2024 Lincoln Nautilus surprises with new hybrid powertrain

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In a surprise move, Ford’s much-touted 2.7-litre EcoBoost will no longer be offered in Lincoln’s Nautilus when it’s remade for 2024. Blessed with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the pint-sized V6 was a powerhouse. But this is the era of carbon-reducing, and six pistons, no matter how precisely tuned, are not nearly as efficient as four.

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So, for 2024, the Nautilus’ optional upgrade — available in all trims — will be a hybrid. But not just any hybrid, one that sees a stout 100-kiolowatt electric motor mated to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four that serves as the base engine in the mid-sized Lincoln. Ford provides no fuel economy information, but does say the combination is good for 310 “system” horsepower. About the only questionable aspect of the new powertrain option, in our opinion, is how it’s hooked up to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The base engine, meanwhile, remains the 2.0T, itself good for 250 hp and 275 pound-feet of torque. It also retains Lincoln’s smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains are hooked up to an all-wheel-drive system.

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In the chassis department, Lincoln calls the ride “gliding” thanks to totally adjustable suspension at all four wheels. A suite of sensors constantly monitors vehicle motion, body movement, acceleration, steering, and braking movements, and adjusts damping accordingly. It’s all controlled by five drive modes – Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions – each one configuring suspension and throttle response to the specific conditions.

BlueCruise 1.2 makes an appearance, with Lincoln claiming its hands-free driving now feels more human-like. For instance, Lincoln says its Lane Change Assist lets the Nautilus perform a hands-free lane change just by tapping the turn signal. This latest version of BlueCruise can even suggest if a lane change would be beneficial when following slower-moving traffic. An In-Lane Repositioning feature even takes into account other cars beside you, rather than focusing on only the lane demarcations lines, so you’re better situated in your lane while cruising.

Inside, the Nautilus’ signature feature is a new Revel Ultima 3D Audio System that’s blessed with no fewer than 28 speakers. Coupled with the 24-way Perfect Position driver and passenger seats, Lincoln says the all-new Nautilus creates a “concert-like experience.”

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When you’re not beating your eardrums into submission via the Strolling Bones, the Nautilus has plenty of other high-techery on offer. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both work through wireless connections, and Alexa Built-in makes it easy to control the infotainment system and smart-home devices with voice commands. And over-the-air software updates will keep the Nautilus au courant by powering up additional entertainment experiences as they are developed.

There’s also something called Lincoln Rejuvenate. The company says it “orchestrates specially curated sensory experiences” by adjusting lighting, visuals, and personal preferences such as seating position and massage options all to let the clients to “recharge.” Besides elevating marketing bafflegab to yet another new pinnacle, Rejuvenate also generates “symphonic orchestration with crisp, high-resolution animations on the displays creates an immersive digital sanctuary based on different moods.” I think the next level in interior hedonism will have to be described as “fully orgasmic.”

However satisfying the new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus turns out to be, it will arrive in dealerships early in the new year and starts at $61,900. Order books open on April 17, 2023.