2024 Lincoln Nautilus First Look

Lincoln’s third generation Nautilus SUV debuted tonight in mid-town Manhattan with new design language, a high-tech interior, an updated version of BlueCruise and, for the first time, an available hybrid powertrain.

The third gen Nautilus will replace an aging current model that has been in the Lincoln lineup since it debuted in late 2015 under its former MKX moniker, which was switched to Nautilus when the car was face-lifted for 2019.

Lincoln aims to attract younger buyers to the brand with a new Nautilus offering that delivers more choice in terms of powertrains and available technology, along with a thoroughly reimagined design and cabin experience.

On the design front, the new Nautilus sports blockier, more angular design language. It’s longer and wider than its predecessor and has a more athletic stance.

Key design elements include new LED headlights (H2 pixel headlights are available) and unlock animations. The Lincoln star in the center of the redesigned signature grille, which also illuminated, connects to the headlights via light bar. Lincoln says these details will represent the company’s lighting vision for the brand moving forward.

Other noteworthy exterior styling cues include wing LED lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, a full width LED taillight element, and door handles that are built into the bottom of the window sills.

All Nautilus trims are also available with the Jet Appearance Package, which comes with a two-tone paint scheme, gloss-black 22-inch wheels, exclusive interior trim finishes and anodized black exterior trim details.

Four signature exterior colors are available: Red Carpet (shown), Diamond Red, Chroma Caviar and Blue Panther. Three new interior schemes are also available: Black Onyx and Medium Light Space Gray, Smoked Truffle, and Black Onyx and Allura Blue. A Black Label (U.S. market only) scheme, Redwood, is also available.

As for propulsion, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus will be offered with gas and gas hybrid powertrains. The gas models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 hp / 275 lb-ft.) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Hybrid models feature a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a 100kW electric motor and continuously variable transmission. Total system output is rated at 310 horsepower.

Nautilus chassis features include an adaptive suspension and sensors that continuously monitor body movement, steering, acceleration, braking and more to deliver a smooth and comfortable drive, according to Lincoln. Five drive modes are standard: normal, conserve, excite, slippery and deep conditions.

Where the new Nautilus really departs from the current model is in the cabin, which has been completely redesigned. New trim finishes, which include crystal-inspired knobs and keys for the transmission shifter, instrument panel toggles and audio controller, are in abundance, as are new surfaces for steering wheel knobs, center console plastics and seat fabrics.

Most eye-catching are the screens, which include an 11.1-inch center dash display, along with a new panel that spans the entire base of the windshield. The latter display is divided into two halves that can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences, but the speedometer and navigation sections are fixed to the left side above the steering wheel. The right-side tiles, that display stereo and climate data among other information, can be rearranged or turned off completely.

Lincoln is also expanding the sensory offerings of the Nautilus, with Lincoln Rejuvenate, which encompasses the experience occupants have when the car isn’t moving. Included here are a suite of programmable features connected to Lincoln’s ‘sanctuary’ experience that are designed to help users recharge.

These items include ambient lighting, screen visuals, seat positioning and massaging, as well as available digital scents. The latter, which is housed in a cartridge in located in the center armrest, comes in three profiles: Mystic Forest (woody), Ozonic Azure (aromatic patchouli), and Violet Cashmere (white florals).

Other cabin features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa built-in, and available Revel Ultima 3D Audio System with 28 speakers.

On the safety front, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus comes packed with a suite of advanced kit including Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and BlueCruise 1.2 with Lane Change Assist, which is a driver assist system that provides hands-free highway driving. With version 1.2, drivers can perform hands-free lane changes by tapping the turn signal.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is available for order now and will go on sale early next year. Starting MSRP is $51,810 USD and $61,900 CAD.

NOTE: All vehicles shown are U.S. pre-production models.