Essentially a mid-cycle refresh, Nautilus replaces MKX in Lincoln lineup
New name for mid-cycle refresh Lincoln has updated its midsize luxury crossover for 2019, giving it a new look, a new powertrain and a new name – the Nautilus – plus its advanced technologies have been upgraded to improve safety and enhance the driving experience. Here are 19 things you should know about the new crossover. ▲
Much of the former MKX remains The new Nautilus replaces the MKX in the Lincoln luxury utility vehicle lineup, although much of the former midsize model remains in what is essentially a mid-cycle refresh for the vehicle. The platform has been tweaked, with upgrades such as new rear bushings to improve ride and handling. The basic design of the previous vehicle continues – until you get to the A-pillar. From there forward, it’s all new, with a totally different grille that has become the standard for the brand. ▲
Signature grille The front end shares signature design cues with other redesigned members of the Lincoln clan. Most noticeable is the new Lincoln star mesh grille, replacing the gullwing design of the MKX. In fact, the brand’s new signature grille was specifically designed for Nautilus. It was first mounted on an MKX mule and sent out for consumer evaluation in several of Lincoln’s prime markets, including China. Response was so positive, the mesh design was incorporated into other models that were in line for refreshes, such as the MKZ, Continental and Navigator, and finally on the vehicle for which it was originally intended – the Nautilus – and it looks great. ▲
Illuminating design cues Adding to the new-look front end are headlamps that share a signature design with other Lincoln siblings and new turn signals that have moved out into the front fascia. A classy lighting touch is the welcoming puddle light that illuminates as the keyholder approaches the vehicle. Like the Mustang feature that projects the iconic pony symbol on the ground from a LED lamp in the exterior mirror housing, the Nautilus offers the same technology albeit with the Lincoln badge. ▲
High-tech bundle The Nautilus comes equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 technology, which bundles several advanced driver-assist features that were previously offered as separate options. Using cameras and radar, the system provides blind spot and cross-traffic alerts, as well as pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, a lane-keeping function and a rearview camera. Also available is evasive steering assist, provides steering support to help avoid a collision with a slow or stopped vehicle if a potential accident can’t be mitigated by braking alone. There’s also an available package that adds lane centering technology and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. ▲
Rollng on Among the new exterior features is a selection of alloy wheels, all redesigned for the 2019 Nautilus. The base rim is an 18-inch premium painted, ultra-bright machined aluminum model fitted with P245/60R18 all-season tires. However, the available choices run up to a 21-inch package featuring premium painted, ultra-bright machined aluminum rims. ▲
Functional interior stowage The spacious interior shares its basic layout with the previous model, including the use of premium-grade materials and fine craftsmanship. The cantilever-design centre console not only delivers a fresh, airy look to what is typically a basic interior component, but adds additional storage space in the open shelf below the main structure. The console includes a compartment with a wireless charging pad for phones that have this capability. ▲
All the information in one place A large touchscreen displaying navigation, audio and climate control settings, anchors the centre of the instrument panel. It’s flanked left and right by pushbutton controls, including the transmission gear selector and engine start button. A new 12.3 full-colour, high-res display screen occupies the instrument cluster space in front of the driver. It’s easily configured to provide a wide range of information to the driver, including the selection of four driving modes for the vehicle. ▲
Choose your ride I found the choice of driving modes definitely impacts the vehicle’s performance. In addition to altering throttle response, the ride quality and handling are noticeably altered. While the “comfort” mode softens ride harshness to a comfy, relaxed level, one can go to the other end of the scale by choosing the sport or performance modes where the dampening isn’t quite as generous. However, you’re rewarded with improved handling and very minimal body roll, most noticeably during tight cornering and twisty secondary roads. Throughout the mode range, steering and braking remain unchanged – and there’s no need because these dynamics are fine. ▲
Sounds of silence Lincoln engineers have gone to great lengths to reduce the intrusion of exterior wind, road and engine noise into the cabin. In addition to utilizing acoustic side glass and triple-seal weather-stripping around the doors, they’ve added a technology to counteract intruding noises. Sensors in two front speakers and one in the rear monitor the sound level in the cabin and respond as needed by activating the audio amplifier to pump sound waves that neutralize the unwanted noise. I found the system very effective – the cabin remained church quiet, even on concrete roads with their noise-generating expansion joints. ▲
Ultra Comfort seats Seating in the Nautilus is superb, especially when it’s equipped with the available Ultra Comfort front seats. They’re designed with input from orthopedic surgeons and are 22-way power adjustable. Best of all, these seats include a lumbar massage feature – something my prone-to-ache back would appreciate during extended periods behind the wheel. If you opt for the upscale Reserve trim, the seats also include heating and cooling functions. ▲
Space to spare The interior, with overall passenger volume of 3,067 litres, is designed to accommodate five adult occupants, with two sport seats up front and a 60/40-split rear bench. I found the front seats provided excellent support, with plenty of head and leg room. The rear seats, too, had space to spare, even for this 6-foot-plus body. With all that space for people, there’s also plenty of room for their stuff. Leave the rear seatback upright and you’ll have 1,053 litres of cargo space; drop the seatback and the capacity almost doubles to 1,948 litres. ▲
Turbocharging comes standard Two powertrains are offered for 2019, both featuring turbocharging, direct gas injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing. The base engine is a new 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that delivers 250 horsepower at 5.500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3.000 revs. This engine is paired with a new 8-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter. ▲
Power boost from EcoBoost The more powerful member of the Nautilus’ engine lineup is the 24-valve, twin-turbo 2.7-litre V-6. Although a carryover engine, it has been tweaked and upgraded for 2019 to deliver 335 horsepower at 5,500 revs and 380 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. It’s also matched to a new 8-speed transmission, although it is a different SelectShift unit, including different gear ratios, than the gearbox used with the 4-cylinder engine. ▲
Canada gets AWD only Both engines deliver their power through an intelligent all-wheel drive system that’s standard equipment on every Nautilus destined for Canadian buyers. The system channels 90% of the engine output to the front wheels in normal driving conditions, but will automatically split it up to 50/50 between front and rear axles as needed. ▲
4-cylinder smoothness Interestingly, more than one member of the Lincoln team attending the Nautilus launch here mentioned a preference for the new 2.0-litre engine. “I really think it’s a hidden gem,” Lincoln Canada product marketing manager Jim Rideout confided during our media drive. A Lincoln engineer agreed, adding that he’d order that powertrain for his own Nautilus because he found it to be quieter, smoother and more efficient, yet still capable of delivering all the output he desired. After spending time with both powertrains, I must concur. ▲
Identical tow ratings Obviously, with 85 more horses and 100 more lb-ft of torque, the V-6 does have decent response when you mash the go-pedal, but the 4-cylinder isn’t lacking. It pulled well when accelerating onto multi-lane highways and was equally adept dealing with hilly terrain and twisty valley roads. I did notice the transmission worked a bit harder than with the V-6 to select the right gear, but the turbo-4 powertrain certainly delivered well in all the situations. It also has the same towing capacity as its big brother – 1,588 kg (with the optional Class II towing package, regardless of engine choice). ▲
Not models of efficiency Not surprisingly, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo delivers slightly better fuel efficiency than its 2.7-litre, 6-cylinder, twin-turbo stablemate. With the standard all-wheel drive and 8-speed gearbox, the turbo-4 is rated at 12.0 litres/100 km in city driving; 9.6 L/100km on the highway and 10.7 combined, while the twin-turbo “six” is rated at 12.6, 9.2 and 11.0, respectively. ▲
Stop/start can be turned off Both powertrains have automatic stop/start capability, however Lincoln has added a button on the instrument panel to cancel this feature, depending on the driver preference. It’s worth noting that peak horsepower and torque have been measured using 93-octane (premium-grade) fuel, although both engines can function, with reduced output, on regular-grade gasoline. ▲
Priced in the $50,000s The 2019 Nautilus will be offered in Canada in two trim levels – the base Select and premium Reserve. Both trims include all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The Select starts at $50,450, while pricing for the Reserve, which is expected to account for more than 90% of Nautilus sales, opens at $55,350. Delivery fees for both models are $2,000. Production has just started at Lincoln’s Oakville assembly plant and dealers are expecting to have Nautilus models in their showrooms by the end of September. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 19 things to know about Lincoln’s new Nautilus