The LYNK & CO 03 PHEV is the brand's first plug-in hybrid C-segment sedan built on the CMA electrified modular architecture. Positioned as a "trendy, energy-efficient sedan", it is derived from the petrol-powered LYNK & CO 03, aimed at broadening its market reach through low fuel consumption and green-plate privileges. The car made its plug-in hybrid family debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in September 2019 before its official launch, followed by an annual model update in July 2020.
The LYNK & CO 03 PHEV was offered in three variants: Lite, Plus, and Pro, with post-subsidy prices ranging from RM168,700 to RM198,700. Among them, the 2020 Pro variant was priced at RM198,700, while the base version was pegged at RM178,700. An operable panoramic sunroof comes standard across the range. Built as a 4-door, 5-seater three-box sedan, it measures 4,657 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a 2,730 mm wheelbase and a kerb weight of 1,730 kg. First-hand owners enjoy an unlimited-mileage, lifetime battery warranty, alongside a four-year or 100,000 km manufacturer vehicle warranty. Competing in the compact sedan segment, its primary rivals include domestic plug-in hybrid sedans like the BYD Qin Pro DM and MG 6 PHEV.
The exterior styling of the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV faithfully mirrors the LYNK & CO 03 concept car, embracing the brand's signature "Mega-city Contrast" design philosophy. Up front, it features trendy split headlamp units, with the upper tier housing the "Aurora Borealis" LED daytime running lights, while the lower main beam units seamlessly blend into the full-width horizontal grille for instant brand recall. The key visual distinction over the ICE variant is the addition of a charging port on the front left fender and a "PHEV" badge on the boot lid to highlight its electrified credentials. The rear bumper styling has also been subtly revised, housing a dual-exit exhaust layout with one tailpipe on each side.
Inside, the cabin mirrors the driver-focused cockpit layout of the standard LYNK & CO 03, with the centre console slightly angled towards the driver. The top-spec Pro variant upgrades to a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and combination leather/suede-style upholstery. Lower variants make do with a synthetic leather steering wheel and leather-fabric combination seats. The Pro variant also gains single-colour ambient lighting. Overall, the interior strikes a fine balance between sportiness and premium refinement.
Powering the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid setup pairing a 1.5T 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The 1.5T engine churns out 132 kW (approx. 180 PS) and 265 Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 60 kW (approx. 82 PS) and 160 Nm. Together, the system develops a total output of 262 PS and 390 Nm, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in an official 7.3 seconds. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (badged 7DCT-H for the PHEV, boasting up to 97% transmission efficiency).
The vehicle packs a 9.4 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, providing an NEDC-rated all-electric range of 51 km and a total cruising range of up to 992 km. Its NEDC-rated combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.6 L/100 km, while a standard AC slow charge takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Real-world independent testing in heavy urban traffic with the air conditioning on yielded an EV range of around 46 km, closely matching the official figure and proving its real-world usability.
Underpinned by the CMA modular platform, the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension, delivering a characteristically taut, European-style chassis tune. Stopping power comes from ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 R18 tyres.
The PHEV variant offers selectable drive modes, enabling seamless switching between pure EV driving and hybrid mode based on traffic conditions and energy-saving preferences, making it well-suited for urban stop-and-go commuting. Thanks to the structural rigidity of the CMA platform, the car exhibits composed body control in corners along with precise steering feedback, striking an agreeable balance between driving engagement and daily ride comfort.
Across the range, the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display, complete with voice control for media, navigation, telephony, and climate control, as well as remote vehicle access and start via a dedicated smartphone app. Lower trims feature a semi-digital instrument cluster combining analogue dials with an LCD screen, whereas the flagship Pro variant steps up to a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and heated front seats.
On the comfort front, an operable panoramic sunroof and automatic climate control are standard across all variants. The Pro variant further dials up cabin plushness with genuine leather steering wheel trim, suede-feel upholstery, and ambient lighting.
The LYNK & CO 03 PHEV comes thoroughly equipped on the safety front. Passive safety equipment standard across the range includes front dual airbags, front side airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, with the Pro variant adding full-length front and rear curtain airbags. Active safety suite includes ABS with EBD, Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Driver assistance levels vary by variant. The base trim is equipped with 4 rear ultrasonic parking sensors. The Pro variant adds a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), equipped with 8 front and rear parking sensors, a forward-facing monocular camera, 1 environmental perception camera, and 4 360-degree cameras. This suite integrates Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Detection / Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
While the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV spearheaded the brand's electrification push in the sedan arena, its commercial performance fell short of expectations. Post-launch, market traction and sales remained subdued, with petrol versions continuing to account for the bulk of LYNK & CO 03 sales. This was primarily attributed to its premium price point—with the PHEV starting at a steep RM168,700, direct rivals such as the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i and Geely Galaxy L6 offered significantly better value, with the Galaxy L6 commanding a starting price of just RM99,800.
In terms of lifecycle progression, as LYNK & CO accelerated its transition towards dedicated BEV and smart hybrid architectures, the 03 PHEV had a relatively brief market run, eventually making way for newer hybrid entries like the LYNK & CO 03 EM-F (HEV). As of 2025, the LYNK & CO 03 PHEV has officially been phased out across major automotive portals. Nonetheless, as the brand's inaugural plug-in hybrid sedan, it served as an important engineering stepping stone, laying the technical foundation for LYNK & CO's broader hybrid and pure electric offensive.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
