Lynk & Co 05

Model Overview

The Lynk & Co 05 is a C-segment coupe SUV introduced by the brand in May 2020. Underpinned by the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) jointly developed by Geely and Volvo, the model is priced between RM175,800 and RM212,800.Serving as Lynk & Co's fourth mass-produced model, the 05 embodies the "Extraordinary as Ordinary" design ethos to expand the brand's product lineup, squarely targeting younger buyers seeking distinct individuality and driving dynamics. Through several model updates, the range has evolved into a comprehensive lineup comprising the standard model, the performance-oriented 05+, and the plug-in hybrid 05 EM-P, making it a prominent trailblazer in the Chinese coupe SUV segment.Following its mid-life facelift in 2023, the updated petrol-powered Lynk & Co 05 is priced from RM186,800 to RM212,800, whilst the 05+ is tagged at RM236,800 and the 05 EM-P retails at RM227,800.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the Lynk & Co 05 carries forward the marque's signature "Urban Aesthetics of Contrast" design philosophy. The front fascia features a full-width smoked radiator grille flanked by distinctive split-headlamp units: the high-mounted "Aurora" daytime running lights offer unmistakable road presence, while the main beam clusters integrate flush with the grille to give an aggressive visual stance.The vehicle's profile defines its character, highlighted by a sleek fastback roofline that sweeps gracefully from the B-pillar downwards, complemented by an upswept shoulder line and a floating roof effect to deliver an athletic posture. Round the back, Lynk & Co's signature "Energy Matrix" LED tail lamps feature twin columns of vertical light clusters, casting a high-tech visual signature when illuminated.Dimension-wise, the Lynk & Co 05 measures 4,614 (or 4,592) mm in length, 1,879 mm in width, and 1,628 mm in height, with a 2,734 mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the compact SUV segment.Inside, the cabin is trimmed with extensive suede-style upholstery and contrasting red stitching, paired with a flat-bottom D-shaped sports steering wheel and integrated bucket-style seats to create an engaging, cockpit-like environment.

Powertrain and Performance

Performance is a core selling point for the Lynk & Co 05, with a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine fitted as standard across the range. The standard variant is powered by a Drive-E series 2.0T unit (engine code JLH-4G20TDC) delivering 187 kW (254 PS) and 350 Nm of peak torque, paired with an Aisin third-generation 8-speed automatic transmission.The range-topping performance variant, the Lynk & Co 05+, turns the wick up to 195 kW (265 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, backed by bespoke sport-tuned calibration including a revised steering ratio.Against the clock, the official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 6.7 seconds for the standard model and 6.5 seconds for the 05+, with 100-0 km/h braking distances recorded at 35 metres and 34 metres respectively—leading figures amongst petrol-powered SUVs in this price bracket.Meanwhile, the 05 EM-P plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine with a 3-speed DHT Pro dedicated hybrid transmission, achieving a total cruising range of up to 1,020 km, a century sprint time of 7.6 seconds, and a fuel consumption of 5.02 L/100 km under depleted battery conditions.The entire range requires a minimum of RON 95 petrol; real-world urban testing returns an average fuel consumption of around 11 to 12 L/100 km, showing that outright fuel economy is not its primary forte.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Lynk & Co 05 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, with the CMA-derived chassis delivering a taut, planted, and solid road feel.Higher-spec all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants feature a BorgWarner on-demand AWD system capable of splitting torque between the front and rear axles from 100:0 to 50:50;the flagship 05+ is further upgraded with BorgWarner's sixth-generation intelligent AWD system, executing torque redistribution in as little as 100 milliseconds.On the move, the suspension damping is tuned on the firmer side, providing clear road feedback and excellent lateral body control through corners;the electric power steering is light at carpark speeds yet weights up reassuringly on the highway, facilitating both effortless city driving and high-speed cruising. However, the firm damping transmits road imperfections rather directly into the cabin over broken surfaces, slightly compromising rear passenger ride comfort. In the moose test, it achieved a high passing speed of 83.3 km/h, highlighting its agile emergency evasion capability.Braking hardware on the 05+ is further enhanced with Akebono four-piston front brake calipers for sharper stopping power.

Cabin and Equipment

The facelifted Lynk & Co 05 brings a substantial upgrade in in-car connectivity and digital tech. Standard across the range is a dual-screen layout comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor on the GEEA 2.0 electronic architecture. This brings noticeably slicker responsiveness and broader functionality, alongside over-the-air (OTA) updates across four major domains.The intelligent voice assistant supports four-zone recognition with customisable AI virtual avatars, making voice interactions significantly more natural and engaging.In terms of convenience and comfort kit, the vehicle also offers a 12.7-inch central screen (on early models), a Head-Up Display (HUD), an Infinity premium sound system with active noise cancellation (ANC), a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.The infotainment system also includes preset cabin atmosphere modes (Awake, Romance, and Children) and supports native mini-program integration, striking a neat balance between everyday practicality and entertainment.However, constrained by the sloping coupe roofline, rear headroom and boot depth are relatively compact, delivering only average cargo capacity for its class.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a fundamental pillar of the Lynk & Co 05. High-strength steel accounts for 78.4% of the body structure, with hot-stamped steel deployed in critical crash zones, engineered to meet global five-star crash safety benchmarks.In terms of passive safety, 6 airbags come standard across the range, complemented by a control-arm breakaway mechanism that detaches and deflects the front wheel assembly outward during a 25% small overlap collision, preventing intrusion into the passenger cell.For active safety and driver assistance, the facelifted Lynk & Co 05 comes standard with the Lynk Co-Pilot Navi ADAS suite, offering Level 2+ driving assistance capabilities. The system utilizes 24 high-performance perception sensors (including 5 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and HD cameras), integrating up to 30 active safety functions and enabling Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) pilot assist in designated scenarios.Key features encompass Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), significantly easing driver fatigue on long journeys.Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree surround-view monitor, Door Opening Warning (DOW), and a rollover protection system, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants.

Market Performance and Reception

As a niche coupe SUV, the Lynk & Co 05 naturally commands a lower sales volume compared to conventional family SUVs. In its debut year in 2020, annual sales of the 05 reached 32,501 units; however, as the vehicle advanced through its lifecycle, figures steadily tapered off to 24,146 units in 2021, 8,995 units in 2022, and 3,244 units in 2023. By 2025, monthly sales had slipped into single digits.In terms of owner feedback, users have broadly praised its bold coupe-SUV silhouette, punchy Volvo-derived powertrain, and premium cabin craftsmanship.Conversely, the inevitable trade-offs of the coupe body style—namely tighter rear cabin space, higher urban fuel consumption, and occasional infotainment lag on earlier pre-facelift units—remain the most frequently cited drawbacks.Overall, with its expressive design language and Volvo-engineered powertrain and safety architecture, the Lynk & Co 05 has successfully cemented a tech-savvy and dynamic premium image for the Lynk & Co brand, establishing itself as a distinct and unique benchmark in the niche styling segment.