The redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is clear in its aim, targeting big players in the segment including the Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and BMW X5.
Offered with either gas or hybrid power, the touched-up Nautilus bristles with cool tech and showcases a new design language for the marque both inside and out. Factor in a vastly improved interior quality over the outgoing model, and this fresh Nautilus goes from also-ran to legitimate contender.
Door-to-Door Digital Dash
The 2024 Nautilus’s marquee feature is a configurable 48-inch screen that sweeps along the bottom of the windshield, spanning the full width of the cabin. 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.”
Other unique features include a flat-top steering wheel (it won’t block the view of the screen) and a low, flat table-like expanse between you and the screen. There’s also the piano key-like gear selection buttons Lincoln has been using for a while now, plus artistic ambient lighting and upscale details like knurled metal and crystal-like controls.
An 11.1-inch central infotainment/HVAC touchscreen uses the Google-based back end like the one used by the likes of Volvo and a growing number of rivals. Once past the initial wow factor, it all works very well, although there are some ergonomic missteps. The most-used HVAC touchpoints on the screen (cabin and seat temperature controls) are small and hard to hit while on the move, and the dash vents are only controllable via an HVAC screen. Oh, and you will be dusting that tabletop regularly.
Visually, the 2024 Nautilus is a quietly elegant creation with sculpted flanks and door handles that have been integrated into the beltline. This crossover also shows off Lincoln’s new face, and it’s a good one. A light bar with an illuminated Lincoln crest connects the slim headlights, bisecting the new grille. Approach your Nautilus at night, and it welcomes with a slick light show.
Gas or Hybrid Powertrains
Carrying over from the previous model is the base turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that makes 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The old twin-turbo V6 upgrade is gone, replaced by a hybrid system that uses a modified version of the 2.0L engine that’s hooked to a clever transmission containing two electric motors and a planetary gearset. Combined output is 310 hp. The all-wheel drive is on-demand, with the rear wheels getting power only when conditions dictate. As much as 50 per cent of the drivetrain’s torque can be sent to the back end when required.
The gas-only setup moves the Nautilus smartly, although it gets a bit gravelly when pressed. At a mere $3,500, the hybrid upgrade is the way to go, as it’s smoother, quieter, and stronger overall. It also sips less fuel, rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined. The gas-only 2.0L is rated for 9.8 combined. Both drivetrains run on regular-grade gas.
Hands-Free Highway Cruising
A lengthy run up Nova Scotia’s Highway 102 gave me a chance to try Lincoln’s BlueCruise system that allows for hands-free driving on the majority of major highways in North America. When adaptive cruise is activated, you’ll know you’re in a pre-mapped “Blue Zone” when a blue steering wheel graphic shows up on the display. From there, you can take your hands off the wheel and let the cameras, sensors, and satellite information keep the Nautilus on the straight and narrow.
Promising less stress on lengthy highway runs and traffic jams, BlueCruise functions include lane-centring, self-steering, speed limit recognition, and automatic lane changing. It’s a bit weird at first, but after a few kilometres on the open road, trepidation turns to cautious relaxation.
Policing this whole process is an attention-monitoring camera behind the steering wheel that uses infrared emitters to track the position of both your head and your eyes. If attention strays from the road for more than a few seconds, visual warnings and beeps ensue. Ignore those and the system deactivates.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is a highway champ – smooth riding with a hushed interior. Fitted with the 24-way adjustable seats that massage six ways from Sunday, comfort abounds.
The new Nautilus isn’t particularly athletic, but it exhibits good body control and will cut a decent path over some winding back roads. But beware: while the available 22-inch wheels look sharp, the extra unsprung mass takes a toll on ride quality over rough surfaces.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve starts at $61,900 (add $3,500 for the hybrid powertrain), and for that sum includes surround-view cameras, a 10-speaker stereo, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, adaptive suspension, 21-inch wheels, active sound cancellation, a full suite of safety and driver aids, and a four-year subscription to the hands-free highway driving service.
Meanwhile, the optional upgrade package ($12,750) kicks the luxury quotient up with 24-way massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, scent dispenser, hands-free power tailgate, heated second-row seats, and a spectacular 28-speaker stereo.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offers plenty of luxury for the money and delivers on the brand’s theme of calming, quiet flight. What it doesn’t offer is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – at least not yet. Notably, those three rivals mentioned off the top do.
There is, however, reason to believe one might be on the way. When pressed on this issue, an engineer gave me a cagey corporate response.
“I cannot confirm nor deny there is a future plug-in hybrid Nautilus,” the engineer said.
In the meantime, the 2024 Nautilus has been upgraded in more than a few meaningful ways, giving it (almost) everything it needs to compete with those players and beyond.
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