Rebadged Lynk & Co 900 firming for Aus

A REBADGED version of the Lynk & Co 900 large plug-in hybrid SUV is under active consideration for Australia, with Zeekr evaluating the three-row model as a sub-$100,000 contender in the premium family SUV segment.

The six-seat SUV, recently launched in China, would expand Zeekr’s local line-up and is being positioned as a more understated alternative to the still-pending Zeekr 9X flagship, which is being weighed internally against a second D-segment model for local sale.

Speaking to GoAuto, Zeekr global head of international markets Mars Chen confirmed the brand is currently choosing between the 9X and another D-segment petrol-electric hybrid SUV for its fourth model in Australia.

That second candidate is the Lynk & Co 900, with Mr Chen confirming that Zeekr has the potential to rebadge Lynk & Co models where it makes sense to do. GoAuto has separately reported that Lynk & Co will not launch as a distinct brand in Australia until at least 2028.

Measuring 5240mm long and 1999mm wide, the 900 sits firmly in the large SUV category. With local pricing projected to begin below $100,000, the vehicle would likely slot between the upcoming mid-sized Zeekr 7X, anticipated to launch later this year at around $70,000, and the already-released Zeekr 009 luxury MPV, which is priced from $134,900 plus on-road costs.

While final naming for the Australian market has not been confirmed, Zeekr is may consider ‘8X’ to reflect the vehicle’s position above the 7X. Using the 900 badge is viewed as less likely due to possible confusion with the 009 van.

The Lynk & Co 900’s design is understated and proportionate, which may improve its prospects locally in comparison to the bolder, Rolls-Royce Cullinan-inspired styling of the Zeekr 9X. The 9X’s expected $130,000 - $160,000 price tag is understood to have generated concern about its viability in the Australian market.

In contrast, the 900 features a tall glasshouse beneath black roof rails, large 21-inch alloy wheels, a split tailgate and more elegant styling. Interior materials are more upmarket than a Hyundai Palisade or Kia Sorento but are not quite to the same level of opulence as a Volvo XC90.

Technology and comfort features include 30-inch displays in both front and rear rows, though rotating second-row seats, offered in China, may struggle to meet local safety and design regulations.

Additional equipment includes predictive dual-chamber air suspension, four-wheel steering, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, a nine-litre refrigerator, 31-speaker harman/kardon audio, Apple CarPlay and advanced driver assist systems.

The vehicle is available in China with two plug-in hybrid powertrains. The base option combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (140kW) with a 44.85kWh battery, dual motors (160kW front / 230kW rear), and a system output of 530kW.

The higher-spec version features a 2.0-litre turbo petrol (187kW), a larger 52.38kWh battery, a reduced-output 123kW front motor and the same 230kW rear motor, yielding a 540kW total.

Estimated WLTP electric-only driving ranges are 180km and 220km for the respective battery sizes, while total range including both petrol and electricity is expected to approach 1000km.

Rapid charging is supported, with a 20-80 per cent top-up taking 26 minutes for the smaller pack (adding 108km) or 17 minutes for the larger unit (adding 132km).

Pricing in China ranges from 330,000 RMB to 435,000 RMB (approximately $70,000 - $92,000 AUD), strengthening the case for a sub-$100K starting price in Australia.

The emergence of the Lynk & Co 900 as a likely Australian candidate highlights the dynamic nature of product planning within Geely Group, with decisions made swiftly across the organisation.

While Zeekr and Lynk & Co design bosses have stated a long-term goal of further differentiating the visual identities of their respective brands, the 900’s styling is regarded as readily adaptable to Zeekr’s current design language.

A formal announcement on the model’s Australian future is expected before the end of the year.