Electric crossover from Lynk & Co debuts in Europe

The model designation of the brand’s second BEV model after the Z10 is somewhat confusing: in China, the electric vehicle will be sold as the Z20, but in Europe as the Z02. Lynk & Co plans to present the Z02 in Europe in October, while the Z20 will celebrate its premiere in China at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November. The first data has now become public from the application for approval from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), a mandatory process in China.

The Z20/Z02 will use Geely’s SEA2 platform, i.e. a version of the well-known ‘Sustainable Experience Architecture’ (SEA) optimised for smaller vehicles, such as the Zeekr X, Smart #1 and #3 or the Volvo EX30. In essence, the Lynk & Co is comparable to the SEA models mentioned, but there are some interesting differences in the details.

The size is similar. With a length of 4.46 metres, the Lynk & Co Z20 is one centimetre longer than the Zeekr X, according to the information from the registration application. The differences in width, height and wheelbase are also less than one centimetre. The innovations in the drive system are greater: at least in China, the Z20 will have a 250 kW electric drive, which is currently the only drive option. It is not clear from the MIIT publication whether the electric motor is installed at the front or rear – the SEA is rear-wheel drive, so this is probably also the case with the SEA2 and thus the Z20.

There are also signs of a change in the battery. The MIIT publication mentions an LFP battery, but there is no indication of the energy content of the high-voltage storage unit. The Smart #3 is available with a 66 kWh NMC battery and, since 2023, a 49 kWh battery.

Lynk & Co sticks to its design language with the body’s design; the Z20/Z02 also has daytime running lights in a double-stripe design, which can be found on the Lynk & Co 01, available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. As a pure BEV, however, the Z20/Z02 no longer has a classic radiator grille but a largely closed front with a small air intake further down. The crossover rear slopes flat from the C-pillar, so no high boot is to be expected.

When sales start in Europe, it will be via a new sales model. Lynk & Co has so far only sold the 01 via a car subscription, which has limited its success in Europe – since July, the vehicle has no longer been sold due to EU legislation on cyber security. New CEO Lopez Appelgren wants to build up a classic importer network and open up to ten Lynk showrooms operated by dealers this year. Later, up to 40 Lynk locations will be operated in parallel to the twelve Lynk Clubs currently in operation across Europe. The ‘clubs’ will be run by Lynk & Co itself, the showrooms by the retailers.

“We need to expand our range and open up new sales channels,” said Lopez Appelgren. “The target group for car subscriptions is still too small. That’s why we recently started offering leasing, financing and rental.” If a car is sold online via direct sales, Appelgren also wants dealers to participate. For example, a flat rate is a possibility. Details of the sales model and potential partners are not yet fully known. It has been confirmed that the importer SEEAG will open up twelve markets in southeast Europe for the brand.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com (both Z20), automobilwoche.de (European sales; in German)