2019 Lincoln Nautilus Revealed Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show
Lincoln has just unveiled the new 2019 Nautilus midsize SUV, which is slated to replace the current MKX. The reveal comes ahead of the vehicle’s official debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show today.
While the Nautilus isn’t an all-new model, it’s more than just a refreshed Lincoln MKX. A fact that is immediately apparent because the brand’s new front-end design language has been adapted to the vehicle. The rear of the Nautilus does still bear many similarities to the MKX, as does the interior.
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“With the introduction of Nautilus, Lincoln has a strong, distinctive portfolio with a common and recognizable identity,” says Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra. “We’re excited to add Nautilus to our Lincoln family of luxury SUVs, along with a new name that better reflects the ideas and attitudes of Lincoln clients.”
The new name will be a welcome piece of news to many people as the automaker moves away from the benign three-lettering identification it has been using as of late. The Nautilus follows the Continental in ditching its old designation, while the MKC compact SUV and MKZ midsize sedan keep their current nameplates for now. The Navigator full-size SUV retains is popular name as well.
Under the hood of the new Nautilus, we find an all-turbocharged 4-cylinder lineup, including a standard 2.0-litre engine making 245 horsepower. The larger 2.7-litre powerplant makes 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.
In an interview with The Car Guide, Lincoln Director of Global Marketing for Sales and Service Robert Parker said that the company is excited to be able to offer new Lincoln-first driving aid technology on the Nautilus. “These new technologies allow the driver’s stress level to go down rather than up when they enter the vehicle,” Parker said.
Among the new tech is a new lane-centering feature that subtly keeps the vehicle centered using cameras and other sensors, along with adaptive cruise control that features stop-and-go technology. Also new is Evasive Steer Assist which can automatically steer the vehicle around a stationary object if it isn’t possible to stop in time.
Parker also highlighted Lincoln’s expansion in China that will allow more sales and even more investment into the brand. This year, Lincoln expects to sell its 100,000th vehicle in China since entering the market in 2014. All Nautiluses—like the MKX predecessor—will continue to be built at the Oakville, Ontario plant.
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus hits dealerships this spring.