BMW kicked off the crossover coupe craze over a decade ago when they introduced the X6. The model has spawned an assortment of imitators including everything from the Mercedes GLE Coupe to the upcoming Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
The latest automaker to embrace crossover coupes is Lincoln which will reportedly offer a “small coupe-like crossover.” Little is known about the model but Reuters reports it will be one of five new models built in China. It is tentatively scheduled to go into production in 2022.
Lincoln has already confirmed plans to build an all-new sport utility vehicle in China by the end of 2019 and it is expected to be the Aviator which was recently previewed by a concept at the New York Auto Show. Reuters says the model will eventually be joined by the Nautilus and replacements for the MKC and MKZ.
All of the models are expected to have a hybrid powertrain to meet China’s tough environmental standards. This seems possible as previous reports have suggested the entire Lincoln lineup will eventually be offered with some from of electrification.
If the insiders who spoke to the publication are correct, Lincoln’s decision to build five models in China would be a big change. All vehicles made for the Chinese market are currently built in the United States and the company ships around 40,000 units annually into the country.
The move to build models in China could help to drive sales as vehicles made in the country wouldn’t be faced with a 25% import tax. The tax has limited the appeal of Lincoln vehicles and the company only sold 54,124 units in China last year. The figure actually set a record but it pales in comparison to the 172,832 Cadillac models that General Motors was able to sell.
Note: Lincoln MKC pictured