There is a difference between a one-night stand, a fleeting infatuation, and true love, which is something deeper where you can feel the inner essence of a person. When it comes to a new SUV, it's not such a big difference. An impressive exterior can catch your eye, and it can provide you with satisfaction all day long. But is this proposal worth the long-term perspective? A wonderful dancing partner who’s always there?
Here's what makes the updated Lincoln Nautilus 2024 a game-changer, and it's not just a new attractive exterior. Rather, it's a stunning new interior that showcases new capabilities. Kemal Kurić, Lincoln's Design Director, took a more radical approach than most designers. In an era when too many automotive designers thoughtlessly place tablets in the center of the dashboard, Kemal Kurić and his team considered the interaction between the driver and digital displays. The result is a stunning 48-inch display that spans the entire width of the cabin and is positioned slightly lower than the windshield, far ahead of the driver. The dashboard is placed lower, and the steering wheel has a somewhat square shape to provide an unobstructed view of the panoramic screen.
"We wanted it to be almost immersive and envelop you," - Kurić said at the Nautilus presentation last year. "You have all the information and all the necessary content right in front of your eyes."
Control is carried out via a smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen located next to the driver on the center console. While the left half of the screen contains standard information such as speed, transmission indicators, fuel level, and navigation, the other half can be customized or completely turned off. The panoramic shape of the display is emphasized by vents, consisting of a simple single vent beneath it, finished with metal. The vents can be adjusted to oscillate, similar to a fan, so that air doesn't blow directly on you.
The option called Lincoln Rejuvenate, designed to improve the cabin atmosphere using one of three scents: Mythic Forest Earth, fragrant and fresh Ozonic Azure, and spicy Violet Cashmere. When parked, the seat massage function is activated, and the 48-inch panoramic display shows calming scenes. Kurić aimed to create a special space that immerses you in an atmosphere, something luxuriously surprising. And he succeeded.
Some interior elements, such as seats and external door handles, are borrowed from the late Lincoln Continental sedan. But other elements are fresh, attractive, and comfortable, including exterior lighting and a modern technological package. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and integrated Amazon Alexa system make your digital life much easier than in Cadillac, which refuses them in favor of its own system.
Lincoln Nautilus 2024 is produced in Hangzhou, China, and is offered in the base Premiere trim, mid-level Reserve, and top-tier Black Label. All-wheel drive is standard. Two transmissions are available, both with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. In the base configuration, it delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It meets EPA requirements and consumes 24 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving. More expensive models feature the same engine in a more powerful hybrid gasoline-electric version, producing 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque via a continuously variable transmission. It offers fuel efficiency of 30 mpg combined city/highway according to EPA ratings.
As expected, the Nautilus comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including Blue Cruise. While level 2 semi-autonomous driving works as claimed, it can be irritating. The system instantly scolds you as soon as you turn your head to adjust climate control or skip to the next music track. This can be frustrating, turning what should be a relaxing experience into something else.
Of the two transmission options, it’s better to choose the more expensive hybrid. It provides the smooth and effortless power you expect from Lincoln. This option is soft and refined, and hybrid power compensates for any turbo lag you might feel in the much less sophisticated base transmission.
Lincoln Nautilus 2024 is a true cruiser. Therefore, driving should be a comfortable, relaxing experience. It’s not sporty but surprisingly competent and confident. Those seeking more sporty feelings will need to look elsewhere.
It has a new, distinctive appearance with an illuminated Lincoln star logo on the grille.
Lincoln Nautilus 2024 is a beautiful, comfortable, and fairly economical vehicle that seats five and offers 35 cubic feet of cargo space. It provides a pleasant immersive experience that proves to be special. It delivers a true sense of luxury that you will easily fall in love with.
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
Starting price: $50,415, excluding $1,595 destination charge
Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid electric engine
Horsepower/Torque: 310/295 lb-ft
EPA Rating (combined city/highway): 30 mpg
Length/Width/Height: 193.2/79.8/68.2 inches
Ground clearance: 7.9 inches
Towing capacity: 1,750 pounds
