The Lynk & Co 08 PHEV brings a real revolution among plug-in hybrids. With a range of 200 km on electricity, you will almost forget where to fill up. But – that is not the only surprise of this Nordic oriental samurai.
When a car tells you it can go 200 kilometers on electricity, you don't believe it at first. When it tells you that Lynk & Co 08 PHEV and adds that it will be able to cover a total range of up to 1,100 kilometers, you'll start googling where the nearest showroom is. But before you throw your credit card at the screen, let's see what we're dealing with. Get ready for plug-in hybrids like you've never seen them before. The car is not small either, measuring 4.82 m and can fit quite a lot in the trunk. 540 liters.
Nordic elegance with a Chinese heart
Lynk & Co is the Swedish-Chinese child of Geely, which shares a bed with brands like Volvo, Polestar and Zeekr. The 08 PHEV is based on the improved CMA Evo platform that we saw on the Volvo XC40 and Polestar 2. But here it's upgraded - better architecture, more efficient component packaging and a new electrical infrastructure for faster software updates.
Under the hood: the numbers speak for themselves
The heart of the 08 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which, in conjunction with a two-speed DHT transmission and a powerful electric motor, drives the front or all four wheels. A battery with a capacity of 39.6 kWh is almost absurd for a plug-in hybrid – most competitors stop somewhere around 18-20 kWh.
The result? 200 kilometers (124 miles) of electric-only range according to the WLTP standard. Together with the fuel tank, this means up to 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) range. And yes, this PHEV can also charge quickly – DC fast charging from 10 to 80 % in 33 minutes, which is a real rarity in this segment.
Interior and comfort
Driving experience? Judging by test drives in China and on the sidelines of the Beijing Motor Show, the 08 model offers a very smooth ride, plenty of space, a completely flat floor in the back and, above all, an exceptional infotainment system that reacts as if it were threatened by Apple's Siri.
The cabin is spacious, and the materials are surprisingly high-quality for the segment. Luggage space? More than satisfactory, although the exact liters have not yet been revealed. It is estimated – 540 liters. This means that a little bigger than models like the Volvo XC60, Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson, but slightly smaller than the BMW X5. In the cabin, this means a lot of knee and shoulder room – especially in the rear seats, where the floor of the vehicle is completely flat, which is a rarity in this segment.
Technical specifications – Lynk & Co 08 PHEV:
- Engine: 1.5L turbo + electric motor
- Length: 4,820mm
- Luggage compartment: 540 liters
- Total power (unofficial): around 400 hp (298 kW)
- Battery: 39.6 kWh (unofficial)
- Access to electricity: up to 200 km (124 miles)
- Total reach: up to 1,100 km (683 miles)
- Charging: DC fast charging (10-80 % in 33 minutes)
- Platform: CMA Here
- Drive: FWD or AWD
- Trim: Core and More
- Starting price (EU): €52,995 (approx. $55,591) (unofficial)
When is the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV coming to Europe?
Lynk & Co 08 PHEV will be available in Europe already June 2025, initially in key markets such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and France. In Slovenia, it can be expected in the second half of the year - depending on the importer and demand.
Conclusion: A bold challenger with serious arguments
While the starting price of €52,995 for a PHEV SUV may be a thorn in the side, the Lynk & Co 08 simply offers more than most of the competition. For comparison – Volvo XC60 Recharge it costs at least €10,000 more and offers less range. BMW X3 PHEV? Even more expensive. If you're looking for a technologically advanced, environmentally friendly and practical family SUV that will take you to the weekend and back without a drop of gas, then the 08 might be your next car.
In an era when plug-in hybrids often mean compromise, Lynk & Co 08 PHEV that rare case where you get everything – without having to choose between range, performance or price.
