By Philip Ruth–
Every automaker wants to produce a luxury car that’s both popular and exclusive. Most premium buyers want to feel unique, even as they run in step with an unimpeachably upscale pack.
Tesla is the hottest target of those aspirations. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus are close behind. Below that, you’ll find brands working on rebuilding the mystiques that got them on their feet in the first place.
Acura and Lincoln are cases in point. Acura came on strong in the late 1980s as Japanese performance with international refinement. Lincoln debuted during World War I and counts in its history many iconic designs. Both should be at the front of this particular valet line.
So why are they third-tier? The tested MDX and Nautilus provide some answers, even as they make compelling cases for themselves. They’re not direct competitors—the MDX has three rows of seats, while the Nautilus has only two—but their stickers line up closely. Base entry fee for an MDX is around $45,000, while the Nautilus pegs in about $4,000 lower.
But watch those options. The tested whole-hog Nautilus Black Label had us answering a $64,000 question. The sport-trimmed MDX AWD A-Spec came in about $8,000 lower.
This particular MDX is a 2019, with the 2020 hitting showrooms as this column is written. Next year’s model isn’t much different than this one, and it finds the MDX as its same old appealing self. There are many reasons why the MDX has succeeded with minimal revision in a savagely competitive market segment, and they add up to a vehicle that feels like it has it all in hand.
The MDX is rewarding to drive; its 290-horsepower V6 engine has satisfying surge. While the nine-speed automatic transmission can sometimes feel like it has its hands full, you quickly learn to moderate the throttle to keep the gears in their happy places.
By comparison, the Nautilus had more power and a little less finesse. The tester had the optional 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that romped along with 335 playful horses, and its eight-speed automatic transmission shifted briskly.
The Nautilus’ handling was nicked by steering that seemed more focused on centering itself than naturally following your direction, although it ended up being a boon around town, where the elastic response made the Nautilus feel nimble.
Inside, the Acura continues its nicer-Honda vibe, with substantial plastics and bold sculpting. Its double-center-screen setup is out of vogue compared to the widescreens showing up in newer designs, but it works well enough.
The Lincoln’s stylish interior is a big part of the tester’s ambitious pricing. The Black Label trim has vivid color options, but some rough plastics from lesser Fords. Distracting from that are the terrific 22-way front seats with Active Motion massaging, which knead your thighs to keep the blood moving and you feeling refreshed.
Neither the Nautilus nor the MDX is enough to elevate their respective brands, but each has its own distinctive appeal.
Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant ( www.gaycarguy.com ). Check out his automotive staging service at www.carstaging.com
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