2024 Nautilus Charts Next Course for Lincoln

DETROIT – From its sleekly swept sheetmetal to its panoramic “coast-to-coast” infotainment screen spanning the entire dashboard to a pair of new turbocharged 2.0L powertrains under the hood, the ’24 Lincoln Nautilus promises a new direction for the upscale brand’s midsize CUV.

Slated for deliveries in early 2024, the premium 2-row utility gets optional hybrid power to replace its twin-turbo 2.7L V-6 as the brand begins an electrified transition that includes three battery-electric vehicles in the lineup by 2025, with a fourth BEV arriving in 2026.

The standard powertrain is an all-new 2.0L I-4 producing 250 hp and 275 lb.-ft. (373 Nm) of torque linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The same powertrain is new in the Corsair small CUV.

An optional 2.0L hybrid unit develops 310 hp when combined with a 100-kW (134-hp) electric motor mounted within the continuously variable transmission. Torque isn’t specified for the blended output of the hybrid powertrain.

Dan Boxeth, vehicle engineering manager, says the new 2.0L shares only its displacement with previous engines. The new engine, for example, features a top-mount intake system (vs. side-mounted) fed by an intercooler that sits ahead of the engine radiator so that it receives the first cooling air that enters the vehicle, Boxeth says.

As a result, the new 2.0L turbo is much more compact, cost-efficient and capable of meeting more stringent emission standards, he says. The engine also is lighter, which is expected to yield improved fuel efficiency.

The streamlined sheetmetal of the new Nautilus pulls from upswept LED headlamps rearward to fixed wing-like imagery in the taillights, emphasizing a bird-in-flight gesture in keeping with the brand’s Quiet Flight 2.0 mantra, says Earl Lucas, chief exterior designer. Overall, the vehicle is 2 ins. (51 mm) longer and wider than the current model.

All Nautilus models feature a blacked-out floating canopy while a stealthy Jet Appearance Package adds dark accents and 22-in. wheels. All models incorporate sill-mounted door handles to keep door panels completely uncluttered.

Inside, drivers are greeted by a 48-in. (122-cm) curved instrument panel spanning the entire dashboard from A-pillar to A-pillar, backed by a smaller, traditional center stack touchscreen. The Google-based system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features built-in Amazon Alexa voice control. Interiors include real wood and aluminum inlays.

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Driving assistance steps up to BlueCruise 1.2 that allows for hands-free highway cruising, automated lane-changing with a tap of the turn signal stalk and natural lane positioning.

The Nautilus is the latest example of how Ford is trying to once and for all give premium/luxury buyers a reason to choose the 106-year old brand that has struggled for relevance with those buyers since the 1980s.

The new Nautilus, and Aviator, certainly stand up well to similar offerings from the competition. Additionally, the company is investing in dealerships as part of a broad effort to upgrade the Lincoln experience called “The Lincoln Way.”

Total Lincoln sales actually slipped in 2022 versus 2021, and the brand remains below 100,000 sales a year. But with more well-executed rides like the Nautilus, the brand will be in six-figure territory pretty soon.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve with Jet Appearance Package_2024 Lincoln Black Label Nautilus Hybrid