Merrily embracing the ubiquitous wave of electrification, is a Chinese brand christened Lynk & Co that is jointly owned by Geely Motor Group and Zeekr. After two successful reveals in its home market with the 01 and 02 cars, the brand now aims at securing a substantial slice of the pie of the large SUV segment with the 900 hybrid SUV. It has garnered eminence courtesy, a gargantuan feature list and specifications that would make its contention weep frantically.
EXTERIOR
A lot of Zeekr design cues flow into the 900’s front appearance. The split design theme between the LEDs and horizontal light bars beneath is an example of that. The fascia certainly looks burly and bold owing to the boxy hood area and chunky bumpers. Of particular fascination, are a slew of animations projected on a bar that spans the car’s width.
The 900 appears the most monumental from the side as it stretches to 5240 mm in length, 1999 mm in width and 1810 mm in height. The car’s wheelbase stands at 3160 mm to allow colossal amounts of space for the rear occupants.
The rear section looks the part but also reminisces the Infiniti QX60’s rear with a stubby glass area, swept-back tail lamps and a hunkered stance.
INTERIOR
What instantly grabs attention upon stepping inside is a 30-inch 6K floating display that serves as a seamless infotainment system and a passenger display. It also features a 12.66” digital display for the instrument binnacle and a head-up display to view vital driving information on the go. The interior is a blend of variegated colours that lend an upmarket feel to the cabin. Ambient lighting surrounding certain elements of the cabin speaks volumes about the attention to detail.
Those truly smitten by gadgets and screens will relish a smidgen display beneath the centre console meant for climate control settings. To offer a truly lounge-like experience, the 900 also allows access to a slide-out fridge in the second row.
POWERTRAIN
There’s a trio of powertrain options to choose from in the Lynk & Co 900 range. The ‘basic’ option involves a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that befriends a 215 hp (160 kW) front electric motor and a 308 hp (230 kW) rear electric motor to produce a combined 710 hp (230 kW).
Second option consists of a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that marries a 165 hp (123 kW) electric motor mounted on the front axle and a 308 hp (230 kW) motor present on the rear axle to produce a combined 724 hp (540 kW).
The most spruced up version comprises a 165 hp (123 kW) front motor, but dual motors that are equivalent of 215 hp (160 kW) at the rear. This drivetrain unleashes 845 hp of combined peak power. This is the framework capable of sprinting to 100 Km/h (62 mph) in 4 seconds.
Like many other Chinese EV makers, Lynk & Co’s large SUV also brings several tricks up its sleeves such as a slide-out fridge, two-section sunroof, 30” centre-stacked screen and two wireless charging cavities. Seating for seven will work as icing on the cake. If priced aggressively, it would not just find takers for itself, but open the brand to a larger audience in the UAE.
