There seem to be nothing but SUVs on the road these days, in all sizes, shapes and flavors. Believe it or not, Lincoln, that bastion of the classic American luxury car, no longer offers sedans, just SUVs, which range in size from medium to huge. In the middle of that range is the all new Lincoln Nautilus, a good looking luxurious vehicle meant to meet the needs of modern affluent motorists and families.

The most striking feature of the Nautilus is its “immersive panoramic display,” a cabin-wide screen that stretches from door to door and displays traditional automotive features like the speedometer and fuel level and provides information and entertainment to front seat passengers. The screen is so big and wide the Nautilus should come with a built-in popcorn maker. It is supplemented by an 11.1 inch center-stack screen that controls the audio, climate control, vehicular settings and other more traditional automotive functions. Buttons for transmission selection are located in the middle of the center console. Drive modes include normal, conserve, excite, slippery and deep conditions. An available digital scent might be a welcome reprieve from the smells that typically emanate from the back seat of a family SUV.

Capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel allow use of the radio, cruise control, driver assist features and phone functions without having to remove your hands from the oddly shaped rectangular steering wheel. Since round wheels have been popular since the dawn of civilization, Lincoln’s decision to use a rounded rectangular “wheel” seems a bit odd, since the wheel tilts and telescopes electrically with no need for a flat bottom steering wheel like on a small sports car. Perhaps they wanted something different and distinctive. The odd shape takes a bit of getting used to, particularly in tighter turns and because the power steering is a bit overboosted.

Interior accouterments include dual automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a boffo audio system that thankfully includes a large physical volume knob at the bottom of the display screen. The display screen is relatively easy to navigate and use, but can be a bit slow at times, which may require taking one’s eyes off the road momentarily. Rear seat room is most generous, especially leg room, so rear seat passengers can also travel in luxury and comfort, enjoying their own air vents and USB ports and even a second sunroof that extends over the second row, though only the front one opens. Cargo space below the electric tailgate is also surprisingly large and conveniently accessed and can be expanded if necessary by lowering the 60/40 split rear seat. It even offers a real spare tire beneath the cargo floor.

Of course being a somewhat large SUV with a four-cylinder turbo engine, the Nautilus isn’t going to win any races, but power is adequate for normal driving conditions. Favoring luxury over performance, power delivery is smooth and steady, and the supple suspension provides a nice smooth ride over a variety of road surfaces while delivering decent handling. Brakes are up to the task of stopping with ease. An automatic on/off setting for the engine can be disabled.

On the safety front, the Nautilus offers a blind spot warning system with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and pre-collision assist with automatic braking.
According to Ken Peterson, general sales manager at Dave Sinclair Lincoln, “The Nautilus offers good looking, modern styling and large screens that can be adjusted to the driver’s preferences. It’s a nice driving vehicle and the perfect size.

technicals

Price

  • Base: $75,645, including delivery
  • As driven with options, $80,645

Gas mileage

  • 21 city
  • 29 highway

Drivetrain

  • Front engine; all-wheel drive
  • 2.0 litre turbo 4 cylinder engine
  • 250 horsepower
  • 8-speed automatic transmission

Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.