► Qashqai-sized electric SUV
► Follows on from the 01 hybrid (in Europe)
► On Geely’s SEA platform
You’re looking at the 02, a new electric SUV from Geely-owned Lynk & Co. Just launched at an event in Milan, it’s the second product from the brand to be offered both in the Chinese and EU markets (joining the hybrid 01) and the first EV to make it to the continent.
‘The all-new 02 represents the next phase for Lynk & Co,’ said Nicolas López Appelgren, CEO of Lynk & Co. ‘We are expanding our business model, growing our product portfolio, and venturing into new markets. These strategic steps underscore Lynk & Co’s commitment to providing greater choice, flexibility, and access for our customers.’
It seems that ‘other markets’ doesn’t currently include the UK, but our presence at the launch means it could well be on the horizon.
What about the car?
Called the Z20 in China, the 02 is a five-door C-segment SUV with a swept back roof and wheelbase of 2750mm. In total it’s 4460mm long, 1840mm wide and 1570mm tall, putting it right in the middle of the C-segment. Think Nissan Qashqai and you’re pretty much there.
Like the 01 hybrid before it, the 02 has been crafted by designers at Lynk & Co’s Gothenburg, Sweden HQ. The brand hasn’t been around for long, but it’s fair to say Lynk & Co already has a very distinctive style.
On the 02 that translates into a split headlight configuration with ‘spindly’ fork-shaped DRLs. At the rear you get a spoiler outlined by the rear lights – almost like glowing scaffolding. And one more thing: it’s much bigger than it looks in the pictures and has a touch of the previous-gen Civic about it…
It’s not just all for style though; there are functional bits too, such as a grille with an active shutter designed to increase efficiency when not in use.
As you’d expect, the 02 is built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. It uses 66kWh battery and electric motor on the rear axle to produce 253lb ft of torque and 268bhp. That’s good for 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.
Range is a punchy 445km or 277 miles in the top (of two) model and the 02 will charge from 10% to 80% in half an hour using a 150kW DC charger. Range is just 10km less in the Core model.
What about inside?
Inside, the Lynk & Co strikes an interesting blend of premium and sustainable. As you’d expect, a huge 15.4-inch HD display sits in the middle of the cabin, and it’s the place where you’ll change navigation, media and vehicle settings. So far, so Geely.
There’s a 10.2-inch HD display for the driver and other bits of tech like an optional 1.6kW, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and dual wireless phone chargers. Both are powered by third-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for the snappiest user experience.
Something Lynk & Co designers are calling an ‘infinity light’ plays a big role in the cabin. Designed to communicate warnings and generally set and communicate the mood, it’ll be a key feature of the brand’s cars going forward.
Like the Ineos Grenadier, the 02 also packs in more than one type of horn. Called a ‘hey honk’ it’ll literally say ‘excuse me’ to pedestrians rather than the standard horn. It can be toggled and changed thankfully.
We’ve not sat in it yet, but the 02 packs in 410-litres of boot space, and 15 extra litres in the frunk. If that’s not enough space, Lynk & Co has also thrown in a modular storage systems.
How much?
It’s not coming to the UK, but in Europe the entry-level Core model will start from €35,495 – around £30,000. That rises to €39,495 (around £33,000) for the 02 More variant, which adds the aforementioned Harman Kardon speaker system, 20-inch wheels and a 360-degree camera among other tech.