With luxury vehicles becoming more of the norm, and models that were once high-end becoming more affordable than ever, it is clear that luxury features have begun to bleed into the realm of cars purchased by the average joe as parts become cheaper and more commonplace. How then, will it be possible for manufacturers to draw the line? Wealthy clients clamor for comfort, status, and exclusivity, and yet every expensive vehicle seems rather cookie-cutter.
Enter the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, a luxury SUV with character and a personality of its own. In a stunning presentation at Iron23 in midtown Manhattan, Ford, who manufactures Lincoln vehicles, unveiled the lavish and contemporary vehicle to a crowd of eager fans, and capitalized its focus on “sanctuary”, which is, as explained, the feeling evoked when an individual is safe, comfortable, and cared for. This is exactly what Lincoln hopes to convey with the Nautilus. Lincoln President Dianne Craig took to the stage to reveal this monumental vehicle, as well as invite Design Director Kemal Curic to speak more about its design cues.
Lincoln President Dianne Craig Unveiling the new 2024 Nautilus
Curic dove into detail about the numerous advancements made to cater to any client’s need (I noted his constant referral of the customer as a “client”, another indication of a higher, more elite relationship than most car manufacturers possess). The first of these is the focus on creating an experience that doesn’t serve a functional purpose per se, but elevates the user’s perception of the vehicle, and creates an intimate relationship with it. Curic deemed this Lincoln’s push in creating something more “sculpted, athletic, and youthful.” Examples include the exterior of the vehicle possessing design that alludes to a bird taking flight, with the front chassis akin to the bird’s takeoff, and the rear to a bird soaring, with indentations that resemble feathers in the sky. Another example is the use of LEDs on the interior and exterior that come on in a smooth animation from the center out that instills a feeling of the machine coming awake, with a sense of motion to reflect this.
Other amenities include seats that have a built in Active Motion® massage built in for when parked and wishing to relax, acoustic laminate glass that prevents most external noise from creeping in, and active noise control that emits corresponding anti-noise to cancel it out even further.
Nautilus headlights invoking feather design cues
One feature that took me by surprise was the inclusion of an advanced sensory trip, in which, when parked, the driver can activate a breeze and one of several scents that simulate the forest, cashmere, or the tundra during aurora borealis, aptly named Mystic Forest, Violet Cashmere, and Ozonic Azure, respectively. All of these features continue to reiterate Lincoln’s message with the Nautilus: “Experience the power of sanctuary.”
After the unveiling of the vehicle, guests were first given a legendary drum performance, and then treated to hors d’oeuvres, as well as an open bar. Eats included several varieties of dumplings, with pork, chicken, and vegetable versions available, as well as an assortment of dipping sauces. There were also several noodle dishes that each included, to keep with the asian theme, a fortune cookie (yes, we know they are an American invention).
Bar fare
The bar was also wonderfully stocked, the highlight a delectable cucumber margarita.
After eating, I was able to stroll around the venue, and check out several points of interest for guests. I found a station that allowed me to enjoy the scents that would be included in the Nautilus, and a sound booth that would give me the same surround-sound experience as within the car. The attention to detail in allowing guests to peek into the future of Lincoln was quite a pleasure.
In all, this was an invigorating experience that makes me excited for the Lincoln Nautilus, and I cannot wait to experience it on the road myself, come early 2024.
