Redesigned Luxury Lincoln SUV
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, a completely redesigned version of one of the brand’s popular luxury SUVs, has been introduced, featuring an available hybrid powertrain, redesigned exterior, and a tech-rich interior with the latest connected features and driver assistance technology. With a flowing, horizontal screen that spans almost the entire width of the interior, the Nautilus has offers owners new levels of connectivity and personalization alongside its impressive list of technology.
Nautilus: Two Drivetrain Options
Drivers will be able to opt for one of two powertrains in the Nautilus to suit their lifestyles. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it comes with standard all-wheel drive. More interesting is the new hybrid drivetrain, which also uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine; together with powerful new electric motor and a super-smooth continuously variable transmission, it produces a total system output of 310 horsepower. Lincoln claims that both options benefit from “light weighting benefits” which result in improved fuel economy compared to the prior model year. No plug-in hybrid or full-electric Nautilus models are available yet.
For a smooth, luxurious ride, both Nautilus models are equipped with adaptive suspension and a suite of sensors which monitor vehicle motion, body movement, steering, acceleration, and braking. There are five standard drive modes – normal, conserve (for improved fuel economy), excite (for sporty driving), as well as slippery and deep settings. Like the Nautilus’ other tech features, the drive models are designed to attract younger customers, who favor ease of use and intuitive digital features.
Digital Customization Features
Those features are front-and center in the reimagined cabin. Upon entry, Nautilus “wakes up” with a new Lincoln animation that begins at the center of the giant new widescreen display, flowing out into the front and rear door panels. A flat-top steering wheel allows drivers to see over, not through the wheel, which gives an effect of openness and extra space. New ambient lighting designs also feature inside along with crystal-like details throughout the interior, such as the piano-key shifter, instrument panel toggle switches, and audio knob.
Digital customization features allow Nautilus drivers to create their own environment – beginning at the center touchscreen and extending up and out into the main display. Drivers can arrange the information they want, how they want, on the display to keep their eyes up and on the road. When parked, a “Lincoln Rejuvenate,” stationary experience orchestrates the screen, the lighting, and even the seat massagers to help driver and passengers recharge. There are even specially curated “digital scents” for the cabin housed in the center armrest.
On the move, the Nautilus’ new digital interface should make operating the navigation and infotainment functions easier. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and Alexa Built-in makes it easy to control the Nautilus’ features and even smart home devices with voice commands. While stationary, clients can boost productivity with calendar and route planning.
Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid: Top-Flight Driver Assists
Nautilus also comes equipped with many advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) capabilities. Indeed, it is one of the first in its class with an available hands-free highway driving feature, which Lincoln calls BlueCruise, which can accelerate, steer, and slow down the car without driver intervention. Lane change assist enables the Nautilus to perform a hands-free lane change simply by tapping the turn signal lever, and can even suggest when to change lanes when following slow-moving traffic. The hands-free experience also feels more natural as the Nautilus can subtly shift away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.
All of this tech comes wrapped in a dynamic, new exterior with all-new LED headlamps, available “H2 Pixel” headlamps as well as all-new LED taillamps with animation. The new Nautilus also features a lit-up Lincoln star and signature front light bar. It’s a bold new look for a bold new SUV, and one we’re curious to try out in the coming months.
Conclusion: Which Lincoln Nautilus is the Best?
The 2024 Nautilus has a starting MSRP of $50,415 for the Premiere model, which comes with a standard turbocharged gasoline engine. One step up is the Reserve, with upgraded seats, larger wheels, glitzier exterior brightwork, and more standard equipment, for a starting MSRP of $54,850. If you want it all, the full-zoot Black Label model starts at a whopping $74,350 MSRP, but has a hands-free liftgate, 22-inch wheels, Revel Ultima audio system, standard BlueCruise, and more.
All Nautilus models can be ordered with the hybrid powertrain for an extra $1,500. We think the Reserve is the sweet spot of the range, with a noticeably nicer interior than the Premiere and a great suite of features, offering very strong value against its competitors without going over the top. The 310-hp hybrid option also gives you way more power and much better fuel economy than the gasoline version - for a very small price premium.
