Lincoln has almost completed its lineup with the new Continental nose introducing the Nautilus earlier today at the LA Auto Show.
Earlier yesterday I predicted, although it wasn’t exactly a secret, that Lincoln would unveil its updated Lincoln MKX with a new front end, more in line with its Continental and I was right. According to Lincoln Motors in a press release they dropped earlier today, the successor to the MKX is called the Nautilus. Not only did Lincoln update the nose, they’ve also dropped the naturally aspirated V6 as base engine and swapped the more compact and fuel efficient 2.0L Ecoboost four-cylinder. Check out a couple of photos of Lincoln’s mid-sized SUV below.
Lincoln calls this new front end strong, bold, and in line with the rest of the Lincoln family. Unlike the Ford Edge on which it’s based, the Nautilus will benefit from a premium selection of wheels that will suit the driver’s taste.
Big news comes from under the hood as purely on a tale of the tape, Lincoln’s new base engine is slightly less powerful than the engine it replaces (when it comes to peak power that is.) The old Cologne V6 put out a respectable 303 HP and 278 lb-ft. The new base engine, a 2.0L Ecoboost four-cylinder, makes 345 HP and 275 lb-ft. But with power in turbo engines more available throughout the rev range, I’m sure those who opt for the base engine won’t be disappointed.
Like the newly introduced MKC, the Nautilus benefits from three subthemes of its Black Label Experience. Chalet adds mountain themed touches to the interior, Thoroughbred adds a horse-themed touch, and Gala gives the Nautilus a “Met Gala night out” sort of vibe with leather and aluminum accents “magnified by a panoramic roof.”
Earmarked right at the end of the press release was the tacking on of a six-month complimentary CLEAR membership
…allowing them to speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide. Lincoln Black Label members will receive a 12-month complimentary membership.
The Nautilus looks the part of a premium Lincoln vehicle and should appeal to mid-sized SUV shoppers. MKX sales have steadily grown throughout the years with sales taking a second peak last year with 30,000+ units sold. Those numbers should hold strong for at least a couple more years with the Nautilus.
