Lynk & Co, a three way partnership between Geely and Volvo, has developed a assorted lineup since its launch in 2017. Recognised for its notable involvement in motorsports, the 03 TCR is a bespoke racing model of the 03 sedan crafted by Cyan Racing, which has successfully competed within the prestigious Touring Car Racing (TCR) series. With its potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 340 horsepower and 420 Newton meters of torque, the 03 TCR has successfully secured multiple World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) championship titles. Professional drivers such as Thed Björk, Yann Ehrlacher, Santiago Urrutia, and Ma Qing Hua have served as ambassadors for the iconic automobile brand.
Zeekr, another model under Geely, was spun off as an independent entity in March 2021. Its first mannequin, the Zeekr 001 (see specs), launched in April of that 12 months and initially began because the Lynk & Co Zero idea. The Zeekr 001 made its debut at the delayed 2020 Beijing Auto Show under its original moniker, The Zero, with its manufacturer opting for a rebranding.
In recent times, Lynk & Co has targeted on producing PHEVs. Nevertheless, it has lastly launched its first battery electrical car (BEV), the Lynk & Co Z10. The Zeekr brand is now offering the sustainable expertise structure platform alongside its latest model, the Z10, which boasts two distinct voltage options: 400V and 800V, thereby paving the way for a new era of electrification in the automotive industry. Inside 24 hours of its launch on 5 September in China, Lynk & Co has obtained over 5,000 lock-in orders (non-refundable deposits) for the Z10.
The Z10’s design follows the Lynk & Co Subsequent Day idea, that includes skinny break up LED daytime working lights on the entrance, a steady LED mild strip on the rear, and a trapezoid grille. The sleek, coupe-inspired design, featuring a sloping roofline and dynamically rising beltline, enables a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.198 Cd. The sleek silhouette of its faceted profile bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Lotus Eléma. The Hyundai Grandeur, measuring 4,928 millimetres in length, 1,966 millimetres in width and 1,468 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 2,805 millimetres, comfortably slots into the mid-to-large sedan category. Options include embracing a LiDAR sensor on the roof, retracting door handles, and an energetic spoiler that enhances aerodynamics? The doorways shut with a sturdy, comforting clunk, their precisely fitted panels and flawless finish exuding a sense of solidity.
The Lynk & Co Z10 is the primary Chinese language manufacturing automobile to make use of an AMD chipset. The AMD V2000A processor boasts an impressive efficiency of 394K DMIPs, delivering a remarkable 1.8 times increase in computing power compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295. This advanced chipset seamlessly integrates with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch multimedia display, and an augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). The Meizu Z10 also features Flyme Hyperlink, which enables seamless account and option synchronization between the vehicle and a user’s smartphone.
The sleek Minimalistic Heart Console combines wireless charging functionality with innovative concealed storage spaces. The luxurious leather-upholstered seats offer a trifecta of comfort features: heated surfaces, adjustable airflow, and soothing therapeutic massages, all accessible to both front and rear seat occupants. The Harman Kardon sound system, designed specifically for audiophiles, boasts an impressive 23-speaker setup delivering immersive 7.1.4 enveloping sound, paired with a robust 1600W amplifier. The vehicle’s infotainment system utilises the Flyme Auto system, a collaborative development with Meizu.
With a spacious trunk capacity of 616 litres, there’s ample room for your luggage, packages, and other essentials.
Our focus falls on the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Z10, equipped with a 310-kilowatt rear motor and a 270-kilowatt front motor, producing a combined output of 580 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 810 Newton meters. At the time of our testing, the Flyme Auto software was in its beta phase, with autonomous driving features temporarily suspended to ensure a safe and reliable evaluation process.
When operating in Consolation mode, the Z10’s adaptive technology subtly tweaks its peak performance and calibrates the front-end suspension to deliver a more comfort-oriented ride, ultimately enhancing overall driving pleasure. The twin-chamber air suspension and CDC system work in tandem to absorb the car’s natural bounce and deliver unparalleled stability, even when traversing uneven terrain or navigating rough road surfaces with ease. The ride is remarkably smooth, with subtle bumps absorbed seamlessly by the 21-inch Michelin tires’ slender design. This daily commute setup refines your driving skills gradually over time. Despite its laid-back attitude, the vehicle’s steering response and accuracy stand out as significantly better than those of the Zeekr 007, according to specifications. The twin-motor setup provides a unique acceleration profile, effortlessly enabling swift overtakes.
Engaging Sport Mode unleashes an intensified driving experience with heightened aggression. The throttle response transforms into a direct and unencumbered pathway, delivering an instantaneously responsive connection between the driver’s input and the vehicle’s acceleration. The chassis rigidifies significantly, dramatically improving street feel and responsiveness at high velocities, allowing for more precise control and an enhanced driving experience. Notwithstanding its benefits, this mode may accentuate small street defects, rendering it less ideal for rough terrain.
Operating in Sport+ mode, the Z10 achieves its optimal performance profile. The instrument cluster illuminates a deep shade of purple, indicating that you’ve likely entered the most thrilling configuration possible. The throttle response is aggressively swift, while the digital stability control deploys a more accommodating approach, thereby enhancing traction on twisty routes. The suspension has been lowered, giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance while rendering street imperfections more jarring and undeniably uncomfortable for occupants.
While this top-spec Z10 shares some similarities with the BMW 5 Series, its blend of impressive space, premium amenities, and potent performance dynamics is more akin to a high-end luxury vehicle. In comparison with the Zeekr 001, the brand new Lynk & Co Z10 is embedded with Lynk & Co’s DNA tuned for a sporty drive, whereas the Zeekr 001 is tuned in direction of a consolation bias.
What’s our take on the new automobile? Let’s examine the 800V all-wheel-drive Good Extremely model, boasting an impressive 702-kilometer CLTC range. Its cutting-edge 800V fast-charging system enables a remarkable boost of 573 kilometers within just 15 minutes. The Z10 series’ power supply relies solely on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
The Lynk & Co Z10 gives key security options, together with a high-strength physique construction and battery safety able to withstanding forces as much as 65 tons. The vehicle leverages a robust composition of 84.65% high-strength metal and aluminum, featuring ultra-high-strength materials in its higher and roof frames. The torsional stiffness of the entire vehicle is remarkably high at 45,500 N·m/deg. While LiDAR sensors significantly enhance autonomous driving capabilities, an integrated projection show system on the windshield and advanced face recognition technology for seamless entry further bolster overall safety and efficiency.
Including the Z10 sedan to the Lynk & Co lineup is significant within the model’s shift in direction of electrification. The range now encompasses a broader variety of internal combustion and hybrid models, meeting growing demand for electric alternatives. The transfer demonstrates the model’s ability to adapt and refine its product range in response to shifting market demands.
The brand new Z10, with its Lynk & Co racing DNA imprinted in it, can also be priced Z10 62,200 yuan (8,800 USD) cheaper than Zeekr 001. Which one you desire most will come to pass. Tune in next week to find out more about our series of first-hand reviews of Chinese cars.