Lincoln has recently revamped its Nautilus model, making it an attractive option for SUV buyers looking for a midsize vehicle that comfortably seats five. The Nautilus features unique designs, a plethora of high-end features, and an impressive curved display that stretches across the dashboard. To evaluate how well it competes in the market, comparisons have been drawn with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, known for its luxury SUV standards.
In terms of power and fuel economy, the Nautilus comes equipped with two engine choices: a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 horsepower and a hybrid version that boosts the power to 310 horsepower. The standard engine achieves an estimated 24 miles per gallon in a combined city/highway driving cycle, while the hybrid version offers improved fuel efficiency with an estimated 30 miles per gallon. However, it falls short in acceleration performance. During testing, the hybrid Nautilus could go from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is slower than its competitor.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, on the other hand, utilizes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower and boasts an estimated 26 miles per gallon combined. It outpaces the Nautilus with a quicker acceleration time of 6.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. In addition, a new plug-in hybrid model, the GLC 350e, provides 313 horsepower and claims to offer 54 miles of electric range before switching to hybrid mode. For those seeking high performance, Mercedes also presents the AMG GLC 43 with 416 horsepower.
When it comes to engine performance and fuel efficiency, the GLC stands out as the winner in this category.
Moving to the interior and technology features, the Nautilus boasts a large screen that spans the dashboard, displaying essential information such as navigation and music. It fully integrates Google services, enabling users to access voice commands while driving. However, the practicality of these features can be hindered by a confusing button layout and touchscreen controls that are not intuitive. The steering wheel buttons lack labels, further complicating the user experience.
In contrast, the GLC showcases a refined and luxurious interior, featuring a selection of leather upholstery and wooden accents. While its display screens are smaller, the user interface is more straightforward, making navigation and control simpler. Both SUVs ensure a quiet cabin, yet the GLC excels with a more comfortable ride that effectively absorbs bumps, whereas the Nautilus can feel harsh over rough terrain.
In the utility department, the Nautilus is more accommodating for cargo, offering 36.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, which surpasses the GLC’s capacity. Additionally, the Nautilus features rear seats that fold flat, enhancing its storage flexibility, alongside generous space for small item storage in the center console and door pockets.
The GLC, while having a smaller cargo area of 21.9 cubic feet, does provide rear seats that almost fold flat, along with adequate storage for smaller items but still unable to match the capacity of the Nautilus.
Regarding pricing, the Nautilus begins at $53,485 for the base Premiere trim, with an additional cost of $2,000 for the hybrid variant. The more luxurious Reserve trim is priced around $10,000 higher, while the top-tier Black Label model’s price can reach $76,645. The Premiere trim includes several desirable features, making it a viable value option. However, the higher trims may not offer the same level of value for money.
On the other hand, the GLC 300 starts at a competitive $50,400, while the plug-in hybrid GLC 350e commences at $61,050. Though it may lack some standard features compared to the Nautilus, customizing a GLC 300 with additional options could lead to a price point close to the Nautilus Reserve model.
In summary, the Lincoln Nautilus is a compelling addition to the SUV market, especially for those seeking a stylish and spacious vehicle. Nevertheless, the superiority in fuel efficiency, acceleration, and user-friendliness of the GLC positions it as a strong contender in this comparison.