Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com
Lincoln is making sure that owners relish the efficient performance and technologies of the prodigiously talented 2024 Nautilus while providing enlightenment through Lincoln Rejuvenate, a series of meditational activities to purify the senses. Pull into your driveway after a long and stressful day and enjoy a five or ten-minute massage as enchanting music plays softly and vitalizing aromas dubbed Digital Scent disperse into your mobile haven.
From an American-made perspective, the “Power of Sanctuary” lies within Lincoln’s family of luxury SUVs including the full-size Navigator, Aviator, Corsair, and the all-new Nautilus I experienced recently during a media drive in Palm Springs, CA. The SUV ranks third in Lincoln’s lineup after the Navigator and Aviator and has been completely redesigned from the ground up, a first since 2016.
“For more than a century, Lincoln has been recognized for its exquisite design and craftsmanship, and as we look ahead to the future, we reimagined the cabin experience and what the sanctuary can become for our clients,” said Dianne Craig, president of Lincoln. “The 2024 Nautilus will elevate our portfolio and offer our global clients an all-new, compelling SUV with connected experiences and features that make it just as fun to drive as it is to relax in.”
A sanctuary for the senses, Lincoln is heading into an era that celebrates the work of human ingenuity with its mid-sized premium Nautilus SUV. At the press drive, media guests reveled in the exciting digital technology features as the automaker continues to meet driver needs from a conscious mindset. The Nautilus receives a light bar that runs across the front fascia and through the signature hand-crafted grille, available H2 Pixel headlamps and LED taillamps with animation, integrated dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, over-the-air updates through 5G connectivity, and an 11.1″ touchscreen that centralizes the elongated 48” panoramic upper display which extends door to door.
During my drive time, the weather was ideal and the route from the scenic desert roads of Palm Springs to the dynamic mountains of San Jacinto created a pleasurable excursion. Reengineered for a younger customer base, the Nautilus is offered with both a gas and hybrid powertrain. The standard 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine features 250-horsepower, 280 lb.-ft. of torque, AWD, and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Expect 24 combined mpg. Overall, you won’t find prolific acceleration behind the wheel but Lincoln does provide a bit of everything for appeasing journeys. In addition, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is more intuitive if you like letting go of the wheel. I prefer to control the Nautilus myself, so I didn’t use this feature. But my partner did, and he loved it.
The hybrid setup incorporates a 310-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine and connects with a continuously variable automatic transmission featuring a 100 kW electric motor. Expect 30 combined mpg. An adaptive suspension, sensors that constantly monitor vehicle motion, body movement, steering, acceleration, and braking activities, and five drive modes (Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions) complete the Nautilus’s performance aspects.
To go along with the four signature exteriors — Red Carpet, Diamond Red, Chroma Caviar, and Blue Panther — the SUV can be paired with three interior decors: Black Onyx and Medium Light Space Gray, a two-tone Smoked Truffle, and Black Onyx and Allura Blue. For a sporty vibe, select the Jet Appearance Package which includes two-tone paint, black 22” rims, anodized black exterior elements, and a unique interior. I also appreciate the protruding door handles incorporated from the Lincoln Continental. Finally, choose the exclusive Lincoln Black Label for preeminence since it showcases a new Redwood persona to mimic the warmth and beauty of the redwood forest, including a tree-inspired motif. Think of Lincoln Black Label as the Johnnie Walker Blue of Scotch Whisky or the Tiffany & Co. of jewelry. The defining auto line is exquisite, sumptuous, and endearing. Instantly, the inviting cabin — with its opulent touches — made me feel more important than my current status. Yet, this is no coincidence since Lincoln orchestrated these collective efforts to entice current and potential owners.
Whether behind the wheel or joining as passengers, step inside the Nautilus and savor a moment of tranquility. The interior is quite fascinating, with cinematic depth and extraordinary comfort. The elegant cabin will enthuse guests with crystal-inspired details, piano key shift tabs, a crystal volume knob, ambient lighting, and immersive 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio with classy metal grilles. Exclusive to Lincoln, the impressive system is where the art of luxury meets the science of sound. The clean, minimalistic, flat-top steering wheel uses two capacitive touch buttons to operate the apps and systems. The right side is for media controls and the left is for managing the driver’s assistance functions and BlueCruise. Additionally, second-row passengers will appreciate the spaciousness of their atmosphere.
But there are far more tech comforts as Lincoln has walked away from Sync to introduce Lincoln Digital Experience. With all new hardware, the latest multimedia system is five times more powerful. Some of the highlights include:
Currently in dealerships, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus will have a starting MSRP of $50,415, excluding $1,595 for destination and delivery. Lincoln will target a more youthful and diverse client pool with a 25% focus on the $74,250 Black Label.
As you see the Nautilus is brilliant and daring, especially the Black Label. Indeed, I vicariously absorbed the benefits of becoming such a member. But one can most certainly admire the mindset of those who venture down the path of the high life. Enjoy that!
