Article by Brent Co of autoindustriya.com
A new breed of EV
The Philippine EV market is evolving at a rapid pace. Just look around and you’ll see new EVs being launched left and right, with brands offering more than the previous competitor that was just launched a month or a week before, and at lower costs. In this game of EV one-upmanship, it’s going to take a lot more to stand out and grab the attention of the discerning consumers looking for one.
Something tells me that standing out won’t be a problem for Lynk & Co. Yes, it may be a new name to most Filipino car buyers, but its roots are anything but ordinary. With Swedish design and engineering fused with Chinese manufacturing under the Geely Group umbrella, it offers a fresh East-meets-West perspective in our market.
So we thought we’d go zero emissions again and try out the latest offering from Lynk & Co distributor UAAGI: the 02 e-SUV. It’s their first full electric model, and we want to see if it’s worth your attention.
Futuristic design that doesn’t shout
It’s no surprise that it’s a crossover SUV given our market’s focus on taller riding vehicles. But this is a crossover that certainly has a lot of curb appeal if you like futuristic looks.
From the outside, the Lynk & Co 02 brings a unique combination of minimalism but also avant-garde energy to the road. Lynk & Co calls the design aesthetic as “New Day”, and you can see it with the design elements. The futuristic “day ray” LED DRLs are definitely striking. The silhouette has touches of coupe in crossover form. The distinctive rear lighting also doubles as a spoiler; they say it’s reminiscent of a city skyline. And then the 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels complete the edgy look.
It’s definitely edgy, but it doesn’t scream it.
A cabin that marries minimalism and function
Step inside and you’re greeted by a Scandinavian-inspired cabin—minimalist, ergonomic, and lots of white. You’ll want to be careful to not have grime on your hands or clothes when you sit in here.
There’s a balanced mix of soft-touch surfaces and responsibly sourced materials, with the seats and steering wheel wrapped in sustainable (and vegan-friendly) leather. Recycled components further drive home the EV’s green credentials.
While the vehicle’s footprint is relatively compact, the interior feels spacious thanks to a panoramic glass roof and large frameless windows. Visibility through the rear glass is a bit restricted, which becomes more apparent when on the move.
One gripe? No grab handles. These may be small details, but certainly go a long way in everyday convenience.
Tech-heavy and feature-packed
The 02 e-SUV is loaded with tech, headlined by a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display in crisp 2.5K resolution. It manages almost all cabin functions, including climate control—though traditionalists may wish for separate physical buttons for quicker adjustments. The connectivity package is comprehensive: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Audio is piped through a Harman Kardon speaker system that delivers impressive clarity and depth.
Other creature comforts include dual wireless chargers, a fast-charging 60W USB-C port, and a frameless digital gauge cluster, though the latter does feel undersized compared to the massive center screen.
EV power and performance
Underneath the sculpted body lies a rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. This allows the 02 e-SUV to hit 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, putting it squarely in the performance EV camp. Power comes from a 66 kWh Lithium NMC battery that promises up to 435 km of range. Fast charging? You’re covered—10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger.
On the road
Instant torque? Check. The Lynk & Co 02 delivers the usual EV punch with a smooth and confident throttle response. Steering is responsive, and while it won’t carve corners like a hot hatch, it’s composed and stable in both urban settings as well as winding provincial roads.
Ride quality is another strong suit. Despite housing a heavy battery pack, the vehicle feels well-damped and quiet, thanks in part to the SEA2 platform shared with the Zeekr X, smart #1, and Volvo EX30. Cabin insulation is excellent—just what you’d expect from a brand with Swedish engineering DNA.
Safety with a Swedish twist
Leveraging its Volvo-linked heritage, the Lynk & Co 02 comes with a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features. From adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to collision mitigation systems, it covers all the bases. The platform also boasts a strong structural integrity that enhances passive safety.
With its eye-catching design, sustainability-focused interior, strong performance, and Volvo-inspired safety, the 02 punches above its weight, so much so that it could be a compelling new option for local EV customers that want something a bit more upscale than an Atto 3 or other similar models. Why upscale? Well the pricing starts at PHP 1,788,000 for the base variant but this high spec trim is at PHP 1,998,000.
Yes it’s more upmarket but it offers a lot of bang for the buck for buyers ready to make the electric leap in style.
Source: https://www.autoindustriya.com/car-reviews/2025-lynk-co-02-hs-bev.html
