SUV for presidents
The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury SUV formally introduced as the first generation under the name Nautilus, which has been produced since 2018. In fact, this is an upgraded version of the second generation Lincoln MKX, the most popular Lincoln model since 2016. It was originally Lincoln’s smallest SUV, but later it grew up and now occupies an important place between the Corsair and Aviator.
The first generation
The first generation Nautilus, the Lincoln MKX, was introduced in 2007 as a luxury upgraded version of the Ford Edge. The first MKX was equipped with a huge number of options that made it look like something between an autonomous spaceship and a country house with all the amenities, but on wheels. The standard options include:
- sound-absorbing cover;
- automatic headlights;
- illuminated double electric drive rear-view mirrors;
- auto-dimming rearview mirror;
- one-touch power window with the ability to open all windows at the same time;
- electronic door locks;
- remote control for a keyless entry;
- cruise control;
- automatic climate control system…
- and so on.
The interior was equipped with electric driver and passenger lumbar supports, heated front seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, automatic second-row seat folding options, reverse detection system, electric lift door, navigation system, satellite radio, and an audio system.
The MKX had the following safety features: tire pressure monitoring system, three-point seat belts, dual front side airbags, front seat side airbags, curtain airbags, and more. The longest list of the MKX options was preserved in the next generation and passed to the new Nautilus, which expanded that list even more. As known, even the Lincoln manufacturers are not sure about how many options the Lincoln actually has.
As known, even the Lincoln manufacturers are not sure about how many options the Lincoln actually has.
The MKX looked as a typical Lincoln with allowance for size. It was massive, well-built, athletic, yet not as excessively large as the older Lincoln models. The vehicle was clearly not an example of beauty, but it was not devoid of charm inherent in the American Pit Bull Terrier, which, in extreme cases, could be simply eye-catching.
The front face of the MCX was solid and powerful, without a single weak point. The design was particularly distinguished by the distinctive chrome check grille with a large 4-spoke brand star in the center, which was identifying a very limited circle of high-profile sharks, magnates and other charismatic ‘wolves’ of Wall Street.
As for the headlights, the MKX was equipped with driving head lamps and standard chrome fog lamps mounted in the lower bezel. The headlights were controlled by an adaptive system that turned the headlights in the direction set by the driver. The vehicle featured the twin chrome tailpipes backlit by LEDs and a light bar traversing the tailgate. Overall, the MKX looked like an intimidatingly giant Christmas tree toy at night.
The Lincoln MKX was front-wheel drive or, at the request of the client, all-wheel drive. It was built on the Ford CD3 platform. The vehicle was heavy: the front-wheel drive version weighted 1,910 kg and the all-wheel drive weighted two tons. The SUV was equipped with the MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link rear suspension with stamped steel blades and mono-tube dampers. Both the front and rear suspensions had insulated subframes and transverse stabilizers. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes came ad standard on all models, along with traction control and 18-inch aluminum wheels. By the way, the MKX wheels were considered not big enough by many Lincoln fans. 20 inches would have been perfect… If anything, size has always mattered for the Lincoln owners.
The vehicle was standardly equipped with a 3.7L Duratec six-cylinder engine, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In 2008, the MKX underwent a minor restyling, acquiring additional standard features: satellite radio, audio system, heated and cooled front seats, as well as driver’s and passenger’s power lumbar supports. In 2011, a more significant restyling took place. Thus, the vehicle acquired a new interior, new front and rear parts, a 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine with 305 hp.
The second generation
The second generation Lincoln MKX was introduced in 2014. The new generation Lincoln again featured numerous redesigned lamps, including bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, LED taillights or adaptive LED headlights with LED turn signals, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED fog lights.
The standard engine was the same 3.7-liter Duratec with 305 hp. Plus, there was an additional 6-cylinder Ecoboost with a capacity of 335 hp. Both engines were equipped with a Start-Stop function and worked with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In 2018, a total restyling of the second generation MKX took place, after which the new Lincoln Nautilus was born that became a starting point for a new model. The Nautilus was designed to replace the Continental and MKZ Lincoln and to consolidate the brand in the segment of comfortable SUVs.
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard, but buyers can opt for the more powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The new Lincoln Nautilus features a revamped interior and looks more similar to other company’s models. The interior has a new dashboard with a 13.2-inch infotainment monitor. In addition to the standard options of the Nautilus, the package includes a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensitive wipers, an audio system with 13 speakers, navigation in the dashboard, and an electric steering column.
In terms of price/quality/grandiosity ratio, the new Lincoln Nautilus is considered the leader in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
