THE NAUTILUS IS A SOULFUL SEASHELL
The brand-new Lincoln Nautilus stands out as a top-tier, luxurious SUV within a lineup of already stunning and elegant vehicles. Upon first glance, you can easily spot hints of classic Lincoln design, along with influences from top Ford models and the charisma of Land Rover. Serving as the smaller yet equally capable sibling to the Navigator and Aviator, the Nautilus is a comfortable and stylish SUV that performs exceptionally well both during the day and at night. It truly provides a delightful driving experience.
The exterior of the Nautilus is just a glimpse of the luxury that awaits inside, and it does not disappoint. The interior boasts premium materials, user-friendly technology, and a truly enjoyable driving experience. I believe that certain features, like the LED greeting lights that illuminate as you approach the vehicle, will soon become standard in the industry. It's a small detail, but it adds a touch of elegance to the overall experience of entering the cabin. Once you settle into the driver's seat, the 24-way power seats offer a high level of customization and ensure a comfortable ride. During my test drive, I spent three hours behind the wheel without any discomfort, thanks in part to the indulgent seat massage feature. And to complement the luxurious seating, the panoramic Vista Roof allows natural light and scenic views to fill the cabin, creating a serene driving environment.
Traveling from Halifax, NS to Charlottetown, PEI, the Nautilus proved to be a reliable companion with its impressive power and handling capabilities. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, along with the hybrid powertrain and 8-speed automatic transmission, delivered a smooth and efficient drive through various road conditions, including sharp turns and steep hills. The Select tester model I had the pleasure of driving boasted 250 horsepower and all-wheel-drive, ensuring a dynamic performance on the road.
As hybrid technology gains popularity, the Nautilus stands out with its 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine option available across all trim levels. This hybrid engine, capable of producing a total system horsepower of 310, is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a 100kW electric motor. Not only does it offer power and efficiency but also a seamless driving experience that caters to the demands of modern-day road trips. The Driver Support settings include Normal, Comfort, and Sport, but I found myself perfectly content sticking with Normal. I really enjoy Adaptive Cruise Control, and even though I've used it in other Lincoln models, I decided to skip it this time since the drive was just too exciting to miss out on. However, I did activate Lincoln’s Lane Centering System, which is great for keeping the car centered in its lane and gives you a little nudge through the steering wheel if you start to drift.
The new BlueCruise technology, which includes Lane Change Assist that lets you switch lanes hands-free with just a flick of the turn signal when it's safe to do so, and In-Lane Repositioning that subtly moves the car away from nearby vehicles for extra space, is shocking and boldly exciting. BlueCruise is already in over 303,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles worldwide, with North American drivers logging more than 164 million miles without using their hands. With Lincoln BlueCruise managing the braking, acceleration, and steering, it really elevates the driving experience, making it less stressful whether you're commuting or on a long journey, so you can arrive feeling refreshed.
The 2025 Nautilus really nails it when it comes to overall satisfaction, striking the perfect balance between power for those adventurous coastal drives and the luxury you want for everyday errands.
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