China’s Zeekr to release Hyundai Palisade and Volvo XC90-rivalling Lynk & Co 900 plug-in hybrid

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Zeekr Australia is pushing for a rebadged version of the Lynk & Co 900, a plug-in hybrid, three-row premium SUV that has just launched in China, to join the brand’s local lineup as a sub-$100,000 rival to the Volvo XC90.

Measuring 5240mm long and 1999mm wide, the six-seater Lynk & Co 900 is a true large SUV. 

It blends a 1.5- or 2.0-litre turbo petrol with twin electric motors for AWD, while 44kWh or 52kWh batteries provide an estimated 180-220km WLTP electric driving range. Combined petrol and electric driving range will be near 1000km. 

The crack plan to bring the Lynk & Co 900 to Australia illustrates the fast-moving product planning conditions within Zeekr and Geely more generally, as the Australian commercial prospects of various new products are rapidly evaluated internally—and shopped to media. 

Last week, Chasing Cars reported that Zeekr was considering bringing the 9X luxury SUV to Australia as a halo model. Chasing Cars understands the relatively gaudy styling of the Rolls Royce Cullinan-inspired 9X and high price tag is counting against it in internal product discussions.

The brash Zeekr 9X is still a contender for Australian release, but there’s competition is between it and another D-segment hybrid SUV — the Lynk & Co 900 plug-in hybrid is that ‘other’ vehicle

In Australia, the Lynk & Co 900 might be called the Zeekr 8X (reflecting the fact it would sit above the 7X midsize SUV). There is a less likely chance it would be called the Zeekr 900 because of possible confusion with the Zeekr 009 luxury minivan, already on sale locally.

Either way, the Lynk & Co 900 would sit between those cars. The Tesla Model Y-rivalling Zeekr 7X is expected to be priced around $70,000 before on-road costs when it is released in Australia later in 2025 while the Zeekr 009 minivan starts at $134,900 + ORC. 

The styling of the Lynk & Co 900 is considerably more subtle—even quite handsome in the metal, presenting with a formal glasshouse, a resolved front end, snowflake 21-inch alloys, roof rails and a neat split power tailgate.

Reasonably premium interior finishes signify the Lynk & Co 900 as more opulent than the Hyundai Palisade, but perhaps not as lush as a Volvo XC90—pricing would probably sit between those cars. Technology includes 30-inch displays fitted in both the first and second rows; 180-degree swivelling back seats are unlikely for Australia due to local design rules.

Standard kit includes camera-predictive dual-chamber air suspension, four-wheel steering, heated/cooled/massaging seats, a refrigerator, 31-speaker Harman-Kardon stereo, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and advanced driver assistance.

While the chief designers of Zeekr and Lynk & Co respectively both told media on the eve of Auto Shanghai 2025 that the brands intend their styling to diverge, the design of the 900 looks ready-made for Zeekr rebadging.

In mainland China, where the Lynk & Co 900 has just been released, four variants are offered with Chinese pricing between 330,000 RMB ($70,000 AUD) and 435,000 RMB ($92,000 AUD). Local pricing could start below $100,000.

Chinese buyers can choose from two basic powertrains: the first is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol making 140kW, paired with a 44.85kWh battery, a front electric motor making 160kW, and a rear motor making 230kW for claimed maximum system output of 530kW.

The more upmarket powertrain is based on a 2.0-litre turbo petrol producing 187kW. A 52.38kWh battery is subbed in; the front motor appears to have reduced output of 123kW while the rear motor retains its 230kW. Claimed system output is 540kW.

A significant difference between the powertrains is electric range and charging time, with the larger battery also operating at higher voltage. Electric-only range would be about 180km for the 44kWh battery and 220km with the 52kWh option, both WLTP.

Rapid charging capability is supported, with claimed charge times for a 20-80 percent session measuring 26 minutes with the small battery (replenishing about 108km) but just 17 minutes for the larger pack (replenishing about 132km).

A final decision on whether to bring the Lynk & Co 900 to Australia is expected to be made this year.