2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Hybrid: Plush, Powerful, and Worth Every Penny

After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Hybrid, one thing is clear: Lincoln isn’t just chasing luxury, they’re redefining it. With a sleek exterior, tech-heavy cabin, and hybrid powertrain delivering both efficiency and solid performance, the Nautilus Black Label makes a strong case as one of the most compelling midsize luxury SUVs on the market. It’s no wonder MotorTrend named it their 2025 SUV of the Year.

I drove the two-row, five-passenger Lincoln Nautilus through city streets, suburban roads, and long highway stretches, and the verdict is simple: this SUV is an impressive combination of comfort, style, and technology with very few compromises. That said, the hefty price tag (our tester rang in at a whopping $80,545) might give some people a case sticker shock. Let’s break down what makes the Nautilus special, and whether it’s worth the investment.

First Impressions & Exterior Design: Sophisticated and Confident

Walk up to the Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Hybrid, and you immediately notice its confident presence. Lincoln’s refreshed design language gives it a modern, upscale presence that feels luxurious without being flashy. The signature grille dominates the front end, complemented by a full-width light bar that stretches across the rear, giving it a unique, recognizable look.

The sculpted lines along the body suggest motion even when the SUV is standing still, and the polished wheels and premium paint finishes (of which there are many to choose from) add to the sophistication.

Unlike some luxury SUVs that feel oversized or bulky, the Nautilus Black Label feels composed and comfortable on the road. Its proportions are balanced, giving it the kind of road presence that turns heads but still manages daily drivability. Compared to rivals like the BMW X5 or Lexus RX, the Lincoln Nautilus has a distinctly American sense of style: bold but refined, luxurious without trying too hard.

Interior Experience: Quiet Luxury at Its Finest

Step inside, and the luxury continues. The Nautilus’s interior is a masterclass in what Lincoln calls “quiet luxury.” Every surface feels premium – soft-touch materials, buttery leather, and meticulous attention to detail make the cabin feel more like a premium lounge than an SUV.

The 24-way front seats deserve praise. Not only are they heated, cooled, and massaging, but they’re really plush and supportive, among the most comfortable in its class. Even after a 45-minute highway stint, I felt nice and refreshed. Rear passengers also have plenty of space, making long drives comfortable for the whole family.

Ambient lighting adds a serene touch to the cabin, and the sound insulation is impressive. At highway speeds, road and wind noise are minimal, making it easy to talk with one another without shouting. I also appreciated the layout of the cabin controls – the touchscreen is big and responsive, and buttons and knobs are logically placed for the most part.. though controlling the vents through the touchscreen is a little annoying.

Tech & Features: Cutting-Edge Without Feeling Overwhelming

The Nautilus Black Label Hybrid really shines when it comes to tech. Its massive 48-inch dash-spanning screen (which we fell in love with in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator) is unlike anything you’ve seen before, showing everything you could ever want (navigation, radio, weather, and more) in a fully-customizable way. It’s something you really need to see to appreciate.

Love jamming out to your favorite tunes? The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D system is nothing short of amazing. Driving to work feels like a private concert, and road-trip playlists never sounded better. It’s honestly one the best system on the market right now.

Lincoln also packs the Black Label with practical tech. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is smooth and intuitive (alerting you when you’re on a road that supports it), and it’s perfect when you’re doing a long road trip to prevent fatigue. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking add layers of safety without feeling intrusive. Wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and clever storage make everyday driving simple and modern.

Performance & Driving Impressions: Plush, Powerful, and Efficient

The standard powertrain for the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four that puts out a respectable 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. But pony up an extra $1,500 for the hybrid model, and things get substantially more fun, with an impressive 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque on tap. Acceleration is smooth but confident, with plenty of torque for city merges and highway passing.

Where does the extra power come from? The eight-speed automatic transmission is replaced by an eCVT that has two motor-generators that delivers an additional boost of power, good for a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. That’s seriously quick for a vehicle that weighs 4,517 pounds!

Ride quality in the Nautilus is plush, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease. The adaptive suspension adds a layer of refinement, keeping the SUV composed, quiet, and comfortable whether you’re cornering, cruising city streets, or gliding down the interstate. Steering is precise, giving the Nautilus a level of confidence that makes it surprisingly fun to drive.

Fuel Economy & Practicality: Luxury You Can Live With

One of the best surprises with the 2025 Nautilus Black Label Hybrid is how the hybrid system balances power and efficiency. It delivers a peppy, responsive drive without sacrificing fuel economy, a combination that is increasingly rare in luxury SUVs. During our week with the vehicle, we averaged 30mpg without any special effort, which rivals many smaller SUVs.

Cargo space is generous for a midsize SUV, and rear seats fold flat easily, giving you flexibility for hauling gear or luggage. Parking and maneuvering in tight spaces are also straightforward, thanks to a combination of good visibility, responsive steering, and standard parking aids.

Overall, the Nautilus strikes a rare balance between luxury and practicality. You can live with it every day without compromise, which is exactly what you want in a modern midsize SUV.

Price & Value: Expensive, But Justified

At $80,545 as tested, the 2025 Nautilus Black Label Hybrid isn’t exactly cheap. But considering the level of luxury, technology, hybrid efficiency, and overall refinement, it’s a strong value proposition. If you’re in the market for a midsize luxury SUV and the price isn’t a dealbreaker, the Nautilus delivers a package that is difficult to beat, offering a premium experience rivaling or surpassing European competitors.

Compared to the competition, you might pay more upfront, but you’re getting a vehicle that feels fully loaded, cohesive, and thoughtfully designed out of the box.

Final Thoughts & Verdict

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Hybrid is a standout in the midsize luxury SUV market. Plush, powerful, and brimming with technology, it’s a vehicle that impresses from the moment you see it to the moment you finish your drive. The hybrid powertrain balances efficiency with plenty of power, the cabin is serene and luxurious, and the ride quality is top-notch.

Yes, the price is high. But if you’re looking for a luxury SUV that combines style, comfort, and modern tech with real-world usability, the Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Hybrid is difficult to beat. For anyone in the market for a premium midsize SUV, it deserves serious consideration.