In the past year, Lincoln has issued a total of two press releases. While that’s tantamount to neglect, both were about the 2024 Nautilus and that should give you an idea about how important the crossover is for Lincoln.
This was on full display at the Detroit Auto Show as the Nautilus was front and center. Thankfully, it’s far more attractive as the crossover cribs some cues from the larger Aviator and sports a streamlined design.
The front end is all-new and features slender LED headlights that are connected by an illuminated bar that flows through a glowing Lincoln emblem. They, along with LED taillights, have a choreographed lighting sequence known as the Lincoln Embrace.
The crossover rides on 19- to 22-inch wheels and measures 193.2 inches (4,907 mm) long with a wheelbase that spans 114.2 inches (2,901 mm). This makes it 3.2 inches (81 mm) longer than today’s model with an extra 2 inches (51 mm) between the wheels.
A High-Tech Interior With A Massive 48-Inch Display
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Drivers sit behind a flat-top steering wheel and find themselves looking at a massive 48-inch display that spans nearly the entire dashboard. It’s joined by a 11.1-inch display, which is the primary way you interact with the vehicle.
Other highlights include a minimalist design and a “piano key shifter.” The crossover also comes equipped with a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and a ten-speaker audio system.
Higher-end variants offer even more luxury as buyers will find a panoramic glass roof and a hands-free power liftgate. Other options include 24-Way Perfect Position front seats, heated second-row seats, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. Customers can also get scent cartridges to transform the interior into a relaxing place with a “crisp blend of aromatic patchouli and traces of bright violet.”
A Hybrid Powertrain With 310 HP
Under the hood, there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a targeted 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 275 lb-ft (372 Nm) of torque. If those numbers pan out, it would be a slight downgrade over the current model which has 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque.
The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. Lincoln has also said the redesigned model will be more fuel efficient than its predecessor, which returned 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
The twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 has been dropped and is effectively being replaced by a hybrid powertrain that costs $1,500 and consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, a continuously variable transmission, and a 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) electric motor. This setup should give the model a combined output of 310 hp (231 kW / 379 PS). That’s 25 hp (19 kW / 25 PS) less than the V6, but hopefully the hybrid will beat the previous fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
The Nautilus will be offered with the BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system. Lincoln has previously offered the tech under the awful ActiveGlide moniker, but it appears the sexual sounding name is being retired.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus will arrive early next year and pricing starts at $50,415. It’s also worth mentioning the model will be built at the Changan Hangzhou Assembly Plant in China.
