The Lynk & Co 02 offers a softly tuned chassis that feels comfortable in everyday use, but shows clear weaknesses during dynamic driving. The combination of body roll, a limited ground clearance of 19.1 cm and poorly modulating brakes results in an unsettled and untidy feel. This is especially noticeable on bumpy roads and when cornering in a more sporty manner, where the balance of the softer damping is disappointing.
Soft suspension causes body roll and an unsettled feel
The chassis of the Lynk & Co 02 is set up more softly than related models such as the Volvo EX30. This choice provides cushioned comfort during commuting and city driving. On quiet roads the car feels relaxed and unproblematic.
Drivers who like to drive more sportily or take corners at higher speeds will notice clear shortcomings. The Lynk & Co 02 then feels loose and messy, with noticeable body roll that reduces stability. The steering becomes vague and uncommunicative, which creates uncertainty even in ordinary corners taken at speed.
Compared with rivals such as Zeekr or Smart, the 02 lacks balance in its chassis tuning. This makes the car less suitable for drivers who expect driving pleasure and sharp handling. Its well‑behaved character suits relaxed family journeys better than a dynamic driving style.
‘ Drivers report scraping noises when the underside makes contact with obstacles. ’
Ground clearance of 19.1 cm leads to scraping complaints
With a ground clearance of 19.1 cm, the Lynk & Co 02 is relatively low for a compact electric SUV. This height can cause problems on bumpy roads, kerbs and speed bumps. Drivers report scraping sounds when the underside makes contact with obstacles.
The soft suspension amplifies this effect. When driving onto a speed bump, the suspension compresses more than with a stiffer‑tuned chassis, which further reduces the actual ground clearance. This increases the risk of damage to the underside, especially when the car is loaded or carrying several passengers.
The low seating position contributes to a sporty feeling in town, but limits off‑road capability. Parking apps and the standard 19‑inch wheel contact patch demand extra attention over uneven surfaces to avoid damage to the chassis or wheels.
Brakes modulate poorly with softer chassis
The brake modulation of the Lynk & Co 02 feels inconsistent, especially in combination with the soft chassis set‑up. Under braking, the weight shifts to the front, causing the nose of the car to dive. This makes it harder to predict how to meter brake pressure.
Drivers experience this as an unsettled feeling during braking manoeuvres. The brake response is not linear, making it harder to come to a smooth stop. This is particularly noticeable during spirited drives or emergency stops.
The system works in conjunction with electric regeneration, which adds extra complexity. The transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking can feel abrupt. You need to get used to this, and regular practice is required to make the most of the system.
Is the suspension too soft for sporty driving?
For sporty driving, the suspension of the Lynk & Co 02 is set up too softly. The car is designed with everyday comfort as its focus rather than sharp handling. This results in a chassis set‑up that leans too much and allows excessive body roll when cornering.
Drivers who are looking for crisper feedback and more direct steering will be disappointed. The steering offers little information about the road surface, which undermines confidence in the car at higher speeds. Combined with an output of 272 hp, this contrast becomes even more obvious.
Sport mode offers more power but actually highlights the weaknesses of the chassis. Comfort mode is the most natural setting for this car, where the soft suspension comes into its own. If driving pleasure is your priority, you are better off considering alternatives with a firmer chassis set‑up.
‘ Even so, the body does not feel well controlled when several irregularities follow in quick succession. ’
Bumpy roads worsen chassis issues
On bumps and potholes, the scruffy character of the chassis becomes even more apparent. The soft dampers absorb the first impact, but the follow‑up movement lasts longer because of the relaxed set‑up. This creates a bobbing sensation that actually reduces ride comfort.
Traction remains good, even on wet roads. The electric powertrain with 272 hp and a range of up to 445 km delivers ample performance. Even so, the body does not feel well controlled when several irregularities follow in rapid succession.
The 19‑inch wheels on the Core trim amplify this effect. Larger wheels have a smaller tyre sidewall to absorb shocks, which places extra strain on the soft suspension. Regularly checking tyre pressures and alignment can help to reduce the unsettled feel.
Improve driving behaviour with these practical tips
Although the chassis tuning of the Lynk & Co 02 is hard to adjust without major modifications, you can improve its driving behaviour with some practical measures. Before each trip, check the tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s specifications. This affects grip and response to steering inputs.
Have the wheel alignment checked regularly, especially after hitting kerbs or deep potholes. Incorrect alignment increases steering vagueness and accelerates tyre wear. This is particularly important given the soft damping of the 02.
During a test drive, try the different driving modes on twisty roads. This will help you discover which setting best suits your driving style. Limit the load where possible to preserve effective ground clearance and reduce the risk of scraping.
For everyday comfort, consider parking sensors and camera assistance, as the low underside requires extra attention when manoeuvring. V2L technology (vehicle‑to‑load) can add convenience for camping or emergency power supply.
Alternatives if the handling disappoints
If the chassis balance of the Lynk & Co 02 does not meet your expectations, there are alternatives with a firmer set‑up. The Volvo EX30 shares the same platform but has a stiffer chassis that provides more feedback and shows less body roll.
Other compact electric SUVs such as the Zeekr X or Smart #3 offer sharper driving dynamics. These models deliver strong electric performance, and their chassis are better balanced. However, you will often pay a higher price for this or sacrifice some boot space.
The Lynk & Co 02 scores better on space and everyday comfort. The rear bench offers good headroom despite the sloping roofline, and the 410‑litre boot plus 15‑litre frunk are practical for family use. For those looking for economical comfort without sporty ambitions, the 02 remains a strong all‑rounder.
‘ Even so, the residual value may fall due to limited service networks and the brand’s youth. ’
Servicing and maintenance for chassis complaints
Owners report broader Lynk & Co issues around substandard service when problems occur. This can make repairs to the chassis or comfort‑related issues more difficult. Check the service capacity of dealers in your region in advance and ask about the experiences of other owners.
Structural defects in the chassis have not been widely reported. Even so, the residual value may fall due to limited service networks and the brand’s young age. Bear this in mind when buying and consider subscription options that include maintenance.
Document complaints about driving behaviour carefully and discuss them during service appointments. Some software‑related settings can be adjusted, although this will not change the basic spring characteristics.
On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about chassis problems, maintenance advice and owner experiences with various electric cars. Discover more articles and tips to get the most out of your car.
Frequently asked questions
The most frequently mentioned chassis complaints with the Lynk & Co 02 are a rather “loose” and messy‑feeling chassis, especially during faster or more spirited cornering, and vague, uncommunicative steering. This means the car inspires less confidence in dynamic situations and is less suitable for drivers who enjoy sharp, precise handling. In everyday use at normal speeds and in a straight line, the chassis is actually experienced as comfortable and trouble‑free. As a result, overall ride comfort for ordinary use is good, but driving enjoyment and the sense of control during enthusiastic driving lag behind.
The chassis problems of the Lynk & Co 02 mainly stem from a relatively soft and unevenly tuned spring/damper set‑up, which makes the car feel loose and messy at higher speeds and in corners. Technically, this is not about structural breakages, but about the combination of dampers, springs and anti‑roll‑bar tuning that provides too little control and feedback. The steering rack and steering system also provide little communicative feel, which reinforces the uncertain handling. There are no specific components known to fail frequently; the criticism is mainly aimed at the overall tuning of springs, damping and steering.
For the Lynk & Co 02 there are no widely documented or specific aftermarket upgrades known that fundamentally improve the chassis or directly remedy known chassis complaints. In practice, improvements mainly come down to basics such as correct tyre pressures, proper alignment and possibly a different choice of tyres, which can reduce the unsettled feel to some extent but will not eliminate it completely. The car is inherently tuned to be quite soft and comfortable, which leaves relatively little room to create a completely different driving character without major (and uncommon) modifications. Those who truly want more dynamics or a tighter chassis usually end up choosing a different model rather than technical modifications to the 02.
In terms of ride comfort, the Lynk & Co 02 scores above‑average for comfort within its segment, thanks to a relatively soft‑tuned chassis that makes daily journeys and long motorway stretches pleasant. Compared with more sporty rivals, it feels more focused on comfort than on dynamics. During brisk cornering it becomes clear that its road holding is less tight and less communicative, which makes it feel more nervous and less precise than some competitors. As a result, ride comfort is good, but the road holding and chassis balance are less appealing for drivers who attach great value to sporty driving characteristics.
Early‑stage chassis complaints mainly show up as loose, messy and uncommunicative steering and handling, especially noticeable during slightly faster or more spirited cornering. The car can then feel more uncertain, particularly when compared with more firmly tuned rivals. For prevention, owners can have tyre pressures and wheel alignment checked regularly and carry out critical test drives (including on twisty and wet roads) to detect abnormalities at an early stage. In addition, it helps to use the comfort mode as the default when sporty driving is not required, so the weaknesses of the soft set‑up are less strongly highlighted.