2026 Lincoln Dominus Is Real: AWD and a 5.2L Predator V8? Yes, Please

While most of the industry is moving quickly to electrification and smaller engines, Lincoln is turning left in the high-performance luxury segment. The 2026 Lincoln Dominus is confirmed to be a real deal by several sources — and it’s coming with some thunder.

Adding a statement exterior and revolutionary all-wheel drive (AWD) suitability, this impending luxury flagship sedan will reportedly also boast the famed 5.2-liter Predator V8, helping to forge a clutch of performance around the corner unlike anything else, frankly, ever to carry the blue oval.

Here, we dive into everything we know about Lincoln’s impending powerhouse and why we think the Dominus could be among the most exciting American luxury cars in decades.

A Predator Heartbeat: 700+ HP of Supercharged Fury

The Lincoln Dominus is powered by one of the favorite toys of performance enthusiasts: the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8. This engine howls beneath the hoods of the Mustang Shelby GT500 and F-150 Raptor R and offers more than 700 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque.

Lincoln is bringing a fire-breathing V8 to the fray, providing muscle car-worthy performance. Initial leaks estimate a 3.4-second 0-60 mph time and a potential top speed of over 200 mph, putting the Dominus right in line with true super sedan measuring sticks like the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, Audi RS7, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.

AWD + Muscle = Maximum Grip and Daily Driveability

However, while its RWD rivals are (by definition) rear-drive, the Dominus is expected to build an elaborate all-wheel-drive system. It not only inspires more confidence in bad weather, but it also gives you more traction when you get off the line. When the AWD-equipped Dominus needs to put down all 700+ horses, it will do so through a paired 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with the smoothness, immediacy, and confidence of a gentleman who knows how to drive.

Look for track-ready suspension, including adaptive dampers and perhaps even active aero borrowed from the Mustang GTD. With those elements in play, expect the Dominus to combine supercar handling with luxury car comfort.

Lincoln’s Luxury Legacy, Reimagined

Over the past 10 years, Lincoln has gradually repositioned itself as a luxury brand that prioritizes comfort and refinement over sport. Its focus has been chiefly on SUVs such as the Nautilus, Corsair, and Navigator. But the Dominus hints at another direction—toward performance—while still remaining true to the brand’s philosophy of elegance.

Lincoln is no stranger to such playful performance beacons, however. The LS and Mark VIII tasted in the past, but none tasted quite like the Dominus suggests. In the modern era, this is Lincoln’s first high-performance sedan, demonstrating exactly how serious the brand is about its image reinvigoration.

Design: Modern Muscle with Luxury Flair

The Dominus is still officially under wraps, but insiders describe its aesthetic as “a modern American muscle-luxury hybrid.” Expect an aggressive front fascia, blade-style LED headlights, a wide grille with vertical slats, and fastback-style bodywork with muscular rear haunches.

While much of the design language will be proprietary, elements from the Lincoln Star Concept will likely help shape the design language that emerges here, particularly focusing on a voluptuous bodyline, smooth, almost fluid-like surfaces, and restrained detailing. Expect carbon fiber trim, dynamic splitters, vented bonnets, and perhaps even a rear diffuser, and we mean that both in terms of looks and aero here.

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Inside the Cabin: A Symphony of Power and Comfort

The Dominus’ performance character will evolve Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” design philosophy. Expect a cockpit-style layout with deep-bolstered performance seats and high-quality materials such as Bridge of Weir leather, open-pore wood, and aluminum accents.

On the tech front, the Dominus may feature Lincoln’s next-gen SYNC infotainment system, with a curved display, digital instrument cluster, and performance-focused driving telemetry. It is rounded out with premium features such as ambient lighting, a Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a head-up display.

Unofficial Performance Specs

Lincoln hasn’t announced any official numbers yet, but these estimates are based on the engine’s commonalities with the GT500 and the likely competition it will face in the performance sedan segment.

The Market Impact: Why the Dominus Matters

Needless to say, the timing of this move is impeccable. With Cadillac gearing up to stop making its V-Series Blackwing sedans and Dodge shifting from its gas-guzzling Hellcats, the Dominus could fill the gap left for enthusiast buyers looking for oil-burning V8 performance with luxurious comforts.

For Lincoln, the Dominus is a halo car — a vision of what can be. The brand is here to bark, and this tells the world. It is here to be heard — both in a marketing and a literal way.

Pricing and Release Timeline

Lincoln has not confirmed pricing, but early reports put the base MSRP somewhere between $90,000 and $110,000, placing the Dominus among high-performance European sedans. If a range-topping Black Label trim is offered—complete with special interior treatments and concierge services—prices could push close to $120,000.

The official introduction should take place in late 2025, with production and sales commencing in 1H 2026. The Dominus will be a limited-production model, further enhancing its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

While automakers temper the V8 for a new generation, the 2026 Lincoln Dominus embraces unapologetic horsepower in a decidedly in-your-face design. It is a performance flagship, a resurrection of the American luxury muscle car, and perhaps a declaration that Lincoln’s evolution isn’t over yet.

And if Lincoln can keep that whole pedigree together—a rich heritage, a wealth of power, and a healthy serving of high-end craftsmanship—the Dominus could deliver on the new American luxury performance sedan promise. Or, as more than a Ford, it could be a real benchmark for Lincoln and beyond.

So, is this 2026 Lincoln Dominus, in fact, the American super sedan we never asked for?