Lincoln Continental

Importing a used Lincoln Continental from the USA

The Lincoln Continental is one of those cars that never sold in meaningful numbers on this side of the Atlantic, which is exactly why importing a used example from the United States makes sense. The tenth-generation Continental (2017-2020) was Lincoln's return to a full-size luxury sedan after the Town Car era, and America was its home market. That means the US used pool is where you find them: quiet, softly sprung, generously equipped four-doors that feel closer to a lounge than a sports saloon. As an independent import broker, USCar Trader sources these cars, verifies the vehicle identification number and build origin, and manages the process from purchase to German registration. We do not hold stock and take no vehicle margin.

Model history: years and generations

The Continental nameplate runs back to 1939, but the version you will realistically import today is the tenth generation, revealed as a concept in 2015 and sold from the 2017 model year through 2020. It rode on Ford's CD4 platform shared with the Fusion and MKZ, stretched into a large sedan with a 2,994 mm wheelbase and an overall length of roughly 5,116 mm. Lincoln pitched it against the established German executive class with a signature front grille, frameless-feel doors and the much-discussed E-latch electronic door handles integrated into the beltline. Production ran at Ford's Flat Rock plant in Michigan. A small number of coachbuild-style 80th Anniversary editions with rear suicide doors were built in 2019, and those are collector items rather than everyday imports.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Three engines were offered across the run. The base unit is the 3.7-litre Ti-VCT V6 with roughly 305 hp, naturally aspirated and unstressed. Above it sits the 2.7-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 at about 335 hp, and at the top the 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing around 400 hp and 542 Nm in Reserve and Black Label trims. Every Continental uses a 6F35/6F55-family six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive was optional across the range and is the configuration most European buyers prefer for winter use. The 3.0 EcoBoost with AWD is the car most people picture when they think of a fast, comfortable American cruiser.

Equipment lines and body styles

Only one body style was built: the four-door sedan. Trims climb from Premiere and Select to Reserve, then the flagship Black Label with its curated interior themes such as Thoroughbred and Chalet. The headline feature is the optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats with independent thigh extensions and massage. Expect panoramic roofs, Revel audio, adaptive suspension on higher trims and a full active-safety suite on later cars.

The US used market

Because the Continental sold in modest numbers even in America, you are shopping a limited but healthy pool. Typical import candidates are 2017 to 2019 cars with 60,000 to 130,000 km, many of them one- or two-owner vehicles from southern states where road salt is not a concern. Reserve and Black Label examples with the 3.0 EcoBoost command the most interest; base 3.7 cars are cheaper to run and easier to service. Rust-belt cars should be inspected carefully underneath. No European price is quoted here because it depends entirely on the individual car and current market.

Is an import right for you?

This car suits the buyer who wants genuine full-size comfort and a badge you will not see at every set of traffic lights. It is not a back-road weapon and never pretended to be. If your priorities are a hushed cabin, long-distance ease and distinctive American luxury, a used Continental import rewards you. If you want sharp handling or cheap parts on every corner, look elsewhere.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

Continental reliability is broadly solid for a low-volume luxury car, but the turbocharged EcoBoost engines carry known watch points. The 2.7 and 3.0 units can suffer cam phaser wear that produces a cold-start rattle, and coolant intrusion has been reported on some 2.7 blocks. AWD cars use a power transfer unit that should be checked for leaks and correct fluid service. The electronic E-latch doors are a Continental signature and a Continental headache: failing actuators or dead 12V power can leave a door hard to open, so confirm every door operates from inside and out. Beyond that, watch the air suspension components on adaptive cars, infotainment (Sync 3) glitches, and the usual big-sedan brake and bushing wear. Regular oil changes on the turbo engines are non-negotiable.

Differences from the European version

US-market Continentals run amber or red rear turn signals and lack a rear fog lamp, both of which matter for German approval. Instrument clusters read in miles per hour and the odometer in miles; conversion or a supplementary display is expected at inspection. Headlights are built to FMVSS rather than ECE beam patterns, so lamp adaptation or replacement is common. Otherwise the mechanical package is identical to what left Flat Rock.

Import step by step

Selection of a specific car comes first, followed by a VIN and build-origin check to establish where the vehicle was manufactured. Payment is handled through secured escrow, never a direct wire to an unknown seller. The car is then booked for ocean freight to a European port, cleared through customs on arrival, presented for TUV and individual approval (Einzelabnahme), and finally registered. USCar Trader coordinates each stage as your broker.

Customs and taxes: what applies

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Two separate charges apply. Import duty depends on the car's provable origin: under EU Regulations 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for directly transported goods until 31 December 2029, a 0% rate can apply where US origin is documented via VIN and plant. The Continental was built in Michigan, which typically supports a US-origin claim, but this must be verified per car and is never guaranteed. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated on the customs value plus freight. We charge no vehicle margin.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical work includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting or replacing headlights to ECE specification, adjusting side markers, and documenting the odometer conversion to kilometres. Once the individual approval is issued, the car is registered at your local authority with its new papers.

What to verify before buying

Confirm the full 17-digit VIN matches the car and documents. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck history for accident, title and odometer records. Inspect underbody and wheel arches for rust on any northern-state car. Verify the E-latch doors and all electronics function. Check turbo-engine service history and evidence of regular oil changes. Confirm a clean title (not salvage or rebuilt) unless you knowingly accept otherwise. Verify tyre age and brake condition on this heavy sedan.

Common questions

Is the Lincoln Continental a reliable import?

The naturally aspirated 3.7 is the low-stress choice; the EcoBoost turbo engines are strong but demand disciplined servicing and a cam-phaser and coolant check before purchase.

Which engine should I look for?

For outright pace the 3.0 EcoBoost AWD in Reserve or Black Label; for lower running costs the 3.7 V6.

Will it qualify for 0% EU import duty?

Possibly. The Continental was built in Michigan, which often supports a US-origin claim, but origin must be proven per VIN and is never guaranteed. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Are parts available in Germany?

Many mechanical parts are shared with Ford and readily sourced; some trim and electronic items ship from the US.

Do the electronic doors cause problems abroad?

They can. Test every door and keep the 12V battery healthy, as a flat battery complicates entry.

What mileage is normal on a used Continental?

Import candidates typically show 60,000 to 130,000 km, often from dry southern states.

Can USCar Trader handle the whole import?

Yes. As an independent broker we manage sourcing, escrow, freight, customs, TUV and registration end to end.

Is it left-hand drive?

Yes, all US Continentals are left-hand drive, which suits driving in Germany and the EU.

Explore more American luxury in the Lincoln in the Carhub, compare the related Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln Town Car, or browse the current Continental listings.