After a week of test-driving the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Black Label, I can say that it embodies a sense of sophistication and comfort. From its Flight Blue Metallic Clear Coat Exterior paint and luxurious luggage tan Venetian leather it’s the epitome of a 5-passenger premium luxury midsize SUV. Immediately, it struck me as more than just a mode of transportation. It felt like a sanctuary on wheels. It was tailor-made for the daily whirlwind that defines the lives of millennial moms like me. The model I test-drove has an MSRP of $70,285. So, if you’re a mom searching for the best midsize luxury SUV that is a haven amidst the chaos of your daily life, keep reading to discover why I believe this is the perfect choice.
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A Luxurious Sanctuary
When I think of a luxury midsize SUV, it should be solace in the midst of chaos. It should offer conveniences that help make your day-to-day tasks easier and more comfortable. The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Black Label perfectly embodies this concept. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a sanctuary on wheels. It’s luxurious, beautifully designed, and an absolute delight to drive.
One of the standout features that provided me with a moment of sanctuary was the heated and ventilated seats with massage. Picture this: a soft Venetian leather interior, black faux suede (Alcantara) headliner, heated seats embracing you on cooler days, and ventilated seats cooling you down when the sun is relentless. To top it off, the massage feature melted away the day’s tension, whether I was stuck in traffic or on a long drive to Hudson Valley. Plus, the heated steering wheel kept my hands cozy and warm when the temperature seemingly dropped overnight.
Nimble and Powerful
What impressed me most was how well the Nautilus handled on highways, all thanks to its 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 335 hp. I put its road capabilities to the test on the Southern State Parkway, notorious for its curves. The Nautilus handled it with ease. It also aced those short on-ramps Long Island is known for, effortlessly picking up speed and merging. While the blind spot monitoring added an extra layer of safety. And speaking of Long Island, with its share of potholes, the Nautilus’s available adaptive suspension smoothed out impacts, making the drive smoother.
The Nautilus is Winning in Tech
Lincoln is making a name for itself in the midsize luxury SUV sector when it comes to technology. The tech features that impressed both my family and me included the easy-to-use 13.2-inch entertainment touchscreen display. From seat settings to music and ambient lighting, everything was at our fingertips. The 12.3-inch digital gauge display was equally impressive.
For us, an Apple-Android household, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility was a win. We could play our favorite tunes on the 19-speaker Revel audio system without any fuss. The 4G LTE-powered Wi-Fi hotspot makes road trips a breeze. It keeps our kids happily entertained with their favorite streaming apps. Navigation and a wireless smartphone charging pad came standard on the Reserve and Black Label models. And if you have kids, you’ll love that Lincoln offers an optional rear-seat entertainment system on all trim levels.
Safety First for Moms
While tech is important, the safety of a vehicle matters most to moms. The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Black Label boasts an impressive safety record. It’s an IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick and has a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Installing child safety seats is a breeze with accessible LATCH anchors, sparing my manicure from breaking when installing my 3-year-old’s all-in-one seat rear-facing.
The rear passenger seat reminder is a game-changer, ensuring you never forget your precious cargo in the car – something that can easily happen in the chaos of mom life. The blind spot monitoring system came in handy, especially in the city when taxi drivers seem to appear out of thin air. The 360-degree camera was a godsend for city driving and parking. And if parallel parking isn’t your strong suit, you’ll appreciate the Nautilus’s parking assist, it was helpful in
Storage and Cargo Dreams
Storage and cargo space are top priorities for moms. The Nautilus doesn’t disappoint. Can it accommodate a stroller, groceries, or, in my case, a toddler’s glider bike and scooter? Surprisingly, the Nautilus offers an impressive 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 2nd row, which expands to a whopping 68.8 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. I was absolutely amazed! Whether it’s a family trip or just tackling everyday errands, the Nautilus has the space to fit your needs.
Finding Your Ideal 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Wondering how much the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus will set you back? Well, let’s break it down. This 5-passenger midsize luxury SUV offers three distinct trim levels to choose from: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label. If you’re looking for a well-equipped starting point, the Standard trim kicks things off with a starting MSRP of $46,020. It comes packed with an impressive array of standard features:
- power liftgate
- power-folding and heated side-view mirrors
- rear parking sensors
- remote engine start
- keyless entry and ignition
- host of safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning
Stepping up to the Reserve trim, which starts at $52,235, you’ll enjoy the added perks of 18-inch wheels, a 10-speaker premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and cooled front seats.
And for those who crave the pinnacle of luxury, the top-of-the-line Black Label trim (the one I had the privilege of test-driving) starts at $68,440. It spoils you with sumptuous Venetian Leather seats, a 19-speaker premium sound system, and impressive 21-inch wheels. But it doesn’t stop there – Black Label members also receive exclusive privileges like complimentary car washes, access to a curated list of exceptional restaurants, and extended premium maintenance. Both the Reserve and Black Label models offer the available Ultra Comfort 22-way adjustable seats with lumbar massage and automatic parking, providing that extra touch of comfort.
There are two engine options to choose from:
- 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder, delivering 250 horsepower, is available on all three trim levels. If you crave more power.
- 2.7L Turbocharged V6, producing a robust 335 horsepower, is available on the Reserve and Black Label models.
Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and they come equipped with start/stop technology to save fuel when you’re idling at traffic lights. Speaking of fuel efficiency, my real-world fuel usage averaged around 15.9 MPG in the city and an impressive 27.1 MPG on the highway.
But here’s the scoop: if you’re aiming for the sweet spot that offers the best bang for your buck while still delivering that luxury, peace, and calm you crave in your daily life, the Reserve Trim is where it’s at. Lincoln really hit the mark with this Nautilus, designed especially for moms who know what they want.
Related: The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Fast Forwards the Future to Now
Sneak Peek into the Future: The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
Impressed by what you’ve read about this luxury mid-size SUV? Well, hold onto your seats because Lincoln is about to take things up a notch with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus!
@whatdriveskim4 Lincoln has something extraordinary in store for you when the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuts in the first quarter of 2024. Lincoln does luxury well, and they will take it a notch higher for 2024 with the introduction of Lincoln Rejuvenate. It’s available as a standalone feature or part of your 2024 Nautilus experience. So, what’s the scoop? 👀 The 2024 Nautilus offers specially curated digital scents for the cabin, neatly housed in three cartridges within the center armrest: 1️⃣ First up, we’ve got ‘Mystic Forest,’ an earthy blend infused with rich, woody notes of patchouli. I even got a sneak peek with a sample room spray, and trust me, its masculine charm is irresistible. 2️⃣ Next in line is ‘Ozonic Azure,’ a crisp blend featuring aromatic patchouli with hints of bright violet. 3️⃣ Last but not least, ‘Violet Cashmere,’ a fragrant fusion of exotic white florals and trusted violet, creating a scent as crisp and refined as fresh linen. 🙌🏾The best part? You’re in control of the aroma. Clients can choose from three levels of scent intensity right on the center screen. It’s the Lincoln way of adding a touch of enchantment to your luxury ride. Get ready for the #PowerofSanctuary, my friends, and keep an eye out for the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. @Lincoln @Kim | Beautyandthebump #LincolnNautilus2023 #powerofsanctuary #2023LincolnNautilus #2024LincolnNautilus #WhatDrivesKim ♬ Calm (Lofi) – Faneo sound
Lincoln Rejuvenate:
Prepare to be pampered with the Lincoln Rejuvenate feature. Immerse yourself in multisensory bliss with lighting and digital scenting, offering personalized relaxation and rejuvenation. I gave you a taste of this in one of my Instagram Reels, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Picture this – digital scents in the center armrest. You can choose from curated digital scents like Mystic Forest, Ozonic Azure, and Violet Cashmere to set the mood or mask less-than-pleasant odors (we all know what I mean).
For my fellow moms who understand the chaos of having kids in the car, the Lincoln BlueCruise 1.2 is a game-changer. It’s all about hands-free highway driving with Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning for added comfort and confidence.
Redesigned Exterior
As if the exterior couldn’t get any more stunning, Lincoln has given it a fresh makeover. It reminds me of a baby Aviator with all-new LED lights and signature lighting elements. Prepare to turn heads wherever you go.
Hybrid Power:
And here’s something that’ll make every mom smile – the addition of a powerful hybrid engine. You can choose between the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or the hybrid powertrain option, offering up to 310 system horsepower. That means less money is spent on gas and more on the things you love to do or for your kids. Let’s face it, that’s where every mom’s money goes.
Luxury Redefined:
The interior options are a dream, including the Jet Appearance Package and Lincoln Black Label. Moms need to feel like the red carpet was rolled out for them, right? Get ready for Lincoln Embrace, a highly choreographed dance of illumination that welcomes you with taillamp and headlamp lighting sequences as you approach your vehicle. And inside, a spectacular welcome lighting waves throughout the full cabin.
Concert-Like Audio:
Finally, when you need to wind down after a long day of dealing with kids, work, and everything in between, you can revel in the award-winning RevelRevel Ultima 3D Audio System with 28 speakers. Pair that with the 24-Way Perfect Position Seats for ultimate comfort, and you’ve got yourself a sanctuary on wheels.
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus: Your Ultimate Mom-Friendly Midsize Luxury SUV
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Black Label is more than just a luxury midsize SUV; it’s a haven for moms on the go. Its blend of comfort, power, technology, safety, and spaciousness make it the perfect companion for navigating the chaos of daily mom life. Plus, you’ll be doing it in style. And with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus on the horizon, Lincoln is about to make our driving experience even more luxurious and enjoyable. Stay tuned for more updates once I test-drive that baby in 2024!
