Lynk & Co 03 is the first sedan offering from the Lynk & Co brand and its maiden performance sports sedan, positioned as a compact performance sports sedan. First unveiled globally at Japan’s Fuji International Speedway in October 2018, the model marked the opening chapter of the brand’s "Sedan Era" and served as a benchmark for Chinese carmakers breaking into the joint-venture-dominated sports sedan segment. As of May 2026, the Lynk & Co 03 has evolved through three generations, with global cumulative deliveries exceeding 450,000 units. In October 2025, the third-generation Lynk & Co 03 officially debuted, featuring a fully standardised smart cockpit, upgraded powertrains, and track-honed hardware, cementing its technological leadership in the Chinese performance sedan arena.
Positioned as a compact performance sports sedan, the key highlights of the Lynk & Co 03 lie in its Volvo-co-developed CMA platform, accessible high-output 2.0T powertrain, upgraded smart cabin, and "track-to-street" motorsport heritage. Targeting the RM120,000 to RM160,000 petrol sports sedan segment, it primarily appeals to younger drivers seeking driving dynamics, sporty aesthetics, and advanced tech, directly rivalling segment contenders like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Lamando L, and Mazda 3 Sedan. On 17 October 2025, the third-generation Lynk & Co 03 was officially launched, offering 4 standard variants priced between RM121,800 and RM156,800, while the higher-performance Lynk & Co 03+ line-up comprises 3 variants priced from RM238,800 to RM420,300. During the introductory launch phase, buyers enjoyed an RM10,000 purchase tax rebate and an RM3,000 Lynk voucher, lowering the effective starting price to RM103,800. Alongside the pure petrol models, the Lynk & Co 03 also offers an EM-P plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant to broaden the model range.
The third-generation Lynk & Co 03 adopts an all-new "Wind Hunter" front fascia styling inspired by TCR touring race cars. The front end retains the brand's signature split headlamp layout, crowned by distinctive "Aurora Borealis" LED daytime running lights (DRLs). Below, the redesigned lower bumper incorporates a dual-tier trapezoidal air intake; the previous dive planes have been omitted for a cleaner, sharper profile, complemented by a bespoke "03" emblem on the left side of the grille. Around the back, the full-width LED taillight assembly features the brand’s signature "Energy Crystal" light elements that stand out vividly when lit, while the restyled rear bumper gains an F1-style central rear pilot light. Twin oval exhaust tips and a prominent fixed rear wing (on higher trims) further accentuate its aggressive stance. Dimensionally, the third-generation sedan measures 4,700 mm long, 1,843 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm, extending overall length by 16 mm over its predecessor. A newly introduced "Aurora Silver" exterior paint finish presents a striking metallic gradient effect under bright sunlight, adding to its road presence.
Inside, the third-generation Lynk & Co 03 sports a wraparound sports cockpit available in three interior colour themes: Fiery Red, Pure White, and Dark Obsidian Black. The cabin is equipped with a flat-bottom three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle shifters (mid-to-high trims) and one-piece semi-bucket sports seats that deliver enhanced lateral bolstering and body support. Soft-touch materials are generously applied throughout, with mid-to-high variants upgraded to premium Nubuck leather and faux suede upholstery, setting a high standard for interior trim quality in its segment.
The powertrain line-up represents the core update of this third-generation model, offering distinct engine and gearbox combinations between standard trims and the high-performance 03+ series.
The 1.5T variant is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (JLH-3G15TD) producing 133 kW (approx. 181 hp) and 290 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), the turbo spools up from just 1,500 rpm to deliver linear, seamless power delivery, returning punchy low-end response and excellent fuel efficiency around town. Its WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated between 6.2 and 6.5 L/100 km.
The 2.0T variant features a Volvo Drive-E-derived 2.0TD T5 Evo engine (JLH-4G20TDH) in a transverse front-wheel-drive configuration. Output has been substantially bumped to 200 kW (approx. 272 hp) and 400 Nm, a marked increase over the 2025 model's 254 hp and 350 Nm. The drivetrain is mated to an Aisin 8-speed automatic gearbox (8AT), offering refined shifts and proven durability. It completes the 0-100 km/h century sprint in 6.5 seconds (down from 6.9 seconds) towards a top speed of 250 km/h. Its WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.59 L/100 km on a minimum of RON 95 petrol.
The hardcore Lynk & Co 03+ Performance series employs a 2.0T twin-charged (supercharged + turbocharged) engine. The 03+ Performance Edition pumps out 227 kW (approx. 309 hp) and 420 Nm, dispatching 0-100 km/h in 5.41 seconds. The range-topping 03+ Racing AWD and 03+ TCR Cyan Edition push performance even further to 257 kW (approx. 350 hp) and 450 Nm, hitting 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.89 seconds. All 03+ models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission; the Performance and Racing trims feature an on-demand all-wheel-drive system, whereas the track-oriented TCR Edition retains a front-wheel-drive setup.
The entire Lynk & Co 03 range is underpinned by the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) co-developed by Geely and Volvo, inheriting Volvo’s structural safety and engineering expertise. Suspension duties are handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup. The front suspension incorporates lightweight aluminium steering tie rods and knuckles to shave unsprung mass and sharpen turn-in response, while the rear suspension uses a classic "three transverse, one longitudinal" four-link arrangement to ensure precise wheel articulation and high-speed road holding. Structural rigidity is bolstered by a stamped steel front subframe and a full-cradle rear subframe for enhanced rear-end stability. The suspension is tuned for an engaging yet compliant balance: the initial stroke absorbs road imperfections effortlessly around town, while firmer damping deeper into the travel keeps body roll in check during aggressive cornering. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) rack with accurate feedback and progressive self-centering weight. Drivetrain-wise, standard 1.5T and 2.0T versions are front-wheel driven, while the 03+ Performance and higher grades feature a BorgWarner 5th-generation intelligent on-demand AWD system capable of splitting front-to-rear torque up to 50:50 via an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, significantly boosting traction in the wet and on loose surfaces. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs across the range, with top-tier variants upgraded to Akebono 4-piston fixed front sports callipers, achieving a 100-0 km/h stopping distance of just 33.5 metres.
The Lynk & Co 03 comes in a four-door, five-seater sedan layout measuring 4,700 mm in length, 1,843 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height with a 2,730 mm wheelbase. Rear legroom is generous, leaving roughly a fist’s clearance for a 175 cm adult passenger, though a central transmission tunnel intrusion slightly compromises middle-passenger foot space. Boot capacity stands at 405 litres, expandable via split-folding rear seats for added cargo flexibility.
The smart cockpit represents a headline upgrade for the third-generation model. All variants come equipped with a 15.4-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, while high-spec trims add a massive 25.6-inch AR-HUD head-up display for seamless multi-screen integration. Operating on the LYNK Flyme Auto infotainment OS, it is powered by either a "Dragon Eagle-1" chipset (1.5T/2.0T trims) or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor (03+ models), backed by 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB of onboard storage for fluid operation. The system integrates a broad third-party app ecosystem alongside an AI voice assistant capable of contextual comprehension, continuous multi-command dialogues, and fuzzy search. Smartphone connectivity covers HUAWEI HiCar, Apple CarPlay, Meizu Flyme Link, and Carlink (Xiaomi/OPPO/vivo), allowing effortless mobile screen mirroring and app streaming. On the audio front, higher trims are treated to a Lynk Sound 7.1 surround sound audio system featuring 14 speakers and a punchy 1,000 W amplifier, paired with multi-colour dynamic ambient lighting for an immersive cabin feel.
Standard comfort amenities across the range include a panoramic glass sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, and automatic climate control. Higher grades tack on a 50W wireless phone charging pad, powered tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's memory seat, rear privacy glass, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Safety remains a cornerstone of the Lynk & Co 03. Passive safety is reinforced by the CMA architecture's high-strength passenger cell comprising extensive hot-formed and high-tensile steel, with ultra-high-strength steel exceeding 1,000 MPa yield strength deployed in critical crash zones. A total of 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) are standard across the board, providing comprehensive occupant protection. Pedestrian safety is augmented by secondary foam impact absorbers in the front bumper and an active pop-up bonnet to mitigate pedestrian head injuries in a collision.
In terms of active safety, all variants come fitted with Bosch Version 9.3 ESP electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and traction control. A 540-degree panoramic camera system (incorporating a transparent chassis underfloor view) is standard across the range, providing comprehensive visibility during low-speed parking and tight manoeuvres.
Advanced driver assistance is another key highlight of the third-generation model, powered by the Qianli Haohan Assisted Driving H3 suite. Its sensor suite comprises 11 cameras, 3 millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors driven by a Horizon Journey J6M chip delivering 128 TOPS of computing power. Operating at Level 2 (L2) semi-autonomous driving, key ADAS features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with Stop&Go), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Door Opening Warning (DOW). These ADAS features come standard on the 2.0T Ultra trim and are optional on the 1.5T Halo, which further supports Highway Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) (with automated lane changes and on/off-ramp navigation) as well as Auto Park Assist (APA). An exterior blue ADAS indicator lamp visibly communicates system engagement status, keeping drivers readily informed.
Since its 2018 debut, the Lynk & Co 03 has surpassed 450,000 global cumulative buyers, standing as a sales and reputation benchmark among Chinese sports sedans. Commercial performance remained resilient throughout 2025: sales hit a peak of 8,260 units in January 2025 (ranking 13th in the compact car category), with full-year cumulative volume reaching roughly 61,000 units to secure a top-18 spot in the segment; December 2025 deliveries wrapped up at 5,455 units. Within the brand, the 03 contributes 25% to 30% of total sales volume, cementing its position as a primary volume driver. The model enjoys healthy car parc growth, maintaining an estimated 3-year residual value of around 58.4%.
On the motorsport front, the Lynk & Co 03 is the proud flagbearer for Chinese manufacturers in global touring car racing. Since 2019, Cyan Racing Lynk & Co has scooped up seven championship titles over six years in WTCR / TCR World Tour competition, setting an unprecedented milestone for a Chinese marque in top-echelon international motorsport. The customer racing Lynk & Co 03 TCR car adheres strictly to global TCR technical regulations, running a 2.0T turbocharged race engine paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Furthermore, the brand has established a grassroots driver training academy that has nurtured nearly 600 certified National Class-B race drivers, championing the ethos of making motorsport accessible to all.
Owner feedback on the Lynk & Co 03 remains overwhelmingly positive, with drivers praising its punchy 2.0T performance, seamless gear changes, composed chassis damping, supportive sports seats, head-turning looks, and fluid smart cockpit responsiveness. Bringing a 272 hp 2.0T engine and Aisin 8-speed automatic down to the RM150,000 price point gives the third-generation model an unmatched performance-to-price proposition against competitors. Noted drawbacks are minor: the firm sports suspension can feel a tad harsh over sharper road imperfections; the rear transmission tunnel takes up middle-seat foot space; the requirement for RON 95 fuel adds to daily running costs; and occasional infotainment software stutters have been reported.
In summary, as the trailblazer and benchmark of Chinese performance sports sedans, the Lynk & Co 03 delivers compelling value in the RM120,000 to RM160,000 bracket thanks to its CMA platform, 272 hp 2.0T engine, Aisin 8AT gearbox, Level 2 ADAS suite, and LYNK Flyme Auto cockpit. It has not only filled the void for high-performance Chinese sedans, but also redefined consumer perception of homegrown performance cars through its world-title-winning TCR pedigree. Amidst accelerating EV adoption and a shrinking ICE market, the Lynk & Co 03 stays true to its core ethos of "making performance accessible", offering petrolheads and driving enthusiasts an engaging performance machine that remains genuinely practical for the daily commute.
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