Lynk & Co has introduced the Lynk & Co 10 EMP, a performance-oriented plug-in hybrid derivative of the 10 (Z10) that pairs dual electric motors with a 1.5-litre petrol engine to deliver substantial power and extended electric range for buyers who want both performance and practical, long-distance capability.
What matters most for 10 EM-P
The Lynk & Co 10 EM-P converts the brand’s striking 10 coupe-styled saloon into a plug-in hybrid performance model. It features a 1.5L petrol engine (120 kW) plus a 180 kW front electric motor and a 90 kW rear electric motor, producing a combined output of 390 kW (more than 500 hp) and roughly 640 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. Buyers can choose between two battery packs, an 18.4 kWh unit (claimed CLTC electric range: 120 km) or a 38.2 kWh LFP “golden brick” (claimed CLTC range: 240 km) giving the 10 EMP genuine electric-first usability while preserving combustion fallback for long trips.
10 EM-P Powertrain and battery, performance with practical range
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre petrol engine (120 kW) + dual electric motors (front 180 kW, rear 90 kW) = 390 kW total.
- Torque / acceleration: about 640 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
- Battery options: 18.4 kWh (CLTC ~120 km) and 38.2 kWh LFP (CLTC ~240 km). Real-world EV range will be lower than CLTC estimates; the smaller battery is likely closer to ~90 km in practice, the larger pack nearer ~~180 km.
- Charging: the manufacturer claims very fast partial charging: the 18.4 kWh pack 30–80% in ~15 minutes and the larger LFP pack 10–60% in under 13 minutes (manufacturer figures use atypical percentage windows).
The drive experience is defined by brisk low-speed acceleration and a perceptible torque transition around 70–80 km/h, where motor output drops and the petrol engine takes on a larger role, producing an initial surge but a slightly uneven high-speed power delivery compared with pure EV rivals.
Chassis, ride and driving dynamics
- Platform: Built on the CMA Evo architecture (an evolved Volvo/Polestar/Geely platform), not the SEA platform used by the Z10 EV.
- Suspension: Dual-wishbone front, multi-link five-link rear with variable damping to balance ride comfort and dynamic control.
- Wheels: Standard 19-inch wheels; sport models wear 21-inch alloys.
- All-wheel drive is standard on the PHEV layout, aiding traction and improving appeal for export markets with winter conditions.
- Handling: Good contact patch and feedback, reviewers note confident steering and a capable chassis (claimed elk-test speed around 83 km/h). Overall dynamics are engaging, though the power delivery can feel less consistently brutal than the numerical output might suggest.
ADAS and autonomy: hardware in place, software lagging
The 10 EM-P is equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite, cameras, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic sensors and a compact lidar, intended to support advanced highway and urban autonomous functions processed by an Nvidia Thor-class CPU at ~700 TOPS. However, the full compute hardware (Thor chip) is not yet installed in the cars tested, which limits the system’s responsiveness. In urban driving the ADAS felt cautious and hesitant, slow to accelerate from stops and conservative at intersections. Lynk & Co positions the hardware as future-proof, but customers should expect incremental software/hardware upgrades to unlock the car’s full autonomy potential.
10 EM-P Interior and technology
- Infotainment: 15.4-inch touchscreen running Flyme Auto on a Snapdragon 8295 SoC; user interface described as fast, widget-centric and flexible.
- Driver displays: Slim digital instrument cluster plus an augmented-reality head-up display (size unspecified).
- Audio: 23-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a prominent sub/bass unit and headrest-mounted speakers.
- Comfort features: heated/ventilated/massaging seats front and rear; large panoramic roof (manual sunblind); 50W ventilated wireless charger; an 8.1-litre cooled/heated storage bin (mini fridge) in the centre console.
- Materials: generally premium but not class-leading, soft synthetic leather and attractively stitched trim in places, offset by harder plastics lower down compared with the higher-spec Lynk & Co 900.
Practical notes: boot space on the Z10 was reported at 616 litres; the 10 EM-P’s luggage capacity is likely similar but rear seats do not fold from the tailgate and the load-bay is not a flat floor because of packaging step-up for the battery. Rear footwell space is somewhat compromised by the underfloor battery.
Styling and exterior highlights
Lynk & Co maintains the 10’s bold coupé-like silhouette and muscular rear haunches, the car’s most highly praised angle is the rear, featuring a glossy black panel, integrated active spoiler and a pronounced diffuser. Daytime running lights use a barcode-style signature and the overall design balances futuristic lines with a sporty stance. Sport versions add gloss-black trim and larger wheels; active aerodynamic elements include a deployable spoiler for high-speed stability.
10 EM-P Strengths and shortcomings
Strengths
- Exceptional combined power and multiple battery sizes that deliver usable electric-only range for daily commuting.
- Distinctive, high-impact design, especially the rear profile.
- Premium tech package: large display, AR HUD, advanced audio, heated/ventilated/massage seats.
- Adaptive chassis tuning and standard AWD for versatile driving.
Shortcomings
- Current ADAS performance is limited until promised compute hardware arrives.
- Interior fit and finish uneven, some lower plastics and seat adjustability detract from the premium feel.
- Torque delivery feels discontinuous above mid-range speeds, so the on-paper power isn’t always reflected in sustained acceleration.
- Rear load-bay packaging and non-flat boot reduce utility for some buyers.
Market outlook and context
Lynk & Co’s decision to make the 10 EM-P a plug-in hybrid targets buyers who want EV-first daily driving with combustion backup for longer trips, a pragmatic choice in markets with mixed charging infrastructure. Hybrids have been commercially successful for the brand in China, and if the Lynk & Co 10 EM-P is priced competitively, it could broaden the 10’s appeal beyond EV-first customers to those who prioritise range flexibility and performance. International availability will depend on demand and homologation; Lynk & Co has signalled export interest for several China-market models.
Background
The Lynk & Co 10 EM-P uses the CMA Evo architecture shared with several Volvo-family models and represents Lynk & Co’s move to diversify powertrains across platforms. Compared with the Z10 battery-electric variant (built on the SEA platform), the 10 EM-P emphasises hybrid performance and longer range rather than pure-electric drivability.
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