Lynk & Co, a joint venture between Geely and Volvo, has had a diverse range of cars since its launch in 2017. Known for its involvement in motorsport with the 03 TCR, a racing version of the 03 sedan designed by Cyan Racing, the brand has competed in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) series. Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 340 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, the 03 TCR has won multiple WTCR titles. Drivers such as Thed Björk, Yann Ehrlacher, Santiago Urrutia and Ma Qinghua have represented the car.
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Another Geely-owned brand, Zeekr, became an independent company in March 2021. Its first model, the Zeekr 001 (see specs), was launched in April that year, initially starting out as the Lynk & Co Zero concept. The Zero was unveiled at the postponed 2020 Beijing Motor Show and was rebranded as the Zeekr 001 when it went into production.
In recent years, Lynk & Co has focused on building PHEVs, but has finally released its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Lynk & Co Z10. Sharing the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform with the Zeekr 001, the Z10 is available in 400V and 800V options, signaling the brand’s shift towards electrification. Within 24 hours of its launch in China on September 5, Lynk & Co had received more than 5,000 locked-in orders (non-refundable deposits) for the Z10.
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Exterior design
The Z10’s design follows the Lynk & Co Next Day concept with thin split LED daytime running lights at the front, a continuous LED light strip at the rear and a trapezoidal grille. It has a sleek coupe-like shape with a sloping roofline and rising beltline that contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.198 Cd. The side profile is reminiscent of the Lotus Emeya. With an overall length of 5028/1966/1468 mm and a wheelbase of 3005 mm, the Z10 falls into the mid-to-large sedan category. Other features include LiDAR sensors on the roof, retractable door handles and an active spoiler. The doors close securely and confidently, with precisely aligned panels and meticulously finished paintwork.
interior
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The Lynk & Co Z10 is the first Chinese-made mass-produced car to feature an AMD chipset. Delivering 394K DMIPs of performance, the AMD V2000A chip provides 1.8 times the computing power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295. The chipset supports a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 15.4-inch multimedia display, and an augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). The Z10 also includes Flyme Link for syncing accounts and features between the car and smartphone.
The minimalist center console features a wireless charging pad and a hidden compartment. The leather-trimmed seats are heated, ventilated and massaged in both the front and rear seats. For audiophiles, the Harman Kardon sound system has 23 speakers (7.1.4 surround sound) and a 1600W amplifier. The infotainment system is powered by the Flyme Auto system, developed in collaboration with Meizu.
Storage
The trunk offers 616 litres of luggage space.
Driving experience
Our test car was a dual-motor all-wheel drive Z10, with a 310 kW rear motor and a 270 kW front motor for a total of 580 kW and 810 Nm of peak torque. We should mention that at the time of testing the Z10, the Flyme Auto software was in beta, and the self-driving feature was disabled during the test drive.
In Comfort mode, the Z10 slightly adjusts the ride height and softens the front suspension for an improved overall ride quality. The dual-chamber air suspension and CDC system effectively control vehicle bounce and provide stability over bumps. The thinner 21-inch Michelin tires make the ride smooth and bumps are noticeable but not unpleasant. This setting is suitable for daily commuting and provides a refined driving experience. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, the steering responsiveness and precision are clearly better than the Zeekr 007 (see specifications). The dual motor system provides excellent acceleration and makes overtaking a breeze.
Switching to Sport mode delivers a more aggressive driving experience. Throttle response is direct and unfiltered, connecting driver input with vehicle acceleration instantly. The chassis is stiffer, improving road feel and agility at high speeds. However, small road imperfections may be more pronounced in this mode and it is not suitable for uneven surfaces.
In Sport+ mode, the Z10 is at its best. The instrument cluster turns red, indicating the most dynamic setting. The throttle response is very aggressive and the electronic stability system takes a more gentle approach to optimize grip on twisty roads. The suspension is lower and very stiff, making road irregularities more noticeable and potentially uncomfortable for occupants.
This top-spec Z10 is reminiscent of the BMW 5 Series with its blend of superior space, luxurious features and strong driving dynamics.Compared to the Zeekr 001, the new Lynk & Co Z10 comes with Lynk & Co DNA tuned for a sporty drive, while the Zeekr 001 is tuned for comfort.
range
Our test car is the 800V AWD Smart Ultra version with a CLTC range of 702km. An 800V fast-charging system can add an additional 573km of range in just 15 minutes. All Z10 variants are powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery.
Safety Features
The Lynk & Co Z10 has key safety features including a high-strength body structure and battery protection that can withstand forces of up to 65 tonnes. The vehicle is made from 84.65% high-strength steel and aluminium, with ultra-high-strength steel used in the upper and roof frames. The torsional stiffness of the entire vehicle is high at 45500 Nm/degree. LiDAR sensors assist autonomous driving, while a windscreen projection display system and facial recognition for access enhance safety and functionality.
Conclusion
The addition of the Z10 sedan to Lynk & Co’s line-up is crucial to the brand’s shift towards electrification, expanding its existing range of internal combustion engine and hybrid models to meet the needs of customers seeking alternatives to electric vehicles. The move underlines the brand’s focus on evolving its product range to meet the changing demands of the market.
Stay tuned for next week’s Car News China’s Sunday China Drive, where you’ll read more first-hand reviews of Chinese cars.
