At first look, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus seems to be like a totally new automobile. In actuality, it is a midcycle replace of the second-generation MKX that launched in 2015. To its credit score, the 2019 Nautilus represents one of many extra substantial facelifts we have seen not too long ago, with new exterior styling, drivetrain enhancements and feature-set revisions. The finish result’s a luxurious crossover that is value your consideration.
The Lincoln lookWhile some midcycle updates are nothing greater than barely noticeable nips and tucks, the Nautilus’ overhaul is drastic, particularly up entrance. Gone is the busy, split-wing grille of the previous MKX, changed by a single-frame chrome design that ties the Nautilus to its different Lincoln stablemates. This fairly sized grille is in stark distinction to what BMW is doing with its steroid-infused kidney grilles or Lexus’ can’t-miss spindle mugs — we want extra automakers would undertake this less-is-more ethos.
Complemented by new wheel designs and a reworked entrance fascia, the result’s a Nautilus that is not wildly emotional or over-the-top in look, however a clear, elegant crossover. It’s fairly enticing, particularly in my take a look at automotive’s shade of chroma elite copper paint.Different as the outside is, the Nautilus’ cabin hasn’t acquired the identical overhaul. But that is not essentially a foul factor. There are beneficiant quantities of head- and legroom for each entrance and rear passengers, and there is a sizable 37.2 cubic toes of cargo house within the trunk space, which grows to 68.8 with the backs eats down. Soft, leather-wrapped surfaces in a two-tone brown and white coloration scheme feel and appear premium, whereas new-for-2019 acoustic aspect glass and extra sound insulation maintain every thing hushed inside.
The cabin’s huge change is the addition of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A middle stack with nice-sized and clearly marked knobs and buttons to regulate audio and local weather stays, although that is the one space the place the Lincoln is beginning to look dated.Tried-and-true techSpearheading infotainment within the Nautilus is Ford’s venerable Sync 3 interface that will get Lincoln-specific background colours, housed in an 8-inch touchscreen. Sync 3 positively is not as visually spectacular to have a look at as methods from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, however it’s intuitively laid out and is responsive sufficient to instructions. The onboard navigation system calculates routes briefly order and the 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio setup in my range-topping Black Label tester provides clear, crisp sound.Other tips up Sync’s sleeve embrace a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and integration for Amazon Alexa and Waze. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally normal for folk preferring to show infotainment tasks to their smartphones.
The Nautilus’ energy level recreation is robust as effectively, with individuals in entrance accessing a wi-fi cost pad, two USB ports and two 12-volt sockets. Kids within the backseat should not have any points with lifeless telephones or tablets, both, with a three-prong plug and 12-volt outlet inside simple attain on the again of the middle console.No matter the trim stage, each Nautilus comes normal with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 group of security applied sciences. That contains ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and computerized excessive beams. On the Black Label, the record is beefed up with a superb adaptive cruise management system, lane-centering tech, parking sensors and lively park help. A 360-degree digital camera can be right here, although picture decision is not nice and admittedly disappointing to see in a luxurious automobile.Comfortable, however not goodOn the efficiency entrance, the Nautilus will get a brand new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. My tester, nonetheless, has the larger and badder 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6, churning out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both powerplants work with a brand new eight-speed computerized transmission. With the extra highly effective engine and all-wheel drive, the Nautilus is estimated to return 19 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 26 mpg on the freeway.
The twin-turbo V6 packs strong midrange grunt.
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In Sport mode, there’s noticeable energy lag underneath preliminary acceleration, however the engine actually wakes up above 2,000 rpm. However, the transmission may use some work. Shifts aren’t at all times constantly swift on this sportier setting. Putting the Nautilus into its Normal mode smooths out gearbox habits a bit, however there’s nonetheless some noticeable wonkiness to this eight-speed unit.
Sport mode additionally stiffens the adaptive dampers and provides some weight to the steering, leading to pretty sharp reflexes for a 4,305-pound luxurious crossover. Turn-in is fast and there is respectable grip available from the 265/40 R21 Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires. However, there’s nonetheless some physique roll, and never a lot steering really feel. Anyone on the lookout for somebody extra participating from behind the wheel will need to have a look at the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 as a substitute.On the opposite hand, if it is a snug trip you are after, positively take a look at the Lincoln. The Nautilus is at its finest in Comfort mode, delivering a comfortable trip whereas cruising round city — enhanced by the therapeutic massage perform of my tester’s Ultra Comfort entrance seats. Yes, even on this honkin’ 21-inch wheel-and-tire bundle, the suspension gobbles up impacts outstanding effectively. You’ll simply must be OK with the occasional audible thud being transmitted into the cabin. The Nautilus is at its finest as a snug cruiser.
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Pretty and plushWith its base, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus begins at $41,335, together with $995 for vacation spot. My Black Label mannequin is available in at a lofty $69,380, however along with its $8,995 value of choices, provides possession perks like service pickup and re-delivery, anytime automotive washes, concierge companies and an annual full automotive element.My splendid Nautilus is the $49,870 Reserve mannequin, which incorporates the adaptive suspension system and 20-inch wheels. It’s a heavy automotive, so tacking on $2,070 for the turbo V6 is one thing I am going to do, as is including $2,495 for all-wheel drive as a result of winter within the Midwest can get tough. Important options like blind-spot monitoring and a 13-speaker Revel sound system are already included, making any tech-related add-ons pointless. The solely different factor I’ll spring for are the $1,500 Ultra Comfort entrance seats as a result of the therapeutic massage perform is fairly nice. That brings my Lincoln price ticket to $55,935 — a much more cheap ask than the automotive pictured right here.With a good-looking new face, quiet and feature-rich cabin and clean trip character, the up to date 2019 MK– er, Nautilus solidifies its spot as a critical participant within the midsize luxurious crossover section. The Lexus RX is its hardest competitor, however provides a duller drive and fewer interesting styling. If you worth cushiness above all, the Nautilus would possibly simply be for you.