The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is turning heads with its impressive 48-inch panoramic display, one of the largest screens in a production vehicle. This massive screen stretches almost from pillar to pillar across the dashboard, providing a digital instrument cluster on steroids. It offers a range of customizable features, including speed information, driver assistance, navigation, and panels for displaying things like currently playing songs and instant fuel economy.
To interact with these features, there is also an 11.1-inch touchscreen display placed conveniently within reach for the driver and passenger. This allows users to access menus and drag and drop panels onto the upper screen for customization. The upper display can also be personalized with different themes, such as mountain or constellation backgrounds.
Driving with such a large screen may seem distracting at first, but it actually enhances safety. The important information, like the speedometer and navigation, is larger and closer to the driver’s field of view, reducing the need to look away from the road. Additionally, there is a call mode that can be activated to minimize distractions by displaying only essential information.
Underneath all the bells and whistles, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus runs on an Android-powered operating system with Google integration. It offers access to the Google Play Store for audio streaming apps, Google Assistant for voice control, and Google Maps for navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa voice assistant are also built-in options.
The Lincoln Nautilus itself is a mid-size SUV with a Turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. While performance and efficiency are decent, they don’t necessarily stand out from the competition. The optional hybrid system adds a quieter powertrain with a little more power but doesn’t significantly improve fuel efficiency.
One standout feature of the Lincoln Nautilus is its Blue Cruise hands-free driver aid system. This system utilizes radar sensors, cameras, and high-resolution scans of highway map data to allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions. It even has the ability to change lanes automatically. However, it’s important to note that the system requires the driver to keep their eyes on the road, as it uses infrared cameras and emitters to monitor their attention.
Overall, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus impresses with its mega-screen and advanced features, striking a balance between functionality and safety. While other automakers are planning to introduce even larger screens with more media and functionality, Lincoln’s approach of less-is-more seems to be a wise choice. To learn more about the new Lincoln Nautilus and other cutting-edge car technologies, visit cnet.com.