2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance that many buyers find appealing. This design choice was not unique to VW, as other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV also shared a similar aesthetic. Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 offered a modular design tailored for EVs, akin to the MQB platform used in various VW models. The interior boasted a minimalist design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres, providing a premium feel even in the base model.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, featuring a new grille design reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the Lincoln star logo. The rear showcased a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated high door handles into the beltline. The interior was a highlight, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The 24-way Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, with massage and heating functions that could run continuously. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with seats folded, although the Nautilus was limited to five seats.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its comfortable and refined ride, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $3,500, a hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and improved fuel economy at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The hybrid also provided a range of over 950 kilometres. All Nautilus models featured AWD and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing performance in Excite mode. The hybrid's CVT avoided typical drawbacks, providing a smooth driving experience. While not a driver’s car, the Nautilus offered a satisfying performance for those seeking a bit of excitement.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was substantial, with 858 litres with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. Towing capacity was modest, with RWD models capable of towing 1,000 kilograms and AWD models 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position seats offering unmatched comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed 1,095 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Rejuvenate feature added a touch of luxury, combining massage, lighting, and screen images. Cargo space was ample, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with seats folded. The Nautilus was limited to five seats, but this allowed for more cargo space compared to some three-row competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easy to overlook during normal driving.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and crisp graphics. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. HVAC controls were easily accessible, but adjusting vents required navigating menus. Unlabelled steering wheel controls were a distraction, though Google maps and Alexa Built-in offered convenient voice controls. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard, with OTA updates ensuring the system remained current.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received a five-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 model “Good” in crashworthiness, though other ratings were pending.