Exploring the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus’ Evolutionary Leap

Exploring the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus’ Evolutionary Leap

Lincoln has completely redesigned their popular MKC crossover and renamed it the all-new 2024 Nautilus. With a freshened exterior profile and substantially reworked interior, the Nautilus looks to build on the modest sales success of its predecessor.

Under the sculpted hood, every Nautilus comes standard with rear-wheel drive for optimal handling. But buyers can choose an intelligent all-wheel drive system to tackle tougher terrain or poor road conditions with confident traction.

Power comes from Lincoln’s silky smooth 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, generating a luxurious 400 horses and 415 pound-feet of torque. That torque is dumped through an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts through its gears like a ballroom dancer.

With all that muscle underfoot, the all-wheel drive Nautilus rocketed from zero to 60 in just 5.2 seconds in our testing. That’s brisk enough to keep up with much sportier machines while wafting down the road in plush comfort.

The EPA estimates this athletic luxury crossover will achieve 18 mpg in the city, and 26 on the highway, for a combined rating of 21 mpg. Certainly not the most efficient vehicle, but efficiency takes a backseat to effortless acceleration.

Borrowing styling cues from Lincoln’s largest SUV, the Navigator, the 2024 Nautilus sports a bold new face and tail. Adaptive LEDs ensure excellent vision in any condition, while four rich exterior paint hues allow personalization.

Inside, passengers will enjoy a suite of amenities befitting a Lincoln. Premium materials like soft-touch leather and handsome metal accents are accentuated by perfect seats offering up to 30 ways of adjustment.

Technophiles will geek out over the massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and centrally mounted 13.2-inch touchscreen. This spacious cockpit feels as luxurious as a lounge with features like a heated steering wheel.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Is a Quiet Revolution

Even the available top-of-the-line Bang & Olufsen audio system ups the ambiance with 28 speakers that place listeners right in the performance. But audiophiles can spring for the optional 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D system for a truly immersive experience.

Passenger space grows significantly in the Nautilus. Those in the rear enjoy more legroom and shoulder space for comfort, while the cargo hold expands to a spacious 30.7 cubic feet for your gear.

Safety tech lovers rejoice – the Nautilus comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite including lane centering, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Our test model added the available BlueCruise driver assistance for true hands-free driving down select highways.

On the road, the Nautilus isolates you from imperfections with a buttery smooth ride befitting its luxury status. The strong yet elegant V6 pushes you effortlessly down the road with serene manners.

Should you crave more spirited driving, simply mash the Sport button to firm up the steering, transmission shifts, and suspension settings. The Nautilus transforms into a willing dance partner around corners thanks to its balanced chassis.

Wind and road noise were admirably hushed in our test car, allowing easy conversation even at highway velocities. The cabin remains a serene oasis from the outside world’s hustle and bustle.

With a longer wheelbase and wider stance, the Nautilus feels larger and more solidly planted than ever. It corners with poise and goes where aimed without drama.

Build quality within shines through with soft-touch materials, precision fit-and-finish, and elegant design flourishes. Every surface speaks of thoughtfulness and luxury.

Pricing for the 2024 Nautilus begins at a reasonable $50,000, including delivery. But options can balloon the total in a hurry, as they tend to do in this segment.

Our plushly appointed all-wheel drive Reserve model stickered over $67,000 with every bell and whistle imaginable. Is it worth the premium over some rivals? We believe so.

This third-gen Nautilus faces fierce competition from vehicles like the sleek Acura RDX, tech-laden Audi Q5, and driving dynamo BMW X3.

But it does so with a focus on opulent comfort rather than sporting agility. For those seeking the pinnacle of plushness above all else, the Nautilus may well be their perfect luxury companion.

The new Nautilus is bigger in every dimension, but you’d never know it from behind the wheel. The ride remains serenely smooth over bumps that would jostle rivals.

Thanks to sound-deadening materials and aerodynamic design, road noise stays hushed even at highway speeds. Passengers can converse quietly or simply relax in peace.

The available 30-way Perfect Position front seats are molded expertly to body contours after just a few miles. Multi-stage heating and cooling pampered sore muscles in both the seat and available steering wheel.

Drivers will appreciate the smartly positioned controls and easy-to-read digital displays. Every switch and dial is placed to minimize distraction on winding roads.

With standard all-wheel drive, our tester cracked pavement with authority yet controlled slip through slippery corners. Traction adjusts imperceptibly for confident performance in any weather.

The cargo area swallowed our luggage and then some with its spacious layout. Rear seats are also folded flat with ease for longer items. Extra storage hides beneath the floorboards.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Is a Quiet Revolution

Passengers in the rear enjoyed plenty of leg, head, and shoulder room for adults or child seats. Sunshades and rear seat entertainment kept the whole family content.

Options allowed deep customization, like semi-aniline leather upholstery, theme package interior lighting, and soft close doors. Buyers can craft the Nautilus perfectly to taste.

Standard automatic emergency braking intervened sharply without drama during our testing. Other driver aids like blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping made high-speed highway commuting less stressful.

With its brawny V6 and rear bias, the Nautilus accelerated with gusto whether loaded or unladen. Power always felt abundant, if you had the nerve to use it.

The 8-speed automatic downshifted promptly on cue yet chose gears intelligently without fussing. It lets the engine sing under hard acceleration around turns.

Heated and ventilated front seats combined with a heated steering wheel and rear seats ensured occupants stayed cozy on frigid winter mornings until the cabin warmed.

When parking in tight urban spaces, the Nautilus responded nimbly to steering inputs. Reverse sensing lines and camera views aided the precise placement of this large luxury vehicle.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed seamless smart device integration. The giant touchscreen displayed sharp graphics and responded quickly to inputs.

options like the 28-speaker Revel audio upgrade or head-up display helped justify the Nautilus’ premium price against rivals. Few competitors offer such luxury at this price point.

Models like the X3 and Q5 drive with more engagement yet lack the Nautilus’ isolation and effortless demeanor. The RDX comes closest but still prioritizes handling over serenity.

With rivals steadily gaining comfort technologies, the Nautilus must work hard to justify its price premium based on plushness alone. Strong standard options help make its case.

Drivers seeking the pinnacle of serene, hushed luxury combined with effortless performance need look no further than the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. It redefines the meaning of opulence on wheels.

The new Nautilus takes everything great about the Navigator and shrinks it gracefully to crossover size. Passengers of all sizes truly feel cared for in every detail throughout its sumptuous interior.

After living with the Nautilus, it’s hard to imagine settling for a rival lacking its thoughtful design or indulgent comforts. This is a sanctuary on wheels like no other in its class.