Lincoln Nautilus vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus was available in three trims: Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label. With a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, it signaled a promising new direction in Lincoln design. The stylish new grille, resembling the bifurcated design seen on Mercedes Benz models, stood out, especially with LED lighting extending through the grille and illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The effect was stunning.

At the rear, a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports echoed the horizontal aesthetic seen in the front. The car’s profile featured an innovative design touch with door handles placed high and incorporated into the beltline, adding to its sleek look.

Inside, the Nautilus was equally impressive. The highlight was undoubtedly the full-width screen, which we’ll delve into later. The interior featured excellent-quality materials, with shiny, polished metal accents, ambient lighting, and a mix of open-pore wood and fine leather textures. While the piano key shifter style might not be universally loved, it was a longstanding Lincoln design element dating back to the mid-1950s.

For an additional $3,000, buyers could opt for the Jet Appearance Package, which included two-tone paint and black exterior trim. Depending on the model, this package also added black 20- or 22-inch wheels and some unique interior features.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed with a conservative but timeless look that aged well. For AWD versions, standard 20-inch wheels were present, while the S Plus trim showcased a 21-inch design.

The lineup required some explanation, with two models: ID.4 and ID.4 Pro. The former housed a 62-kWh battery, and the latter an 82-kWh battery. Three trims were available: base, S, and S Plus. Pro models could be equipped with AWD for additional traction and performance. The price ranged from an MSRP of $39,735 for the base trim to $57,055, excluding the destination charge.

Volkswagen announced that 2024 ID.4s equipped with a battery from SK On qualified for a full $7,500 federal tax credit at the time of purchase. Moreover, every 2024 ID.4 came with 500 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify America (EA) stations and a complimentary three-year EA Pass+ membership with discounted charging rates.

Inside, the ID.4 presented some significant updates in 2024. The Cosmic interior treatment, known for its light gray and blue color scheme, was replaced with Cosmic Black (black and blue) or Galaxy (black and gray) artificial leather upholstery in the S and S Plus trims. The standard models continued with Nutmeg/Brown and Stone/Black fabric with artificial leather bolsters.

Other updates included a new transmission shift stalk on the right of the steering column, revised steering wheel controls, newly available ventilated front seats, and an optional Harman Kardon premium sound system. Every ID.4 Pro also came with a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the user experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus sported a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque as the standard option. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth power delivery and inconspicuous shifts. While it didn't feel underpowered, the hybrid setup, available for an extra $1,500, was a recommended upgrade.

The hybrid version delivered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. This was a significant improvement over the 24 mpg combined from the gas-only engine. The hybrid also boasted an impressive range of over 600 miles, enough to drive from San Francisco to the Oregon border and back. However, for those prioritizing fuel economy, the Lexus RX hybrid offered better returns at 36 mpg combined.

All Nautilus models featured AWD and five drive modes. To fully exploit these modes, the available adaptive suspension was necessary. Normal mode was ideal for leisurely city driving with a comfortable ride and relaxed steering. Excite mode tightened the steering and throttle response, reducing body roll with a stiffer suspension. Other modes included Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions for challenging terrains like deep snow, sand, or mud.

The hybrid came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), usually a detractor for driving enjoyment, but this setup managed to avoid droning and over-eager engine speed. While the Nautilus wasn't a "driver’s car" like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, it could still deliver an engaging driving experience when required.

Conversely, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 wasn't a compromised EV. The new rear electric drive motor in the single-motor Pro (82 kWh) models offered 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, launching the ID.4 to 60 mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds—a 1.3-second improvement over the 2023 model. The 62-kWh models retained the previous motor, generating 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque.

For the AWD 2024 ID.4 Pro, an additional front motor provided extra traction when needed. Each motor independently drove the wheels on its respective axle. The dual-motor AWD setup produced 335 hp (99 up front and 402 lb-ft at the rear), enabling acceleration to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, 0.8 seconds quicker than the RWD version.

The 2024 ID.4 Pro models also offered increased driving range on a full charge. The official EPA ratings were 291 miles for RWD (at 30 kWh/100 miles) and 263 miles for AWD (at 33 kWh/100 miles). The standard 62-kWh battery models could travel an EPA-estimated 206 miles.

All ID.4 models were compatible with 11-kW Level 2 home charging stations. Full recharges for the 62-kWh battery took 6.25 hours or less, while the 82-kWh battery required eight hours or less. At a DC fast charger, the 62-kWh battery could handle up to a 140-kW charging rate, and the 82-kWh battery could accept up to 175 kW. Volkswagen claimed any ID.4 could charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

During testing at a media event in Pasadena, California, the ID.4 Pro S RWD displayed an impressive efficiency rate of 28.6 kWh/100 miles, slightly better than the EPA rating. Acceleration with the new electric motor was significantly improved, making freeway merging and mountain route driving effortless. While road noise was more noticeable at higher speeds, the ID.4’s handling proved competent on twisty roads and firm but comfortable in urban settings.

The regenerative braking system, especially in Brake mode, delivered a natural pedal feel, balancing urban and highway efficiency. Although the ID.4 couldn't achieve one-pedal driving, the braking experience was consistent and user-friendly.

Overall, the ID.4 Pro provided an enjoyable driving experience comparable to its peers, debunking any notion of compromise.

In terms of interior comfort, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus set a high bar. All trims featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats. The pinnacle of comfort was found in the Black Label model, which boasted Lincoln's 24-way Perfect Position front seats. These seats, with an exceptional massage function that didn't time out and continuous heating, were arguably the most comfortable in the mid-size luxury SUV class.

Rear seats, while not as luxurious, offered ample space with 43 inches of legroom—nearly six inches more than the BMW X5 and two inches more than the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Tall passengers would find rear seating comfortably spacious.

Lincoln's Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, similar to Mercedes-Benz's Energizing Comfort feature. Available scented cabins added a touch of exclusivity with options like Mystic Forest or Ozonic Azure.

Cargo space in the Nautilus was also generous. The Premiere trim offered 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though higher trims sacrificed some cargo room. Nonetheless, it exceeded the Lexus RX's cargo capacity.

However, the Nautilus only offered seating for five, unlike some competitors like the Cadillac XT6, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, which provided three-row seating options. But the extra seats in those rivals were often too cramped for adults, making the Nautilus’ larger cargo space more practical.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4’s interior updates made it more user-friendly and comfortable. The shift of the transmission selector to a stalk on the right side of the steering wheel improved ergonomics, as did the wiper control relocation and touch-sensing pad for lighting controls on the dashboard.

Steering wheel touch-sensing controls were refined but still occasionally caused unintentional activations. The Pro versions’ new 12.9-inch touchscreen improved usability, making climate controls easily accessible and enhancing nighttime visibility with illuminated touch-sensors.

Comfort features saw notable enhancements. The Pro S and Pro S Plus models introduced ventilated front seats, easing the use of simulated leather in hot climates. Standard heated front seats, side mirrors, and washer nozzles added to winter comfort, with AWD models offering a heated windshield.

Rear seat accommodations were comfortable, with adequate legroom and footroom, good thigh support, and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear conveniences included air vents, USB-C ports, a small cubby, and a center armrest with cupholders when the middle seat wasn’t in use. However, rear cargo space in the ID.4 was at 30.3 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was less than the Nautilus but respectable for the class.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus's technology center was a breathtaking 48-inch curved display. It consisted of a digital dash for the driver, with customizable sections for weather, audio, fuel economy, tire pressure, and mileage. The display was bright and crisp, adding aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Alongside this, the Nautilus featured an 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console for infotainment, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HVAC controls were easily accessible as permanent icons, although adjusting the vents required delving into menus, which was distracting. Unlabeled steering wheel controls also added to the initial learning curve but offered a minimalist aesthetic.

Google Maps and Alexa Built-in offered advanced voice controls, with gaming and web browsing available when stationary. Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensured the system stayed current. Additionally, wireless charging and multiple USB-A and -C ports were present throughout the cabin.

In the Volkswagen ID.4, the major tech upgrade was the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in Pro models. Although some graphic appeal was lost, usability significantly improved. The layout featured a home screen with four main data panels, quick access to primary menu tiles, and always-visible climate controls at the bottom.

New illuminated touch-sliders for volume and temperature were visible at night, enhancing usability. The standard navigation system now included battery preconditioning for DC fast-charging sessions. S Plus trim included a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The new infotainment system, with gesture control and wireless Apple CarPlay integration, made connectivity seamless. Volkswagen also included a digital voice assistant, Ida, upgradeable to any name. While Ida was hit-and-miss with some tasks, it handled essential commands like climate adjustments effectively.

Volkswagen provided three years of free access to Plus Nav and Plus Speech, with a five-year subscription to Car-Net's Remote Access and Safe & Secure plans. The Remote Access plan allowed for remote battery charging, climate control operations, and charging station searches via a smartphone app, while Safe & Secure included automatic crash notification and SOS assistance.

For more connectivity, the ID.4 offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and a Plus Online Radio Package with extensive internet radio and podcast access.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in safety features with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, which included lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking.

Additionally, the hands-free/eyes-up Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was a standout feature. Available as a 90-day trial on Premiere and Reserve trims, it was standard for four years on the Black Label, with subscription costs post-trial. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist on pre-mapped highways, adding automatic lane-change with signaling and in-lane repositioning for enhanced safety.

The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, but the 2023 model received five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 Nautilus "Good" in crashworthiness but hadn't assessed front crash prevention or seat belt/child restraints yet.

For the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, standard post-collision braking was a notable safety feature, halting the vehicle quickly after an airbag-deploying accident to prevent further injury.

Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive package was comprehensive, including semi-autonomous Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The latter could recognize driver unresponsiveness and safely stop the vehicle, while Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centering effectively. Memory Parking allowed autonomous execution of saved parking maneuvers, ideal for repetitive locations like cramped garage spaces.

In crash testing, the ID.4 received favorable ratings from the NHTSA. Although IIHS evaluations weren't fully complete, the electric SUV performed well in the assessments it received.