The Chinese invasion of Europe continues as Lynk & Co has unveiled the new 02. It’s the company’s first electric vehicle for the old continent, although it will also be offered in China as the Z20. Billed as a striking five-door crossover coupe, the 02 has an aerodynamically optimized front end with split lighting units and an active shutter intake. Designers also gave the model a panoramic glass roof, a two-tone paint job, and 19- or 20-inch wheels. Other notable highlights include flush-mounted door handles and a prominent rear spoiler with integrated taillights.
In a curious twist, the model has a “Hey
Honk” feature, which is a customizable sound that allows for “friendly”
interactions with pedestrians and other road users. Lynk & Co said testing
has shown “pedestrians found the system to be a preferable alternative to the
typical startling horn sound.” In terms of size, the crossover measures 4460 mm long, 1845 mm wide, and 1573 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2755 mm. This means the model
is the same length as the Toyota Corolla Cross, but has an extra 117 mm between the wheels.
The minimalist cabin sports a two-tier
dashboard and an “aircraft-inspired” oval steering wheel. Drivers sit behind a
10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and most controls are operated via a
15.4-inch infotainment system. The interior features an interesting mix of
recycled and translucent materials as well as speckled accents. Buyers will
also find dual wireless chargers, a heated steering wheel, and heated power
front seats. There’s even a Journey Camera, which allows users to “take selfies
or group photos directly from the rearview mirror to capture memories during
trips.” Another oddball feature is the so-called “sharing strap.” It’s located
next to the steering wheel and the company said a “gentle pull takes users
straight to the sharing app … so they can start sharing their car in just a few
steps.” Those not in the mood to share will find a frunk that can hold 15 liters of gear. It’s joined by a 410 liters boot.
The Lynk & Co 02 rides on Geely’s
Sustainable Experience Architecture and has a 66 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery.
It feeds a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp and 343 Nm of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-100
km/h in 5.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 180 km/h.
Speaking of quick, a 150 kW DC fast charger can take the battery from 10% to
80% in just 30 minutes. When it’s full, drivers can expect to travel up to 445 km on a single charge. Safety is front and center thanks to 21
features including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and front/rear
cross traffic alert. They’re joined by intelligent cruise control, auto lane
change assist, blind spot detection, and traffic sign recognition.
The model is currently available to order
and pricing starts at € 35,495 in Italy. However, in most other countries –
including Germany, France, and the Netherlands – it begins at € 35,995.
