China-made Lincoln Aviator EX8 breaks covers as PHEV with LiDAR

The Lincoln Aviator EX8 large five-seat crossover from the Changan-Ford joint venture was unveiled in China ahead of its launch. This model offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a LiDAR-based assisted driving system to meet the requirements of Middle Kingdom customers. The Aviator EX8 will debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2026, with the launch scheduled for 2027.

The Lincoln Aviator EX8 is a plug-in hybrid SUV manufactured by the Chongqing-based Changan-Ford joint venture as a more competitive alternative to the original Aviator that comes standard with a V6 engine in China. The new SUV was previously seen in China during road tests, wearing heavy camouflage. On November 4, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) exposed photos and core specs of this model.

The Lincoln Aviator EX8 adopts the brand’s signature design language with a large radiator grille and a massive logo. The car adopts blocky headlamps and a single taillight unit. This large PHEV boasts traditional door handles, blackened pillars, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. It will likely offer the L2 assisted driving system capable of the Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) feature that allows a car to drive from address to address on its own in China. However, the driver needs to monitor the process.

The exact dimensions of the Lincoln Aviator EX8 (known internally by a codename CX810) are 5055/1995/1790 mm with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm. For clarity, it is 25 mm shorter than the original V6-powered Aviator with three rows of seats. However, as mentioned, the EX8 model will come standard with five seats only. The car rides on 21- or 22-inch wheels (255/50 R21 or 255/45 R22). The curb weight lies between 2,480 and 2,580 kg, depending on the modification.

The Lincoln Aviator EX8 adopts a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.5-liter turbocharged JL469ZQ1 Changan-developed engine for 110 kW (148 hp) under the hood. A lot of cars use this engine, including the Changan CS75 Plus, the Changan Nevo Q07, the Changan Uni-V, the Changan Nevo A06, the Changan CS55 Plus, and so on. No information about electric motors is currently available.

However, the Aviator EX8 also has an LFP battery made by the Changan-CATL joint venture. It is an interesting development, as Lincoln models previously adopted BYD-made batteries. The top speed of this SUV reaches 205 km/h.