Lincoln executives realize that alphabet soup can be really confusing to their customers
so they’re reinstating real names to their vehicles like Continental and now Nautilus.
This is the successor to the MKX; a luxury, midsize SUV with a new turbocharged engine
range.
Lincoln’s rebirth has been slow going but it’s finally hit its stride with new products
such as Navigator, Aviator and the upcoming Corsair. The Nautilus and its sibling the
Ford Edge date back to the 2015 model year but a recent freshening has kept them relevant
players and Lincoln customers have responded accordingly; Nautilus sales have jumped nearly
20% this year. Though I miss the split-wing grille, the Nautilus has the goods to warrant
a double take. Lincoln’s styling game is on point and this top-trim Black Label
model benefits from these standout 21” wheels. But the real oh-wow moment comes once you
move inside where Lincoln flexes its boutique brand muscles to produce a cabin worthy of
praise.
Lincoln introduced the Black Label program 5 years ago and it’s available across most
of their vehicle lineup with the exceptions of the MKZ and MKT. Black Label models are
sold in a select number of mostly stand-alone Lincoln dealerships concentrated in metropolitan
areas. They come with unique interior design themes and include a host of ever expanding
premium experiences and concierge services ranging from complimentary car washes and
annual detailing to your own Culinary Concierge giving owners access to reservations at hard-to-book
restaurants. The list of perks is extensive. Black Label models are priced anywhere from
$6,500 to over $11,000 more than the next highest trim level. This Nautilus has the
Chalet Theme with beautiful Cashmere leather. A soft Alcantara headliner flanks the large
panoramic sunroof and the Silverwood appliques are beautiful. There’s welcome lighting
as you approach the Nautilus including the logo projection and bright LED lighting inside
along with changeable ambient colors.
New for Nautilus, this Chalet Theme joins Gala and Thoroughbred in the Black Label trio
of offerings. The sumptuous Venetian leather seats with the Lincoln Star pattern can be
adjusted 22 ways, feature massage and are a perfect place to enjoy the spectacular,
19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system that’s exclusive to the Lincoln brand. And there’s
still a CD player in here for those who are so inclined. Active Noise Control keeps
the cabin placid. You sit up high – I actually wish I could lower the driver’s
seat even farther because I feel a little too close to the roof – and the 360 degree
camera enhances visibility. The push button transmission is unique, there’s a convenient
and appropriately sized wireless charging pad in here and numerous clever storage locations. SYNC
is looking a little dated and rudimentary but it’s a touchscreen so it’s really
easy to navigate. Steering wheel controls and driver center features help you explore
the Nautilus’ electronic offerings but certain things – like Lincoln Drive Control settings
– should exist outside of here for easier access.
Rear seats are heated and recline to provide abundant passenger space and the cargo area
can be accessed with a kick of the foot and includes remote switches for dropping the
seats. For a 2-row the sizing seems just right.
Front and all-wheel drive options exist with both the new 2.0-liter turbo and the carryover
2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 – the same one found in the Edge ST. Mine has the 4-cylinder
engine rated at 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. You can feed it regular gas to
the tune of 22mpg – 1 mpg better than the V6. Power isn’t paltry but I’d happily
take a little more zip along with greater refinement. For some comparison the Lexus
RX produces 295 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a new 8-speed auto with stop/start
and Sport mode.
I like the Nautilus but I imagine I’d like it a lot more with the twin-turbo V6...this
2.0-liter engine isn’t exactly simpatico with the Black Label’s American luxury posture.
And the transmission lacks that same level of polish. Likewise, the 21” tires contribute
to a ride quality that isn’t quite luxurious enough. But there’s no denying that Lincoln
has the styling game and cabin design to steal market share from the heavy hitters.
There are adaptive dampers but there’s still a little edge to the ride that doesn’t need
to be there. I want isolation from a Lincoln and nowadays that can be achieved without
losing handling and feeling both of which the Nautilus does quite well.
And there are all kinds of radar and camera based safety features including adaptive cruise
control with lane centering and steering assist that isn’t nearly as cool or as thorough
as Cadillac’s SuperCruise but it can be helpful on long trips.
This Black Label Nautilus 2.0 AWD with options stickers for $65,560 and that comes with member
privileges like pickup and delivery, premium maintenance, vehicle care and travel and culinary
concierge services with seriously cool perks. I like what Lincoln is doing these days, becoming
the boutique alternative to the mass market premium brands.