The Lincoln Aviator represents the brand’s commitment to luxury and performance in the mid-size SUV segment. When considering this sophisticated vehicle, potential owners often find themselves deciding between two premium trim levels: the Reserve and the Black Label. While both offer exceptional experiences, understanding their distinct characteristics can help you determine which variant best suits your preferences and lifestyle.

Core Differences

The Lincoln Aviator Reserve serves as a sophisticated entry point into the premium Aviator offerings. It delivers a refined driving experience with numerous luxury amenities as standard. The Black Label, meanwhile, represents the pinnacle of Lincoln luxury, elevating the experience through exclusive design themes, premium materials, and enhanced ownership benefits.

The most noticeable differences between these two trims begin with their exterior styling. The Black Label features distinctive design elements, including unique grille treatments, exclusive wheel designs, and special exterior badging that sets it apart visually. Additionally, the Black Label offers exclusive exterior colour options not available on Reserve models.

Inside the cabin, the differences become more apparent. The Reserve provides high-quality leather seating surfaces and genuine wood trim. However, the Black Label dramatically elevates the interior ambiance with ultra-premium leather upholstery, Alcantara headliner, and exclusive interior theme options that create unique aesthetic experiences. These meticulously crafted themes feature carefully coordinated colour palettes and materials that reflect specific design inspirations.

Performance and Technology

Both the Reserve and Black Label share the same powertrain options, including the standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both are available with the optional Grand Touring plug-in hybrid powertrain that boosts output to 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque.

However, the Black Label comes standard with certain performance-enhancing features that are optional on the Reserve, such as the adaptive suspension system and advanced all-wheel drive. The Black Label also includes the Illumination Package with enhanced exterior lighting features as standard equipment.

In terms of technology, both trims offer an advanced infotainment system with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration. However, the Black Label includes additional premium audio systems and technology features that might be optional on the Reserve trim.

Ownership Experience

Perhaps the most significant difference between these trims extends beyond the vehicle itself to the ownership experience. Black Label membership includes a suite of exclusive privileges designed to enhance every aspect of ownership. These include complimentary maintenance for a longer period, vehicle pickup and delivery for service appointments, and a more personalized relationship with the dealership.

The Black Label also offers annual vehicle detailing services and exclusive access to special events and experiences. These perks create a more comprehensive luxury ownership experience that extends well beyond the physical vehicle.

Interior Comfort and Space

Both trims feature the same spacious three-row configuration with identical passenger and cargo volume. The Reserve offers excellent comfort with heated and ventilated front seats, while the Black Label enhances this with 30-way Perfect Position seats with additional adjustment options and massage functionality as standard.

The second-row experience is also elevated in the Black Label, with additional comfort features often included as standard rather than optional. Both trims maintain the same cargo capacity specifications, with approximately 519 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,184 litres with the third row folded.

Top 5 Best Features of the Lincoln Aviator

1. Twin-Turbocharged Performance: The powerful 3.0-litre engine delivers exceptional acceleration and responsive driving dynamics in both trims.
2. Phone As A Key Technology: This innovative feature allows owners to use their smartphone to access and start their vehicle without the traditional key fob.
3. Air Glide Suspension System: Available on both trims, this system automatically lowers the vehicle for easier entry and exit while also enhancing ride comfort.
4. Revel Ultima 3D Audio System: The available 28-speaker sound system creates an immersive listening experience with precise audio placement throughout the cabin.
5. Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus: This comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, evasive steering assist, and reverse brake assist.

5 Facts About the Lincoln Aviator Trims

1. The Black Label trim offers exclusive interior themes with names like “Chalet,” “Flight,” and “Destination” that feature unique material and colour combinations.
2. Both the Reserve and Black Label models feature a “symphonic chime” system with recorded notes from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra instead of conventional alert sounds.
3. The Aviator Black Label was the first Lincoln model to feature the “Phone As A Key” technology when it was introduced.
4. The Reserve trim’s name comes from the historical Lincoln practice of reserving their finest materials and craftsmanship for select models.
5. The Lincoln Aviator design was inspired by the world of aviation, with elements throughout both trims that subtly reference flight and aerospace aesthetics.

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between the Aviator Reserve and Black Label?

• The main difference is that the Black Label offers exclusive interior design themes, premium materials like Alcantara headliner, enhanced ownership benefits, and distinctive exterior styling elements.

Do the Reserve and Black Label have different engines?

• No, both trims share the same engine options, including the standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and the available Grand Touring hybrid powertrain.

What unique ownership benefits come with the Black Label?

• Ownership includes complimentary maintenance for a longer period, vehicle pickup and delivery for service, annual detailing, and access to exclusive events and experiences.

Are there differences in interior space between the two trims?

• No, both trims feature identical passenger and cargo volume specifications with the same three-row seating configuration.

Does the Black Label have exclusive technology features?

• While both trims offer similar technology platforms, this trim includes certain technology features as standard that might be optional on the Reserve.

What are the exclusive interior themes available on the Black Label?

• It offers meticulously crafted interior themes like “Chalet,” “Flight,” and “Destination,” each with unique material and colour combinations not available on the Reserve.

Are there any performance advantages to the Black Label?

• Both trims share the same engine options, but this trim comes standard with certain performance-enhancing features that are optional on the Reserve, such as the adaptive suspension system.

How do the exterior designs differ between the two trims?

• The Black Label features unique exterior elements, including distinctive grille treatment, exclusive wheel designs, and special badging that set it apart from the Reserve.

Does the Black Label have different seating options?

• Yes, it typically comes standard with 30-way Perfect Position seats with additional adjustment options and massage functionality that might be optional on the Reserve.

Are there differences in the audio systems between the trims?

• The Black Label often includes premium audio systems as standard equipment that might be optional upgrades on the Reserve trim.