2021 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label
The Lincoln Nautilus midsize 5-passenger crossover debuted for 2019 as a completely revamped model of the Lincoln MKZ. Actually, the Nautilus was the car that heralded Lincoln’s transition away from the alphabetic (and never notably nicely acquired) “MK” naming conference the model started utilizing round 2007. The 2020 mannequin 12 months noticed the debuts of the all-new compact Corsair compact SUV (which took the place of the MKC) and Aviator three-row midsize SUV (which primarily changed the MKT). These autos bookended the Nautilus in Lincoln’s mannequin lineup, and so they additionally launched new inside/exterior styling themes and an additional refinement of the Lincoln model’s “Quiet Flight” design philosophy—all components that weren’t absolutely fashioned on the time of the Nautilus’s introduction simply two mannequin years prior.
The highest-line Nautilus Black Label comes normal with all-wheel drive and 21-inch wheels.
So, for the 2021 mannequin 12 months the Nautilus will get a superb freshening that brings it extra in sync with the remainder of Lincoln’s mannequin lineup. The outside will get a light replace through a freshened entrance fascia, however the massive modifications occur on the within. A brand new inside brings an all-new dashboard design highlighted by a brand new “Sync 4” infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen.
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The Nautilus will get an all-new dashboard design highlighted by the brand new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Stereo and local weather controls are logically organized on a separate panel under the push-button gear selector, and a cubby bin with a sliding cowl homes USB/USB-C ports and the wi-fi charging pad.
As earlier than, the Nautilus mannequin lineup ascends by Normal (MSRP: $41,940), Reserve ($49,410), and top-line Black Label ($65,090) trim ranges. Normal and Reserve are powered by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and can be found with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD tacks on one other $2500). The Black Label comes normal with AWD and steps as much as a 335-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6. Among the many Black Label’s different normal options are 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, Venetian leather-based upholstery, artificial suede headliner, and Revel Ultima 19-speaker audio system. Additionally normal is the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus suite of expertise options, which incorporates adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality and lane centering, Evasive Steering Help, Enhanced Lively Park Help, and a 360-degree surround-view digital camera show.
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There are a few helpful open-sided storage cubbies beneath the console and tucked behind the stereo/climate-control panel.
Our check car was a Black Label completed in Lincoln Flight Blue paint (a brand new shade for ’21, together with Asher Gray and Inexperienced Gem) and outfitted with the “Chalet” inside design theme. It was additionally geared up with the non-obligatory Cargo Utility Bundle ($365), 18-inch mini spare tire ($150), satin-finish roof-rack facet rails ($195), and Extremely Consolation 22-way energy entrance seats ($1500; these embody energy thigh extenders, energy headrests, and 11 unbiased air cushions—seven of which supply an Lively Movement rolling-pattern therapeutic massage operate). Add the $995 vacation spot payment, and the bottom-line value was $68,295—lots steep, however on par with equally geared up European rivals.
The Nautilus’s new dashboard structure has a robust horizontal emphasis, which brings it extra consistent with the Corsair, Aviator, and Navigator. The shifter set-up nonetheless makes use of push buttons, however as an alternative of the earlier vertical association, the buttons are actually specified by a horizontal “piano-key” vogue within the middle of the sprint, slightly below the HVAC vents. We acclimated to this simply sufficient, however the Drive button is likely to be a slight attain for some drivers.
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The Nautilus will get Lincoln’s Cellphone As A Key smartphone functionality, for locking/unlocking and beginning the car with out a conventional key fob.
An angled panel slightly below the gear-selector buttons is dwelling to audio-system and local weather controls. The buttons have clear backlit markings, and there are bodily knobs for the HVAC system’s fan velocity, and the stereo’s quantity and tuning. All of those controls are properly positioned and straightforward to make use of whereas driving. We give equally excessive marks to the brand new Sync 4 infotainment system. The generously sized touchscreen is straightforward to succeed in, and its structure is intuitive. The touchscreen is attentive to “light-touch” inputs, and the system’s response occasions are fast. In step with Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” philosophy, even the on-screen graphics are stress-free. The primary background is Lincoln’s new “Constellation” theme—a stunning “twilight turning to nighttime” picture with darkish blue hues, stars, and an orange tint on the backside. In case you REALLY don’t need to be distracted, there’s even a “calm display screen” setting that shows solely the time and date towards a blue background (scroll to the gallery on the finish of this text for an image).
Different highlights of the brand new infotainment system are wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, conversational voice recognition, over-the-air software program updates (which permits the system to be improve with new capabilities sooner or later), and a digital proprietor’s guide full with a search operate and how-to/demo movies (although we famous that at the very least a few these movies featured “MK” autos that Lincoln now not makes… perhaps these vids shall be up to date sooner or later?)
For 2021, the Nautilus additionally will get Lincoln’s Cellphone As A Key expertise through the Lincoln Approach smartphone app, enabling house owners to depart the normal key fob at dwelling. Cellphone As A Key can lock, unlock, and begin the car remotely, and the app additionally permits opening the liftgate, powering the home windows up or down, and activating the horn and lights to assist find the car in a crowded car parking zone.
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In Black Label trim, the Nautilus’s cabin ambiance is particularly elegant. Our check car was completed within the “Chalet” theme, which is meant to evoke the texture of a ski lodge. The leather-based upholstery has a wealthy, supple really feel.
Certainly one of our favourite Black Label options is the unbelievable Revel Ultima audio system. It ought to fulfill the pickiest of audiophiles, however you don’t need to be an audiophile to understand how unbelievable this stereo sounds. We’re keen on pulling up the Sirius XM 60s, 70s, and 80s decade stations on the Ultima system, and discovering every kind of sonic particulars and dimensions in outdated AM/FM pop-music staples—songs that we’ve heard lots of of occasions earlier than, however by no means on a system this good.
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A panoramic sunroof is normal on Reserve and Black Label fashions. It offers an open-air really feel, however the sunroof’s housing steals a little bit of head room for tall occupants, particularly within the again seat.
The cabin gives good house for average-sized adults within the entrance and rear seats, although extra-tall passengers may want for a bit extra legroom when the entrance seats are adjusted all the way in which again. The accessible panoramic sunroof’s housing steals a little bit of headroom for tall passengers as nicely. The leather-based upholstery and faux-suede headliner feel and look nice, nevertheless, and the reclining rear seatbacks are one other consolation plus.
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There’s 37.2 cubic ft of cargo house behind the second-row seats, which grows to 68.8 cubic ft with the rear seat backs folded… these numbers are a bit higher than common for a premium-brand 5-passenger crossover.
Dynamically, the Nautilus drives like its inside and exterior styling suggests—a relaxed demeanor is prioritized over athleticism. The suspension is tuned for consolation and absorbency, not nook carving. The steering is extra about delivering a buttery-smooth really feel than optimum street suggestions, however it’s responsive and correct. It’s additionally properly boosted, for fast, simple low-speed maneuvering in parking tons and the like.
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The Nautilus receives a light lower-front-fascia refresh for 2021 that provides it a barely extra subdued look.
The 335-hp turbo V6 provides ample energy for around-town driving, and, after a quick delay for a downshift and/or the turbos to spool up, satisfying passing punch on the freeway as nicely. The engine be aware can sound a bit of coarse at idle, however the sound could be very nicely muffled total. Wind rush and tire noise are very nicely managed as nicely—it is a laudably quiet car.
There are undoubtedly midsize luxurious SUVs which have a extra dynamic really feel and driving character than the Nautilus, however Lincoln’s deal with serenity has advantage as nicely. And after the 12 months that was 2020, an SUV that doubles as a “calming sanctuary” has a whole lot of attraction.
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The spotlight of the Lincoln Nautilus’s freshening for 2021 is the Sync 4 infotainment system. It brings new ranges of performance and furthers the “calming sanctuary” vibe that is a Lincoln-brand signature.
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2021 Lincoln Nautilus Gallery
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2021 Lincoln Nautilus
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