) Crystal White Metallic Navigator Black Label, we relished the enlightening moments and digital engagements. Think of Lincoln Black Label as the Johnnie Walker Blue of scotch whisky or the Tiffany & Co. of jewelry. The defining upgrade package is exquisite, sumptuous, and alluring. Inside, it outlines opulent touches like Radiant Copper speaker grilles and metal inlays, a crystal-inspired circular volume controller, diamond-patterned seat perforation, and signature 30-way Perfect Position Seats. I’m sure 23-time Grand Slam winner and Lincoln brand ambassador Serena Williams also appreciates these niceties.
At a press drive, media guests were delighted by the exciting digital technology as the automaker continued to meet driver needs from a conscious mindset. The Lincoln Digital Experience keeps you just as engaged with information and entertainment as it does with relaxation.
For example, you can stream videos and play games when the vehicle is in park, tap into Google Assistant for voice-activated commands, connect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or download and engage with Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio. Yet, I am not a fan of digital controls for setting the temperature or adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors. Let’s please keep the physical dials and knobs intact.
A sanctuary for the senses, Lincoln is heading into an era that celebrates the work of human ingenuity. The rear occupants will equally enjoy the new Navi. Available Second-Row Power Tailor Seats offer massaging, heating, and ventilation, a 5.8″ touchscreen controls audio and climate, and the Lincoln Play rear entertainment system lets passengers stream content while on the move.
When you ascend the luxury ladder and enter the Lincoln family, there is no higher accolade than the grandiose Navigator. The new three-row luxury SUV evokes the original DNA that brought it to prominence from a strategy incorporating an XL body frame, stylish wheels, a dominant grille, and powerful road presence.
From an American-made perspective, the “Power of Sanctuary” lies within Lincoln’s family of luxury SUVs, including the Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus, and Navigator. It is brilliant and daring, especially the Black Label. Indeed, I vicariously absorbed the benefits of becoming a member while admiring the mindset of those who venture down the path of the high life.
RELATED CONTENT: Can Cadillac Win Back Black Consumers As It Expands Into The Electric Vehicle Era?
Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
The Lincoln Navigator (Navi) broke ground when it debuted in 1997 as the brand’s first premium full-size SUV, arriving a year before its longtime competitor, the Cadillac Escalade. It didn’t take long for the Navi to become a status symbol during the “bling era” of hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with icons like Jay-Z and Missy Elliott name-dropping the stately SUV in their songs. The Escalade took over the segment while remaining relevant today. With all things considered, the all-new 5th-generation Lincoln Navigator has no choice but to become a success story and take back the throne.
San Diego’s desert landscapes, rolling hills, manicured landscapes, and citrus groves became the backdrop for the media drive of the Navi’s comeback story. Though the redesign is graceful and invigorating, the thoughtful experience once inside will take your breath away, whether positioned in the driver’s seat or any of the passenger chairs. Lincoln designers reminded us that its customers are not looking for flamboyancy like the Range Rover; they prefer modest styling but overflowing amenities, on which this vehicle bases its foundation.
“Navigator is the flagship of the Lincoln brand and represents our ultimate expression of sanctuary,” said Dianne Craig, president of Lincoln. “The all-new Navigator is more than just a vehicle; it can become a home away from home and a third space that rejuvenates clients in an entirely new way on and off the road.”
For 2025, the Navi underwent significant updates and interior enhancements. The well-appointed utility vehicle offers heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a 48” panoramic and multifaceted backlit LCD screen, standard Panoramic Vista Roof, the Lincoln Split Gate, and a powerful 28-speaker (8 in the suede headliner) Revel Ultima 3D sound system.
Also new is Rejuvenate Mode, which transforms the cabin into a space of serenity by adjusting the seat into a relaxing position and turning on the massaging feature, toning down climate control, playing nature-themed music, and dimming the lighting for a soothing, driver-friendly experience. I first became familiar with Lincoln Rejuvenate on the Nautilus last year and found it refreshing, especially the massaging chairs and Lincoln Digital Scent. Mystic Forest was my favorite aroma.
For the day, I was assigned a Black Label edition, which has become the epitome of the brand for a decade. Navigator Reserve is the entry model and starts at $99,995. Both can be selected in an extended “L” variant, and all four trims are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that distributes 440-horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine might come off as small for such a large vehicle but it is just as impressive as a V8. My only issue was the console placement of the shift tabs utilized in manual mode. It’s such an odd place and mechanism for shifting. I”m not sure why Lincoln didn’t go with traditional paddle shifters. One reason could be the small octagonal-shaped Wollsdorf leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel.
An adaptive suspension and 4WD are also standard, as well as 22″ rims; 24s are available in high-gloss Ebony or Luster Nickel aluminum. The Black Label steps up to base 24s, which are lovely in Lincoln’s Radiant Copper finish. A Jet Appearance Package blacks out key elements like the unique wheels, molding, grille, front bumper fascia, roof rack, and Lincoln badging. The illuminating light bar that crosses the Lincoln grille is another keystone of the redesign. After driving through the mountains, we stopped for a picnic-style lunch. The dessert ensemble was served in an inviting presentation using the available Cargo Tailgate Manager. Perfect for caterers hosting outdoor culinary events, its table and multi-level storage sections can be set up for various food trays.
Back in our $133,000 (MSRP plus options) Crystal White Metallic Navigator Black Label, we relished the enlightening moments and digital engagements. Think of Lincoln Black Label as the Johnnie Walker Blue of scotch whisky or the Tiffany & Co. of jewelry. The defining upgrade package is exquisite, sumptuous, and alluring. Inside, it outlines opulent touches like Radiant Copper speaker grilles and metal inlays, a crystal-inspired circular volume controller, diamond-patterned seat perforation, and signature 30-way Perfect Position Seats. I’m sure 23-time Grand Slam winner and Lincoln brand ambassador Serena Williams also appreciates these niceties.
At a press drive, media guests were delighted by the exciting digital technology as the automaker continued to meet driver needs from a conscious mindset. The Lincoln Digital Experience keeps you just as engaged with information and entertainment as it does with relaxation.
For example, you can stream videos and play games when the vehicle is in park, tap into Google Assistant for voice-activated commands, connect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or download and engage with Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio. Yet, I am not a fan of digital controls for setting the temperature or adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors. Let’s please keep the physical dials and knobs intact.
A sanctuary for the senses, Lincoln is heading into an era that celebrates the work of human ingenuity. The rear occupants will equally enjoy the new Navi. Available Second-Row Power Tailor Seats offer massaging, heating, and ventilation, a 5.8″ touchscreen controls audio and climate, and the Lincoln Play rear entertainment system lets passengers stream content while on the move.
When you ascend the luxury ladder and enter the Lincoln family, there is no higher accolade than the grandiose Navigator. The new three-row luxury SUV evokes the original DNA that brought it to prominence from a strategy incorporating an XL body frame, stylish wheels, a dominant grille, and powerful road presence.
From an American-made perspective, the “Power of Sanctuary” lies within Lincoln’s family of luxury SUVs, including the Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus, and Navigator. It is brilliant and daring, especially the Black Label. Indeed, I vicariously absorbed the benefits of becoming a member while admiring the mindset of those who venture down the path of the high life.
RELATED CONTENT: Can Cadillac Win Back Black Consumers As It Expands Into The Electric Vehicle Era?
On April 3, 2025, Xbox Games Studios released Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight. Staged in a fictional Southern town, the game follows a young Black teenage girl as she hunts through the detritus after a hurricane sweeps her mom in their trailer down river. She seeks to find out her mother’s fate, along the way discovering a lot about herself, her family, and her whole community. The game is well-rendered, but not so well that you feel like you are watching a movie. This is a nice approach if you are more interested in the gameplay than the story, but not so digitized that you feel like you are watching a badly-drawn cartoon.
There is a narrator who sets the tone of the game at the beginning and the end of each chapter. Original music (by composer Olivier Deriviere) is as much a part of the adventure and the storytelling as anything else. More than one of the songs will surely give you an ear-worm that will take days to get out of your head.
The game has different modes that support all levels of interest in gaming from none to expert, and along the way there are objects that provide context but in most cases the story is not modified should you not discover some insight. Occasionally, there is a hidden pathway or room that you need to locate to continue your journey, but there is a thread that allows you to find what you need and to keep you on task.
In battle sequences, there are different creatures or haints that you must defeat to clear the stigma that pervades the community. In the game, stigma gives form to the pain or suffering in a place as a result of the secrets that abound. Each chapter allows Hazel, the protagonist, to uncover a secret about herself or her mother that helps her understand the strange things she has started to see. It turns out that she is a weaver and with that designation comes abilities, different tools, and responsibilities. Her late father and the circumstances around his death and the trials and tribulations of his life weigh heavily on what has happened and will happen as Hazel searches for her mom.
The player part provides the opportunity to hunt tools to manifest your weaver abilities like your hooks or items that increase your endurance or allow you to magnify your attacks or defensive capabilities. The movement mirrors the jumping from surface to surface as if you are Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the wonderful swinging in Just Cause, or the potentially treacherous wall running from Titanfall. At times, all these movements are necessary to flee the big bad that is always there, propelling Hazel to the next obstacle. Clearing stigma generally requires clearing haints and other ghoulish creatures from an area and then there are the boss battles. For the mildly coordinated, the developers have made sure that there are hours of fun to await you adjusting to you defeat your foes, or you can change the difficulty or game options that allow you to bypass both.
South of Midnight is a wonderful mixture of stories told by the campfire and the video game battles that have you staying up way too late to conquer. The developers have ensured the ability to do as little or as much as you want to enjoy this multi-faceted experience. Now, if you have a phobia of spiders or gators, this is probably not the game for you. Also, if Hurricane Katrina still pays rent in your psyche you may want to skip this one as well. Otherwise, put your running shoes on and get going!
Check out some of our gameplay here:
South of Midnight is available on Steam.
The post ‘South of Midnight’: Over the River and Through the Woods appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Fans of Top Gun: Maverick have been gifted since the film’s release. Our beloved Daggers have been thriving in Hollywood. One is Danny Ramirez, who recently starred in Captain America: Brave New World. Now he’s gearing up to working with his Maverick best friend, Lewis Pullman, again for Avengers: Doomsday.
Marvel knew what they were doing when they put Ramirez and Pullman’s chairs together during the cast reveal. But it is an exciting time for fans of the duo. I was lucky enough to speak with Ramirez for the release of Brave New World on Disney+ and while we talked about a great many things, including working with Harrison Ford, we also talked about his friendship with the Thunderbolts* star.
Who among us hasn’t felt a pang of remorse over the plight of livestock? It’s only human to feel sad to know that cute calf frolicking in the field will one day be the juicy ribeye sizzling on the grill.
For many of us, it’s easier to feel sympathy for our fellow mammals. Be it a pig, lamb, deer, or rabbit, warm-blooded creatures just tend to solicit more emotion.