The Lynk & Co 900 is the most ambitious model yet, entering the full-size SUV segment as its new flagship. It targets domestic and international premium rivals with a Scandinavian-inspired design, advanced technology, and pricing between 330,000 and 435,000 yuan (45,000 -59,500 USD). Aiming to move upmarket, Lynk & Co blends lessons from its existing lineup with innovations, including flexible seating and advanced driver assistance systems.

Exterior

The Lynk & Co 900 makes a visual statement. The front fascia is dominated by an innovative interactive display composed of 10,192 individual LEDs capable of displaying customized animations and messages, creating a dynamic first impression that changes depending on the situation. This lighting theme continues at the rear with a full-width taillight array featuring 2,400 LEDs arranged in eight rows.

The SUV’s dimensions—5,240mm in length with a 3,160mm wheelbase—give it a commanding presence without appearing bulky, thanks to clever design touches like flush-mounted door handles and well-proportioned glass areas. The split tailgate offers practicality with a 300kg load capacity, making loading cargo significantly easier to access in tight parking spaces. The attention to detail extends to the wheel options, with sizes up to 22 inches filling the wheel wells perfectly while maintaining a comfortable ride quality.

Interior

Stepping inside the Lynk & Co 900 reveals an interior filled with cabin technology and luxury in this price segment. The spacious three-row cabin employs a thoughtful 2+2+2 seating configuration that prioritizes comfort for all occupants; the second-row seats offer an industry-first 180-degree rotation capability that transforms the cabin into a mobile meeting space or family lounge.

Premium materials abound throughout, from the available Nappa leather upholstery to the genuine metal trim pieces and soft-touch surfaces that cover nearly every visible surface. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 30-inch 6K resolution central display powered by dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chips, complemented by a 95-inch augmented reality head-up display that projects critical information onto the windshield with clarity.

Entertainment options extend to rear passengers with a ceiling-mounted 30-inch 6K screen, while a 9-litre refrigerated compartment can cool drinks to -6°C. It has 42 separate storage compartments strategically placed throughout the cabin and seating that can be configured in numerous ways.

Driving Experience

The Lynk & Co 900 delivers competent performance for a vehicle of its size, though with some expected limitations inherent to large SUVs. The steering provides adequate feedback and remains manageable despite the vehicle’s length in urban environments. The 2.0T hybrid 187kW engine offers a balanced performance for most driving situations.

The driving position offers good visibility, with comfortable seats for front occupants. Cabin noise levels remain acceptable at highway speeds, though some wind noise becomes noticeable. Multiple drive modes adjust vehicle responses, though the differences between settings are relatively subtle.

The suspension handles most road conditions competently. The standard setup absorbs bumps adequately, while the optional air suspension improves ride quality, particularly on rough surfaces. Body roll is present but well-controlled for a vehicle of this size. Road noise becomes more apparent with more extensive wheel options.

Driver assistance systems perform as expected for this class, with lane centring and adaptive cruise control functioning reliably on highways. The system handles basic urban driving scenarios but requires driver supervision in complex situations. The AR-HUD provides clear information without distracting from the road.

Overall, the 900 performs as a competent large SUV, with handling characteristics that reflect its size and weight. The driving experience prioritizes comfort over engagement, with systems that work effectively without standing out in any particular area.

Verdict

The Lynk & Co 900 emerges as one of the most compelling premium SUVs currently in the Chinese auto market. Priced between 330,000 and 435,000 yuan (45,000 -59,500 USD), it significantly undercuts European rivals while offering more technology, innovation, and comparable build quality. Also worth a mention is that the Lynk & Co 900 is similarly priced to Huawei’s Aito M8, yet its size and luxury match the Aito M9 (see specs).

Some minor compromises exist – the ride could be slightly more refined over poor road conditions, and the sheer amount of technology might overwhelm some users.

The clever rotating seats, massive interactive displays, and exceptional attention to detail throughout the cabin set new benchmarks for the segment. For buyers seeking a full-size luxury SUV that breaks from tradition without sacrificing practicality or performance, the Lynk & Co 900 deserves serious consideration.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.