Lynk & Co Unveils The Funky 02 In Europe
Image Credit: Lynk & Co.
Today, I'm back with another tale of electrons, batteries, and enough torque to make your head spin. This time, we're hopping across the pond to Europe, where the Chinese automaker Lynk & Co is making waves with their funky new EV, the 02.
Who is Lynk & Co? Well, they're part of the Geely family, the same folks who brought us Volvo's renaissance. And let me tell you, this 02 is turning heads - it's got the whole shebang: sleek lines, fancy tech, and enough quirky features to make you wonder if the designers were sipping on something a little stronger than coffee.
Image Credit: Lynk & Co.
First off, let's talk about those looks. Lynk & Co calls the 02 a "five-door crossover coupe," which basically means it's a hatchback with a sloping roofline that screams "sporty spice." It's got this aerodynamic front end with split headlights that look like they're squinting at you, and an active shutter intake that's probably smarter than your average toddler.
But the real head-scratcher is the "Hey Honk" feature. Apparently, Lynk & Co decided that regular car horns are just too darn rude. So, they replaced it with a customizable sound that's supposed to be "friendlier" to pedestrians. I can just imagine it now: a chorus of chirps, whistles, and maybe even a little "excuse me, darling" as you navigate the streets of Paris. I'm not sure how I feel about this one, but at least it's unique.
Image Credit: Lynk & Co.
The 02 is a little bit shorter than a BMW iX1 (175.6 inches / 4460 mm) but with a bit more room between the wheels (108.5 inches / 2755 mm). Inside, it's all minimalist chic, with a two-tier dashboard and an oval steering wheel that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fighter jet. You've got your digital instrument cluster (10.2 inches) and a massive infotainment screen (15.4 inches) to keep you entertained.
And speaking of entertainment, this car is packed with gadgets galore. We're talking dual wireless chargers, a heated steering wheel, heated power seats, and even a "Journey Camera" so you can take selfies in the rearview mirror. Because, you know, safety first!
The other crazy thing, after the friendly horn, is the "sharing strap." It's this little thingamajig next to the steering wheel that lets you instantly share your car with others. I guess it's handy if you're feeling generous, but personally, I'm not too keen on the idea of strangers driving off with my precious EV.
Under the floor, you'll find a 66 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery powering a rear-mounted motor that churns out a respectable 268 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to get you from 0 to 62 mph in a snappy 5.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 112 mph. Not too shabby for a little electric crossover!
And when it comes to charging, this thing is no slouch either. Plug it into a 150 kW DC fast charger, and you can juice it up from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. On a full charge, you can expect to squeeze out around 277 miles of range.
Of course, no modern car would be complete without a suite of safety features, and the 02 doesn't disappoint. It's got all the usual suspects: automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and more acronyms than you can shake a stick at.
Image Credit: Lynk & Co.
So, how much will this electric oddball set you back? Well, it starts at €35,495 in Italy and €35,995 in most other European countries. That's roughly around $38,000 - $39,000, depending on the exchange rate.
Overall, the Lynk & Co 02 seems like a fun and funky addition to the EV scene. It's got style, tech, and a few quirks that are sure to make you smile. Whether it's the "Hey Honk" feature or the "sharing strap," this car is anything but boring.
