Lincoln Aviator PHEV Returns in China as Aviator EX8

The Lincoln Aviator PHEV, which was discontinued in the United States for the 2024 model year, is returning to the global stage in China as the Aviator EX8. Homologation details for the new plug-in hybrid crossover were recently filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

What Happened

The Aviator EX8 is a product of Lincoln’s joint venture with Changan, one of Ford’s Chinese partners. Unlike the previous Aviator, which was a U.S.-designed luxury version of the Ford Explorer, the EX8 shares no mechanical or design commonalities with its American predecessor. It utilizes a Changan-made 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine producing 148 horsepower. The MIIT filing did not disclose details regarding the electric motor setup, total system output, battery capacity, or electric range. The vehicle also features roof-mounted lidar, indicating the presence of advanced driver-assist technologies.

Why It Matters

This launch represents Ford China’s effort to compete in the country’s fiercely competitive New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market, following the release of the Bronco New Energy developed with JMC. Lincoln currently lacks an NEV offering in China after discontinuing the Corsair PHEV during its 2026 facelift. The Aviator EX8 will compete directly against numerous midsize PHEV and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) rivals, such as the Lynk & Co 08. However, the model is unlikely to reach the U.S. market. Lincoln plans to discontinue imports of the China-made Nautilus and Corsair by 2030 to focus on domestic production, and the Changan-developed vehicle may not comply with U.S. regulations regarding connected cars.

The Bottom Line

The Lincoln Aviator nameplate survives in China via a Changan-developed PHEV, but it remains distinct from the former U.S.-market model and is expected to stay exclusive to the Chinese market.