Lincoln wants to be taken seriously in the premium segment, and has come out swinging with the 2024 Nautilus. Featuring the largest screen in its class, a highly rated driver assistance package, and elegant design, the new global model was unveiled today ahead of a U.S. launch next year.
It’s What’s Inside That Matters
The feature that is likely to attract the most attention (and which is designed to attract younger buyers) is the staggeringly large screen that stretches from one side of the dash to the other. Although Lincoln does not say exactly how wide it is, the display is the nucleus around which everything else is designed.
The screen welcomes drivers into the vehicle with a special startup animation. From there, it can be configured to hold the information that a driver desires (from maps, to speed, to media, and more) by using the central 11.1-inch touch screen.
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The impact of the screen is such that even the steering wheel’s squarish shape was chosen to offer the driver a better view over of it. Lincoln says that the massive display’s positioning was selected to push it closer to the windshield, requiring the drivers’ eyes to spend less time looking away from the road.
Despite the unusual proportions, Lincoln says that the Nautilus’ infotainment system is fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and features wireless connection. Alexa Built-in will allow owners to connect to their other Amazon-connected devices.
Complementing the screen are ambient lights that have been designed to look like the sun reflecting off the water. The natural theme continues with interior design packages inspired by California’s redwood forests, as well as natural materials like black onyx and smoked truffles.
Customers can opt for the Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, which provides up to 28 speakers to create a surround sound experience in the Nautilus. In addition to touch and sound, Lincoln has also incorporated the sense of smell into the vehicle’s features. Similar to BMW, the Nautilus offers perfume kits (Mystic Forest, Ozonic Azure, and Violet Cashmere) that can be diffused through the center touchscreen.
More Tech Including Hands Free Driver Assist
The Nautilus will have the ability to connect to 5G networks, providing users with access to ultra-fast internet speeds. This feature will allow the vehicle to receive over-the-air updates, which will prove particularly helpful in updating its advanced driver assistance systems.
Lincoln has equipped the Nautilus with BlueCruise 1.2, which offers hands-free driver assistance on some roads. In the crossover, the system will offer Lane Change Assist, which will go beyond simply being able to change lanes when the driver requests it with the signal stalk, but will also be able to suggest lane changes when you’re stuck behind a slower vehicle.
The system also brings with it more subtle upgrades, such as a lane positioning system, which can shift the Nautilus within its lane. That’s useful for passenger comfort in situations such as when the vehicle is next to an 18-wheeler, say.
No Electric Powertrain (Yet…)
So far, Lincoln has only announced two powertrain options for the North American market 2024 Nautilus. Both will be based around a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The first leaves the engine on its own, and offers drivers 250 hp (186 kW/253 PS) and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) of torque. Lincoln promises that, despite being sold as standard with all-wheel-drive, the 2024 Nautilus will return better fuel economy than the model it replaces. For those looking for ultimate economy, the hybrid option will likely be the favorite, though.
The hybrid adds a 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS) electric motor to the 2.0-liter engine. Together, they make a total of 310 hp (231 kW/314 PS) and a CVT transmission doles power out to the wheels. The non-hybrid model is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile.
Although those are the only two powertrains that Lincoln has revealed at this time, rumors suggest that the model could be offered with an all-electric powertrain by 2025.
What’s Outside Still Matters
In addition to all that tech and luxury, Lincoln has also been careful to give the Nautilus a sophisticated exterior. The new design incorporates smooth, minimalist body panels with door handles placed right along the window line to help limit disturbances.
New LED headlights, with available H2 Pixel technology, ornament the front end, while a large grille gives the crossover an imperious stature. At the back, taillights stretch across the tailgate, and offer new animations when called upon.
Wheels will be up to 22-inches in diameter and are connected to the car via an adaptive suspension system that monitors body movement, braking, acceleration, and more to deliver a silky smooth driving experience.
Made In China And Coming To North America In Early 2024
The all-new Nautilus is being unveiled today in China, at the Shanghai Motor Show, and in New York. The premium crossover will be produced at the Changan Hangzhou Assembly plant in China and exported to global markets, including the USA and Canada, where it will arrive in showrooms in early 2024. Although prices have yet to be announced, customers can start ordering the new vehicle from Lincoln.