Ford is eyeing a major lineup expansion that could see its rugged Bronco platform serve as the foundation for a new luxury SUV under the Lincoln badge. According to a report by Autoweek, which cites unnamed sources, the American automaker is developing a body-on-frame model targeted for a debut around the 2029 or 2030 model-year.
The proposed two-row utility vehicle would be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant alongside the standard Bronco, which may eventually shift the facility exclusively to Bronco-derived architecture. Sharing the Bronco’s underlying chassis means the Lincoln variant would feature a similar footprint, roughly matching the dimensions of the current Lincoln Nautilus, while benefiting from the durability of a body-on-frame setup.
Rugged, to a point
Rather than leaning heavily into trail-rated rock crawling, the Lincoln iteration will most likely trade the more extreme capabilities of the Bronco for more high-end refinement. Reports suggest the vehicle will feature Lincoln’s signature design language, incorporating smoother exterior surfaces and styling cues inspired by the larger Navigator and Aviator. Inside, the cabin will emphasize sound insulation, upscale materials and a plush, comfort-oriented ride.
Under the hood, power would likely come from one of the Bronco’s twin-turbocharged V6 engines, so either the 315-hp 2.7L unit or the high-output 418-hp 3.0L engine found in the Bronco Raptor.
It’s thought the model could target an entry price around $70,000 USD, positioning it to challenge luxury off-road icons such as the Land Rover Defender, Lexus GX, and potentially higher-end competitors like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. While taking on the ultra-exclusive G-Class may sound ambitious, a plush, American-built body-on-frame SUV could fill a gap in the premium market.
A caveat, or two
All of this remains in the realm of speculation. Ford has confirmed nothing about building a Lincoln-badged off-road-ready SUV, nor even about the much-discussed Bronco pickup that may or may not be back on the front burner. Megan Joakim, Communications Manager, Ford Canada, stated to Auto123 that the automaker won’t comment on future product speculation, adding that much of what’s out there “is inaccurate.”
Joakim did confirm to us that “Ford is focused on delivering a massive product renewal that will refresh 80% of our North American portfolio by volume by 2029. This includes the all-new Ford Fathom midsize pickup on the new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, alongside the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty.”