PHEV SUV Lynk & Co 08: Not your usual Chinese SUV

Lynk & Co is – like Volvo and Polestar – a subsidiary of the Chinese Geely Group. The brand aims to position itself price-wise between the expensive Swedish models and the relatively affordable Geely models. The first model, the 01, is already available in Europe. Now, more models with the numbered nomenclature will follow step by step, as Geely Group Design Director Stefan Sielaff explains:

The Lynk & Co models are allowed to use technical components from Volvo's development department. This is also the case with the Lynk & Co 08. The stately SUV in the Volvo XC60 format was already revealed with initial images and information in March 2023. The 08 is 4.82 meters long, 1.92 meters wide, and 1.69 meters high. The wheelbase is 2.85 meters.

Designed in Gothenburg, produced in China. What many importers from the Far East struggle with is the application of software and driving dynamics-related components. Lynk & Co. seems to have an easier time of it, not least thanks to the use of established Volvo technology. Of course, there are still minor errors in the adaptation, partly because our test car is still a pre-production model.

Voice assistant Frank, for example, causes irritation with one of his greeting phrases. After activation, he might respond with the phrase "LCH bin da." After some fiddling, the penny drops. In the translation, the capital "i" in the word "Ich" (I) was swapped for a lowercase "L." Curious, but easily corrected. This also applies to minor quibbles, such as the term "Treiber" (driver) instead of "Fahrer" (driver) in the depths of the partially convoluted infotainment system. At least the resolution and responsiveness of the 15.4-inch touchscreen are exemplary. The fact that it takes several touch clicks before the sunroof, for example, opens gives way to a familiarity over time. More annoying is the very detailed driver information display behind the steering wheel.

The ride, on the other hand, is less disturbing. While Chinese vehicles of this size often feel like a fishing boat in light seas at the slightest hint of a curve, the Lynk & Co 08 surprises with its pleasant composure. Propulsion, chassis rigidity, and steering response harmonize wonderfully, so that a brisk ride along the narrow country roads in the Gothenburg hinterland puts you in a positive mood. The occasional intervention by the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine goes largely unnoticed in the cockpit. Acoustically, the combustion engine leaves the composition of the driving dynamics to its 155 kW electric companion. That the 08, with its curb weight of around 2,100 kg, is no lightweight marvel is noticeable in the curves, but hardly noticeable during acceleration. 345 hp of system power adequately enables the PHEV to travel briskly.

Even if the turn signal sounds like a brownie playing a wooden xylophone, the large PHEV is not lacking in seriousness. The 08 drives through the world with extreme maturity, which is also due to the fact that it is actually only new to us. The model has been on the market in China for several years. Only a few minor details tarnish the positive overall impression. The PHEV SUV tries hard to be a favorite for tech fans, but then lacks a heads-up display. However, David Green, Vice President of Product and Strategy, explained when asked. We would also recommend rethinking the ergonomically impractical and visually and haptically unpleasing door release buttons at the same time.

The five-door midsize SUV uses the second generation of the Geely CMA platform, which is also found under the Volvo XC60 and the Polestar 2. A plug-in hybrid drive is hidden behind the front grille. This is a natural choice, as Volvo also relies on plug-in hybrid layouts in this weight class of around two tons.

In May 2024, the Chinese company released initial data on the PHEV drive – and it's impressive (data on the EU model is in the next paragraph). A 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine is combined with two electric motors to create an all-wheel drive system. The system output is 400 kW (544 hp), and the maximum system torque is specified at 900 Nm. The package includes an NMC battery with a whopping 39.6 kWh capacity. According to the Chinese CLTC cycle, this should enable a range of up to 245 kilometers on electric power alone. According to the WLTP standard, 200 kilometers of this remains. And we're talking about a PHEV here, not a pure electric model. Lynk & Co estimates the total range at around 1,100 kilometers. The battery can be recharged from ten to 80 percent in 33 minutes using a fast charger with a maximum of 85 kW.

For Europe, initially, only the front-wheel drive version will be available. Here, Lynk & Co combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 137 hp and an electric motor with an additional 208 hp. The large NMC battery is also on board, and the range remains unchanged. The PHEV accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and the manufacturer draws a top electronic line at 185 km/h.

One thing fans of the Chinese brand will immediately notice: The Lynk & Co 08 has a much bolder and more modern design than the 01, which has been available in Germany since 2020. Particularly eye-catching are the jagged LED headlights in a fork design, which extend far into the fender towards the A-pillars.

At the rear, a dashed LED strip also stretches across the entire width. The light and reflector surfaces remain very discreet. The door handles on the 2008 are also concealed in the recess. In contrast, the black design element below the side mirrors, proudly bearing the brand name, is solid. The wheel arches and roof are also contrasting in black, making the SUV appear smaller than it actually is.

The interior of the Lynk & Co 08 appears very uncluttered thanks to the lack of switches and levers. A 15.4-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard. Behind the steering wheel is not only the gearshift lever for the automatic transmission, but also the 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel. The highlight for the driver, however, is a huge head-up display with augmented reality images – at least in China. It has a projected screen diagonal of 92 inches. European customers will have to make do with the digital instrument cluster.

With the 08, Lynk & Co is already bringing its third model to Europe and plans to expand into additional European markets throughout the year. The Lynk & Co 08 will arrive in Europe in June 2025 in two trim levels: Core and More. Customers in Germany can purchase the vehicle through Lynk & Co dealers, directly on the website, or in local clubs. Reservations for the 08 will be available starting February 26, 2025. The price for the Core trim is EUR 55,995, and for the More trim, EUR 59,995.