Lynx Snowmobiles What’s New For 2025

North America’s Newest Snowmobile Brand Comes on Strong …

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Related: Fine Tuning New Sleds

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My Introduction to Lynx Snowmobiles

To most riders, Lynx snowmobiles are the new kid on the snow. New premium brands are typically born with the creation of new divisions. One example is those launched by existing auto companies like Honda (Acura 1986), Toyota (Lexus 1989) and Infiniti (Nissan 1989). But the Lynx brand launched in Finland (1968). Then it became a separate subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products (1988) and subsequently, the best-selling European snowmobile brand. So in fact, Lynx snowmobiles were already well into adulthood before BRP began making a few models selectively available in North America (2021).

Now for Model Year 2025, Lynx snowmobiles deliver a line-up that aspires to capture a serious share of the North American sled market. This fortuitous timing may also help fill the void soon to be left by Yamaha’s exit from snowmobiling. All of which is to say that Michel (Micky) Garneau’s take on what’s new for Lynx snowmobiles is especially relevant. As Editor-in-Chief of Motoneige Quebec Magazine, Micky has decades of new sled reviews and tech expertise under his belt. His opinion is always worth a read and in this case, also may provide a glimpse into the future of snowmobiling. Please note that Micky’s observations in this post only relate to “What’s New For 2025”and not to previously existing features.

Lynx Snowmobiles MY25 What’s New?

BRP has positioned Lynx snowmobiles as a premium brand. Lynx sleds share several components with their yellow cousins. These include engines, clutches, chassis, controls, instrument clusters and even the front suspension. Despite this, you must only ride a red sled a few metres to realize that these are mechanical beasts with their own personalities. This is thanks in large part to a completely different rear suspension philosophy’ More robustly built, Lynx snowmobiles generally demand more involvement and interaction from the rider. But the reward is a unique riding experience and some very impressive capabilities.

The 2025 model year sees the addition of five new sleds. These include the arrival – a first for us – of a snowmobile powered by the 600R E-TEC engine. What’s more, BRP recently announced that for the first time Lynx snowmobiles are available to purchase in-season, not just by pre-season order.

Meanwhile, the evolution of the famous 10.25″ (26 cm) interactive display continues for 2025. Now that it is standard or optional on more models than ever before, BRP engineers are working hard to improve its performance and expand its functionality.

Lynx Snowmobiles – RAVE RE & GLS (Trail)

The RAVE line expands for 2025 with the addition of two new versions, RAVE RE and RAVE GLS. A new member of the RAVE family, the GLS pays tribute (not least through its graphics) to the famous GLS 3300. It launched in 1985, as Lynx’s first sports snowmobile and a pivotal model in the company’s history. Built on the Radien² chassis introduced last year on the RE 850 E-TEC, the new RAVE boasts many new features.

Engine 

The Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine now powers the RAVE GLS. It incorporates a water-methanol cooling agent injection system. It is designed to reduce the risk of detonation and maintain engine power when the throttle is kept open for long periods. The SHOT starting system also comes as standard.  So does the launch control system – a first for a Lynx snowmobile. Finally, like the high-altitude applications of the powerful twin, the pDrive primary clutch comes equipped with clickers to simultaneously fine-tune shifting characteristics and shift rpm.

Until 2025, Lynx limited engine choice to three options, i.e. three large-displacement, high-power engines. However, Lynx is now offering the Rotax 600R E-TEC in the RAVE RE. This mid-displacement engine is renowned for its eagerness and durability and is equipped with the pDrive primary clutch with clickers. While Lynx offers a full range of engines for its snowmobiles sold in Scandinavia, the decision to offer the 600R E-TEC (with its 125 hp) here in the RAVE RE is a first, with an engine rated at less than 165 hp.

Chassis

Each model includes:

• high-end LED headlights
• 3.5 in (9 cm) handlebar riser, hand guards
• “Sport” seat (which makes it easier for the rider to move around)
• two sets of LinQ mounting brackets
• footwells designed to be easy to clean
• high-performance braking system featuring a four-piston caliper, oversized rotor and a master cylinder with aluminium reservoir and adjustable lever

The new GLS comes standard with a 10.25 in (26 cm) interactive screen. It is available as an option on the 600R version, replacing the original 7.2 in (18.3 cm) digital cluster. Finally, the entire 2025 RAVE line up replaces last year’s ultra-low windscreen with a low version, offering enhanced protection against wind and cold.

Suspension

Barely a year after its disappearance, the 15 x 137 x 1.5 in (38.1 x 348.7 x 3.8 cm) version of the Ice Ripper XT track is back. This after temporary replacement by a 1.25 in (3.2 cm ) lug version because of a recurring rubbing problem. However, the return to the taller-lugged track came after engineers created greater clearance for it, achieved by repositioning the PPS³ rear suspension in the chassis.

LYNX Snowmobiles – BRUTAL RE (Crossover)

The XTERRAIN BRUTAL, introduced in North America for the 2023 model year, bows out of the XTERRAIN family. It now stands on its own in 2025 under the Brutal name as the BRUTAL RE “500 mm” (20 in.). Other big news in the BRUTAL RE line is undoubtedly the brand-new version bearing the “400 mm” suffix. Although remaining true to its mixed sport utility’niche, this one leans more towards the sporty side than its sister 500 model.

Engine

The BRUTAL RE (500 mm), powered by the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine, remains essentially identical to the 2024 version. New for 2025 is a version powered by the 900 ACE Turbo R engine. Also new for 2025 is a sister model, the BRUTAL RE (400), powered by the 900 ACE Turbo R engine. This engine stands out from the crowd with its use of an electromechanical reverse gear rather than the electronic version found on the two-stroke version. In terms of looks, it’s easy to spot the distinctive front grille with its large openings and no vertical crossbars.

Chassis

The “500” is based on the Radien-X platform, while the new 400 is housed in the Radien² chassis. These sleds come equipped with:

• 7.2 in (18.3 cm) digital gauge (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”, optional on BRUTAL RE)
• low windscreen (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• 12 V accessory socket (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• USB port in the glove box (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• aluminum handlebars with J-hook and mountain strap (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• transparent hand guards (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• 4.7 in (12 cm) handlebar riser (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE)
• brake master cylinder with aluminum reservoir (BRUTAL RE “500 mm” + BRUTAL RE), supposed to be more resistant than the plastic reservoir version it replaces
• electromechanical reverse gear, a necessity dictated by its four-stroke engine (900 ACE Turbo R versions)
• Explorer 2 front bumper (BRUTAL RE)
• bevelled tunnel to accommodate the wide track without compromising ergonomics (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”)
• 42-litre fuel tank (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”) / BRUTAL RE = 36-litre tank)
• Multi-LinQ plate on the tunnel (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”0 / BRUTAL RE = two sets of LinQ mounting brackets)
• 22-litre watertight storage box (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”)
• short, sloping snow guard for more efficient reversing in powdery snow (BRUTAL RE “500 mm”)

Suspension

The new BRUTAL RE 900 ACE Turbo R 400 mm is the product of a combination of several tried and tested components. They enable it to stand out from the crowd and fulfil its sport-utility mandate. The front of this model features LFS+ suspension with a 39″ (99.1 cm ) ski stance, providing a compromise between off-trail agility and trail stability. The same is true of its Blade DS+ skis. Their wide profile provides superior flotation in deep snow while maintaining precise handling when cornering on trails. Meanwhile, the KYB PRO 36 EA-3 R Kashima shock absorbers deliver the right settings for almost any condition with three (low-speed) compression damping positions as well as a wide range of rebound settings.

At the rear, the PPS² DS+ suspension gets the job done. Its uncoupled design allows significant weight transfer that proves useful in off-trail riding. Rail reinforcements ensure increased durability, while high-capacity 46 mm diameter dampers promise a high level of performance in spirited riding. More specifically, the central unit is a KYB 46 Kashima. And the rear shock absorber is a KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R Kashima. It’s adjustable for (low-speed)compression and rebound, extending the snowmobile’s use and performance envelope.

 

Finally, a PowderMax track measuring 16 x 154 x 2.5 in (40.6 x 392.3 x 6.4 cm) allows you to take full advantage of the formidable power of the 900 ACE Turbo R engine, while ensuring the desired manoeuvrability.

The “new” 500 mm BRUTAL RE, fresh from last year’s improvements, is further refined for 2025. This includes the addition of reinforcements to the Easy Ride+ rear suspension rails. Plus, last year’s KYB 46 Plus Kashima rear shock is replaced by a KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R Kashima. This shock offers three (low-speed) compression damping settings, as well as a host of rebound settings. These make the snowmobile more capable and versatile than ever before.

Lynx Snowmobiles – XTERRAIN RE (Crossover)

Engine

The Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine incorporates a water-methanol cooling agent injection system. It’s designed to reduce the risk of detonation and maintain engine power when the throttle is kept open for long periods. Finally, like the high-altitude applications of the powerful twin, the pDrive primary clutch comes equipped with clickers to simultaneously fine-tune shifting characteristics and shift rpm.

Chassis

The XTERRAIN RE family of models completes its migration to the Radien² platform, a move initiated last year on the 850 E-TEC engine version. More precisely, the version equipped with the 900 ACE Turbo R engine (based on the Radien-X chassis in the past) makes the leap to the “2” version. The newest XTERRAIN  RE gets power from the potent 850 E-TEC Turbo R. Use of the Radien² chassis means buyers will benefit from the following upgrades:

• Redesigned chain case which makes it easier to remove and reinstall the driveshaft (and therefore to change the track).
• Replacement of the old halogen headlights with four LED headlights to improve the quantity (4,800 lumens) and colour (6,000 K) of the light emitted, while reducing power consumption by 50%.
• Introduction of a new clutch cover to provide better ventilation and ensure lower temperatures.
• Addition of acoustic panels near the clutches and exhaust for better noise level management.

In the specific case of the 900 ACE Turbo R, this model now comes standard with the Sport seat, as well as the option of a 10.25 in (26 cm ) interactive digital display. The latter is standard equipment on the 850 E-TEC Turbo R. Finally, for 2025, all XTERRAIN RE models now have a brake master cylinder with aluminum reservoir, as well as a new Explorer 2 front bumper for added strength.

 

My Last Word

Please note that this website is dedicated to trail riding. So the 2025 Lynx Shredder mountain sled is not covered in this Lynx snowmobiles What’s New overview. I hope you enjoyed this sled tech post by Michel Garneau. And there’s more coming from Micky – also, check out his expert reports on Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo. Meanwhile, checkout their entire MY 2025 line-up at the Lynx snowmobiles website.

 

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The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.