In an exciting move that marks a return to their roots, Lynk & Co has made headlines once again by unveiling its latest flagship model, the Lynk 900. This new large plug-in hybrid SUV represents a significant development in Lynk & Co's portfolio, arriving shortly after the introduction of their all-electric models, the Lynk Z10 and Z20. The Lynk 900 is built on the SPA Evo architecture, a platform specifically designed for high-end hybrid vehicles that are both spacious and luxurious, boasting dimensions that promise comfort and performance.

The announcement came on January 3rd and drew attention from various media outlets, including Economic Observer, where Lynk & Co's General Manager, Lin Jie, made bold predictions for the hybrid SUV marketHe stated that in 2024, approximately 790,000 large hybrid SUVs are expected to be sold, with even greater growth anticipated in 2025 that could see market figures exceed one million units

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This ambitious market outlook illustrates the growing consumer interest in hybrid technology, amidst increasing environmental concerns.

However, the Lynk 900 enters a highly competitive arena, facing off against formidable opponents such as the Wenjie M9 and the Lixiang L9, both of which also lay claim to the large new energy SUV segmentAdditionally, competitors like the Denza N9 and the recently revealed Haobo HL are stirring up excitement in the marketWith the increasing number of new entries, Mu Jun, the Deputy General Manager of Lynk & Co Sales Company, noted that while the current market has relatively few large SUVs, the landscape could change dramatically by 2025 with nearly twenty new models anticipated to hit the shelves.

So, how does Lynk & Co plan to differentiate its Lynk 900 from the flood of competitors? Lin Jie analyzed the current offerings, pointing out that many existing new energy large SUVs may excel in technology and smart features but fall short in driving dynamics and overall performance

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This presents a unique opportunity for the Lynk 900, as it aims to fill a gap in the marketWhile it may not dominate the segment like more established models, the Lynk 900 is targeting a top-three position among its peers, focusing on delivering a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.

Central to the success of the Lynk 900 is its innovative SPA Evo architecture, an evolution of Lynk’s earlier SPA platformThis advanced design is ideally suited for producing premium hybrid vehicles, with a wheelbase exceeding 3050mm and a vehicle length surpassing 5000mm, tailored for comfort and spaciousnessThe architecture is particularly notable for featuring a unique dual-chamber air suspension system, which provides unmatched comfort and controlThis system allows for superior adaptability in filtering road imperfections while maintaining a sporty driving experience.

As the highest-end vehicle Lynk & Co has ever created, the Lynk 900 carries the heavy mantle of propelling the brand into the upper echelons of the automotive market

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Its competitors, such as the Wenjie M9 and Lixiang L9, are firmly positioned above the 400,000 RMB price point, while Lynk aims to offer comparable valueIn contrast, the average sale price for all Lynk products in 2024 is projected at around 170,000 RMB, with the average for their new energy models hitting 220,000 RMBThis strategically lower pricing aims to challenge the established players in the market.

Against this backdrop, Lin Jie emphasized the company's commitment to high-end offerings, stating that achieving sales volume in the premium segment is a delicate balancing act between perceived value and pricing strategyAlthough the final price for the Lynk 900 is yet to be determined, Lin confidently asserted that it will outperform competitors both in terms of value and potentially pricing, suggesting that it will be favorably positioned against similar large new energy SUVs.

It’s also worth noting that Zeekr, another brand under the Geely umbrella, plans to introduce a large plug-in hybrid SUV by 2025. Given that Zeekr and Lynk & Co are now part of the same "Zeekr Technology Group," questions arise regarding potential competition between the two brands in the large SUV segment.

Lin Jie addressed these concerns by clarifying the distinct positioning of Zeekr and Lynk & Co

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While both brands are part of Geely, they cater to different market segmentsZeekr's emphasis is on luxury, whereas Lynk & Co positions itself as a high-end brandTheir target markets, pricing structures, and product architectures do not overlap significantly, making their competition less likely.

An interesting development in the larger automotive landscape is the rising interest in new energy MPVsHowever, Lin Jie clarified that Lynk & Co does not currently plan to enter the MPV market, as this segment is already saturated with products and has a strong presence from ZeekrRather than encroach on their sibling brand's territory, Lynk & Co is focused on developing products that align with the specific roles defined within the Geely Group.

Official data reveals that Lynk & Co achieved impressive sales figures in 2024, totaling 285,400 vehicles, which represents a nearly 30% increase year-on-year