Lincoln's latest EV concept evokes the 1920s with a grand tourer land yach

The Lincoln Model L 100 concept, a battery-electric grand tourer that pays homage to Lincoln's first luxury vehicle, the 1922 Model L, debuts Thursday at Monterey Car Week, marking the brand's centennial year and sharing its vision for future electric vehicles.

The concept vehicle features an aerodynamic, low-slung body with sweeping glass roofs that open and reverse-hinged doors that lift to create a 'sense of ceremony,' as well as the “Lincoln Embrace.” The Ford luxury brand notes that the wheel covers communicate motion, battery life, and human presence.”

Metallic paint and frosted acrylic are combined to create the exterior's 'cool, open-air blue' color. With a Kammback, or K-tail, rear end that slopes down and abruptly cuts off for improved aerodynamics, this futuristic design mixes a 1920s art deco touch with a futuristic look.

There is recycled suede fabric in amethyst inside the cabin. One of the more eye-catching features is the configurable cabin, in which the front seats flip around to face passengers in the rear, and where one might expect a steering wheel is an interactive chessboard.

The console features “a jewel-inspired chess piece controller that captures light and depth by redefining the vehicle controls inside the cabin,” according to the company.

Additionally, Lincoln said the car will feature a 'digital floor,' but didn't elaborate beyond saying it will incorporate interior lighting to 'transport passengers to the sanctuary of tomorrow.'

A company might explore what its future portfolio might look like with outlandish concepts like the Lincoln Model L 100. With plans to fully electrify half of its offerings by 2050, Lincoln will likely use this process to determine interest in certain features or designs.

As part of the emerging trend among recently revealed concepts, the Lincoln Model L also suggests where the industry is headed. This year, several American automakers, including Lincoln, have released concept cars that evoke nostalgia for the early 20th century.

In April, Chrysler unveiled a crossover concept called Chrysler Airflow, named after the original Chrysler Airflow, which Ralph Gilles said was a 'catastrophic failure' in the 1930s. It comes with fast charging capability and a long list of technologies, Including Chrysler's STLA

AutoDrive system, which is being developed with BMW to offer Level 3 automated driving features. The concept can travel 400 miles on a single charge. Then there’s Cadillac InnerSpace, the electric, autonomous concept that debuted earlier this year and draws inspiration from the two-passenger runabouts the brand manufactured in 1902.

There are no pedals or steering wheels on this concept, however it features a two-seat loveseat, wraparound digital screen, and built-in ottoman.

Despite a sleek and forward-looking design, the Lincoln Model L 100 takes a similar journey down memory lane.Designed by Lincoln and Cadillac founder Henry Leland in 1922, the Concept L is heavily influenced by this vehicle. In 1922,

Ford purchased the bankrupt company and produced the Model L for one year. Before the Lincoln Model K replaced the 81-horsepower V8 Model L in 1930, the Lincoln Model L had a 10-year run.

Is Lincoln going to take a few cues from this concept or will it go all in? The fact that it is a low-slung grand tourer deserves more attention than its reverse-hinged doors and glass roof that can open.

Lincoln sells only crossovers and SUVs in the U.S. today. In 2020, the Continental was phased out in the U.S. Lincoln is heavily focused on China these days, so this grand tourer concept might make its way overseas while a crossover inspired by the Lincoln Star Concept debuted this spring and is released in the U.S.