The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that debuts for the 2019 model year, replacing the MKX name in the Lincoln lineup.
The Nautilus is not an all-new vehicle in the Lincoln lineup. Instead, it is essentially the same as the 2018 Lincoln MKX, but with a few updates and changes, including:
- New lane-centering feature that helps subtly maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane
- Enhanced features for a smoother, more connected drive
- More standard ownership services
- Gala, an opulent new Lincoln Black Label theme that takes its cues from the world of haute couture at New York’s Met Gala
Competitive Environment
Lincoln states that the MKX attracts new clients to the brand, with a conquest rate of nearly 40 percent. The brand stated in a press release that clients cross over from Cadillac, Lexus and other brands.
To that end, Lincoln MKX sales are strong. The model accounted for 31,031 sales in the United States during the 2017 calendar year, its best sales year since its introduction in 2007. Lincoln states that “tasteful design, exceptional craftsmanship and room for up to five passengers make it a popular choice for clients in the market for a luxury crossover vehicle.”
Starting in the summer of 2018, Lincoln MKX sales will transition to being Lincoln Nautilus sales.
Exterior
The Nautilus maintains the unique and sleek shape of the MKX, which Lincoln describes as delivering a “harmonious aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency.”
Compared to the MKX it replaces, the Nautilus’ exterior sees a slight freshening that aligns it better with the rest of the Lincoln family. The model now has an updated grille, taillights and wheels.
The grille – which Lincoln describes as “a strong, bold” signature grille – is similar to that seen on the Lincoln Continental, Navigator and 2019 MKC.
Out back, the MKX’s red taillights are replaced with a lighter hue that still stretches along the entire rear end.
A new wheel selection allows clients to order a Lincoln Nautilus to suit their personal style.
Interior
The cabin of the 2019 Nautilus remains the same as on the MKX, with the exception of two changes:
- The addition of a new 12.3-inch reconfigurable cluster that displays easy-to-read driver information crisply and clearly, in place of the MKX’s traditional gauges
- The addition of acoustic side glass, aimed at reducing wind noise for rear passengers
The cabin remains thoughtfully designed, providing a spacious, modern interior that keeps the focus on comfort and serves as a sanctuary from the outside world.
Available Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways for personalized comfort, providing lumbar massage designed to reduce fatigue. Developed with input from orthopedic surgeons, this feature is especially beneficial on long trips or while waiting in traffic. Heated and cooled seats are available on the Reserve model. Available 13-speaker and 19-speaker Revel audio systems offer the ultimate sound experience to add to the soothing environment.
A sleek console serves to open up the cabin, while the sophisticated push-button gear selector integrates seamlessly with classic knobs and buttons. A concealed wireless charging pad allows compatible smartphones to stay connected, and puts an end to the hassle of tangled cords.
A large center touch screen serves as the portal to standard SYNC 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, enabling clients to manage audio, phone, navigation and more either from that point or steering wheel-mounted controls.
The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and hand-stitched steering.
Welcome Lighting
The 2019 Nautilus features Lincoln’s signature welcome lighting experience. The vehicle “welcomes” clients with Lincoln embrace lighting, first from the outside, then from the cabin.
Trim Levels
Though not announced officially, we expect that the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus will be offered in the following trim levels:
- Premiere
- Select
- Reserve
- Black Label, including:
- Chalet
- Thoroughbred
- Gala
Black Label
Lincoln Black Label not only provides premium materials in specially curated designer themes, but also offers a host of membership privileges. These include annual vehicle detailing, anytime carwashes, and access to a select list of restaurants where noted chefs will provide an at-your-service dining experience.
The 2019 Nautilus offers three new Lincoln Black Label themes – Chalet, Thoroughbred and all-new Gala:
- Chalet, new for Lincoln Nautilus, evokes the contrasting pleasures of pulse-pounding mountain slopes and the inherent comfort of an après-ski lodge. With Espresso and Alpine Venetian leathers and deep Silverwood appliqués, each touch is designed to awaken the senses
- Thoroughbred celebrates the distinguished and elite lifestyle of horse racing, offering a reflection of traditional American history. Rich Venetian leathers capture the spirit of the equestrian life, while Chilean Maple wood, Alcantara accents and Jet Black trim carry the excitement throughout
- Gala, inspired by haute couture at New York’s Met Gala, features seats draped in a deeply hued and elegant Carmine leather complemented by Onyx leather and an Alcantara headliner. Handsome Nouveax Armor aluminum accents bring a lightness to the cabin, with a luster magnified by the available panoramic roof
Active Safety
The 2019 Nautilus introduces a suite of driver-assist technologies designed to inspire confidence and make each journey enjoyable.
“The technology in this vehicle is thoughtful and purposeful,” said Lincoln President, Kumar Galhotra. “We focused on bringing in innovative features to make each drive effortless for our clients.”
The new tech includes a lane-centering feature that pairs with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality to help subtly maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane using a combination of radar and cameras.
In addition, evasive steer assist is also new. The system uses radar and cameras to analyze the gap between slower-moving and stationary vehicles on the road ahead to lessen the risk of a rear-end collision. If the risk is high and there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, the system helps the driver steer around the vehicle.
Additional driver-assist technologies include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Information System
- Active park assist
- Lane-departure warningl
- Lane-keeping aid
- Auto-hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to hold the brakes in stop-and-go traffic
Powertrain
The 2019 Nautilus features an all-turbocharged lineup, including:
- A base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 245 horsepower and an unspecified amount of torque; it replaces the MKX’s standard 3.7-liter V6 engine
- An optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque; the motor features modern combustion technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT)
Both engines include Auto Start-Stop capability and are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All models come with front-wheel-drive as standard and all models offer optional all-wheel-drive for roughly a $2,500 premium.
Platform
Like the second-generation MKX before it, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus rides on the corporate Ford CD4 platform.
Ownership Experience
Lincoln continues to increase its focus on ways to make an effortless ownership experience, such as standard Pickup and Delivery for the new Nautilus. In fact, Lincoln is the only luxury automaker to provide Pickup and Delivery as a standard service for all its vehicles to save clients time and effort. But there’s more.
Starting January 1, 2018 , new Lincoln owners will receive a six-month complimentary CLEAR membership, allowing them to go through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide quickly. Lincoln Black Label members will receive a 12-month complimentary membership.
Ease of ownership is also enabled through the Lincoln Way app, which allows clients to start, lock, unlock and locate their new Nautilus, as well as schedule remote starts to enable the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels. Owners can use the app to monitor fuel levels, and check tire pressures and battery status. Lincoln Way also allows clients to make monthly vehicle payments or pay for parking.
Naming
Lincoln states that the change in naming from MKX to Nautilus “better reflects the ideas and attitudes” of its clients.
“We’re excited to add Nautilus to our Lincoln family of luxury SUVs, along with a new name that better reflects the ideas and attitudes of our clients”, Lincoln President, Kumar Galhotra, was quoted as saying.
Pre-Debut Leak
Prior to its official unveiling, the vehicle was leaked by several websites on Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 ahead of its reveal at the 2017 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Reveal
The 2019 Nautilus was revealed on November 28th, 2017 at the 2017 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Availability
The new 2019 Lincoln Nautilus became available at Lincoln dealers in the summer of 2018.
News
Follow our coverage of Lincoln Nautilus news.
Discussion, Questions & Answers
Discuss the Lincoln Nautilus, ask questions and receive answers in our Lincoln forum.
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