SHARP Drives: The Screen-o-licious 2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
We’re motoring up Nova Scotia’s Hwy 102 in the reimagined 2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV, and with our hybrid tester being fully optioned to just under $83,000 (it starts at $61,900), we’re basking in every luxury and gadget Lincoln has to offer. Lincoln’s BlueCruise semi-automated driving system dutifully maintains a true path while we enjoy the spectacular 28-speaker Revel audio system. Of the three “digital scents” available, we’ve selected Mystic Forest, which pairs quite nicely with a gentle massage from Lincoln’s 24-way ventilated front seat. The massage feels like there’s a couple of Nova Scotia wood elves trapped within this soft leather chair, trying to pummel their way to freedom. (This is a good thing.)
What’s A Nautilus?
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
The premium midsize SUV market is a hot one, and Lincoln has a contender here in the new Nautilus. In its sights are the likes of the Lexus RX, Genesis GV80, Mercedes GLE, and BMW X5.
The new Lincoln leapfrogs the outgoing Nautilus in style, build quality and technology. Its marquee feature is a configurable 48-inch screen that sweeps along the bottom of the windscreen, spanning the full width of the cabin.
Screen-o-licious
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
Lincoln’s intention is to have all necessary driver information just below the driver’s line of sight, with the mantra being “eyes up and eyes out”. In service of this is a flat-top steering wheel that won’t obstruct the driver’s view. Get past the initial wow factor of this screen-o-licious expanse, and Lincoln’s latest digital experience works quite well with the human experience. The graphics are large and crisp, with the left side of the screen devoted to pertinent driver info. An 11.1-inch central touchscreen is your command centre for climate and infotainment, along with an array of physical shortcut buttons, a large volume knob, and (mostly obedient) voice control. It uses the Android Automotive system with Google Services. We also get the expected Lincoln piano key shift buttons.
For 2024, the Nautilus in Reserve trim gets standard 21-inch wheels, 360-degree camera, 10-speaker audio, leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, adaptive suspension, active sound cancellation, a full suite of safety and driver aids, and hands-free Lincoln BlueCruise 1.2 with a four-year subscription.
But why stop here? The sexily-named 203A Equipment Group at $12,750 nets the good stuff: 24-way massaging front seats, panoramic roof, scent dispenser, hands-free power liftgate, heated second row seats, 110v outlet, and a fabulous 28-speaker Revel audio system that gets a five-star rating from our resident musician.
Yes, there are a few ergonomic foibles, the most egregious being dash vents with no physical controls. One must call up a dedicated menu on the touchscreen and start swiping. Arg.
That said, the new 2024 Nautilus gets many things right: standard all-wheel drive, plus 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine mated to an eight-speed auto. For 2024, the old turbo V6 upgrade makes way for a hybrid powertrain that pairs a modified version of the 2.0-litre turbo with a clever transmission containing two electric motors and a planetary gearset. Combined output is 310 horsepower.
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUV
The basic 2.0-litre mill moves the 2024 Nautilus along smartly, but it can get course when pressed hard. For an additional $3,500, the hybrid powertrain seems like a no-brainer. Stronger, smoother, quieter and more fuel efficient, it elevates the luxury quotient of this premium crossover in no uncertain terms.
Unlike some rivals, the Nautilus does not have a plug-in hybrid option. Powertrain engineer Thomas Kostrzewski explained diplomatically: “Well, I won’t comment of future product. At this point, I can’t confirm or deny there is a plug-in in the works.” Take that as you will.
Lincoln’s New Groove
The 2024 Nautilus comes at us with the new face of Lincoln. It features a large grill bisected by a light bar and an illuminated Lincoln crest front and centre. The slim headlights and taillights (also connected by a light bar) feature an interesting feather-like detail, and when approaching the vehicle at night we get a cool little welcoming light show. The new Nautilus’ shows a gentle, flowing design, enhanced by the “floating” roof, sculpted flanks and door handles that hide in the beltline. Overall, an elegant and classy presentation that got more than a few appreciative glances on our Maritime tour.
There’s no doubt the new Nautilus is a highway champ – smooth, stable and cathedral quiet – although with its standard adaptive damping body control is good, and the Lincoln acquits itself quite well on the winding backroads we encountered in rural NS and PEI. There’s a mildly sporty “Excite” mode, but, let’s be real, this SUV is all about comfort.
While the Nautilus used to be made in Canada, Ford eventually plans to retool its Oakville, Ontario plant produce EVs, so the new Nautilus is built in China.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus brings plenty of style, cool tech and bags of luxury for a price that undercuts the European offerings by thousands. Lincoln has been trying to find its groove for what seems like forever, but if the 2024 Nautilus is an indication of a fresh heading, this American luxury marque may have finally found that groove.
