The Lincoln Nautilus encounters the smooth charisma of American premium luxury.
The Lincoln Nautilus has been replaced with a full model change after four years since its domestic launch in 2019. It’s an SUV that embodies the essence of American premium luxury. Lincoln has built its vehicle lineup solely around SUVs in the domestic market, ranging from the Navigator to the Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair, with the Nautilus being a mid-sized model.
The robust horizontal design lines at both the front and rear extend into the interior. The door handle, raised at the bottom of the window frame, stands out. This is a different style from the increasingly popular hidden door grips. Is it a determination to create a personal style rather than follow trends? Or simply stubbornness?
If I had to point out one standout feature in the new Nautilus, it would be the massive 48-inch screen that fills the dashboard. A vivid color screen wraps broadly around the driver and passenger seats, creating a whole new atmosphere. The steering wheel is flat-cut at the top and bottom, which is more advantageous when viewing the gauge cluster. With the cluster elevated, there’s no need for a head-up display—this is a clever detail choice.
The center fascia, easily reachable, is equipped with an 11.1-inch touchscreen. The piano key-like shift buttons do not allow for manual shifting, and there are no paddle shifters either. Just hit the D button and smoothly set off. If you need a bit more power, simply choose the S option. The audio knob for volume controls is made of crystal and reflects a beautiful light.
The seats are remarkable. They provide excellent support without pinching the body. You can customize the area connecting the left and right thighs differently. There’s a massage feature as well, allowing you to adjust the function and intensity for a personalized massage experience.
Three fragrances are available inside the cabin. The center console is equipped with three scent cartridges for users to enjoy their preferred aroma. The power of scent is significant; a subtle scent can clear the mind and brighten a gloomy mood. The Nautilus is something you can remember by its fragrance.
The Level Ultima 3D audio system places 28 speakers throughout the cabin, delivering sound beyond expectation. The clarity of sound becomes a physical experience as the volume increases. To truly enjoy this audio system, it would be wise to prepare lossless audio files.
The 2.0-liter twin-turbo engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers a maximum output of 252 horsepower and a peak torque of 38.0kgm. With a curb weight of 2,065kg, it necessitates 8.2kg for every horsepower—somewhat heavier for a mid-sized SUV.
At 100 km/h, the RPM exceeds 2,000. Despite the 2.0-liter displacement and the 8-speed transmission, the engine revs tend to be higher.
The adaptive suspension continuously monitors vehicle motion, steering, acceleration, and braking with its 12 sensors and reacts accordingly. While firm, it also retains a soft feel when encountering road shocks. Compared to the rigid suspensions of European cars, it’s on the softer side. This could be a great alternative for consumers who aren’t fond of stiff suspensions.
Using a GPS-based measurement tool, I recorded the time and distance it took to accelerate to 100 km/h, achieving a best time of 7.8 seconds.
Lincoln’s driver assistance system is called Lincoln-Co-Pilot 360. It includes safety features such as an emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, and lane-keeping assist, all contributing to a well-rounded driver support system. This system performs its duties accurately, supporting the driver in braking, accelerating, and steering.
Driving from Heyri Village in Paju to Seoul Gyodae Station in conserve mode for economical driving, the achieved fuel efficiency over 55 kilometers was 13.9 km/L. Despite heavy traffic caused by an accident, taking 1 hour and 30 minutes for the 55 km distance, this result is significant when compared to the official combined fuel efficiency figure of 9.0 km/L.
The Nautilus exudes the smooth charisma of American premium luxury. From its exterior and interior design, safety and convenience features, large screen, and crystal lever, to the aromatic elements that enhance the luxurious cabin atmosphere, and the gentle driving texture—these characteristics distinctly set Lincoln apart from European vehicles.
At 77.4 million KRW, it offers a reasonable price compared to European competitors. It’s unfortunate that Lincoln’s value is not well-known in Korea. Nonetheless, it presents a great option for sensible and practical consumers.
Direct Opinion from Oh Jong-hoon
There are no paddles, and shifting requires button presses. Manual shifting with the 8-speed transmission is not possible. This can be disappointing for those who enjoy a more proactive driving experience. The RPM exceeds 2,000 at 100 km/h, and being able to shift up might reduce the engine’s revs. Conversely, for those wanting to drive dynamically up to 3,000-4,000 RPM, there aren’t many options. The S button alone is insufficient for that.
The large monitor is spectacular, but what fills it lacks substance. With a premium audio system in place, watching videos or movies on the large display would be ideal, but that option isn’t available. The challenge lies in figuring out how to enjoy this large monitor appropriately.
Oh Jong-hoon yes@autodiary.kr