Lynk & Co 08: The 200km PHEV Revolutionizing European Hybrids

The Lynk & Co 08 is breaking new ground in Europe's hybrid market as the first plug-in hybrid to offer an unprecedented 200km all-electric range with DC fast charging capabilities. This Chinese-made D-segment SUV effectively bridges the gap between traditional hybrids and full electric vehicles, addressing range anxiety while providing the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys.

Key Takeaways

First PHEV in Europe offering 200km all-electric range with WLTP certification
Features a substantial 39.6 kWh battery with DC fast charging capability (10-80% in 33 minutes)
Combined powertrain delivers 345 HP with total driving range exceeding 1,100km
Premium D-segment SUV with tech-forward interior featuring 15.4-inch screen and 92-inch AR-HUD
Arriving summer 2025 starting at €52,995, challenging European automakers on technology and value

Breakthrough Battery Technology: The 200km Game-Changer

The Lynk & Co 08 represents a significant leap forward in plug-in hybrid technology with its substantial 39.6 kWh NMC (Ternary Lithium) battery pack. This battery capacity far exceeds what's typically found in plug-in hybrids, enabling the unprecedented 200km all-electric range that sets the 08 apart in the European market.

A sleek Lynk & Co 08 SUV in metallic blue color, plugged into a DC fast charging station in a modern European city setting, with the vehicle's distinctive lighting signature illuminated, showing the vehicle from a 3/4 front angle to highlight its premium styling.

Perhaps even more revolutionary is the inclusion of DC fast charging capability, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes. This feature, rarely found in plug-in hybrids, enables practical electric-only driving for daily use with minimal charging downtime. With electricity consumption rated at 20.4 kWh/100 km and a total driving range exceeding 1,100km (683 miles), the 08 effectively eliminates range anxiety while maintaining impressive efficiency.

Performance and Powertrain: Premium Speed Without Compromise

Under the hood, the 08 combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver impressive performance figures. The European specification produces a combined system output of 345 HP, though it's worth noting the Chinese version is even more powerful at 436 kW/593 hp with 905 Nm torque.

This robust powertrain enables rapid acceleration, with the Chinese version completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds. Despite this performance, the 08 maintains reasonable fuel efficiency with consumption of 5.5 L/100 km in hybrid mode. Built on Geely's sophisticated CMA Evo platform (shared with the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40), the 08 benefits from proven and refined architecture.

Premium D-Segment SUV: Size and Styling

As a large D-segment SUV, the Lynk & Co 08 makes a bold visual statement with dimensions that place it squarely in the premium category. Measuring 4,820mm in length, 1,915mm in width, and 1,685mm in height, the 08 is comparable in size to the BMW X4, a well-established luxury contender.

The generous 2,848mm wheelbase provides a spacious interior while maintaining balanced proportions. Aerodynamic efficiency hasn't been sacrificed for style, with the 08 achieving an impressive 0.295 drag coefficient. The exterior design language strikes a balance that should appeal to European premium market expectations, with clean lines and distinctive lighting signatures.

Tech-Forward Interior: Cutting-Edge Infotainment

Interior view of the Lynk & Co 08 focusing on the driver's cockpit, showcasing the 15.4-inch floating central screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium materials including Nappa leather seats, with ambient lighting creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

Step inside the 08 and you're greeted by a thoroughly modern tech environment dominated by a 15.4-inch floating central infotainment screen. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an impressive 92-inch AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display) that projects crucial information directly into the driver's field of view.

The European version is expected to feature an infotainment system similar to those found in the updated Lynk & Co 01 and 02 models. Practical tech touches abound, including USB/Type-C charging ports (two in front, two in rear) and a powerful 50W wireless charging pad to keep devices powered up on the go.

Luxury Features and Comfort

The 08 doesn't skimp on premium appointments, offering available Nappa leather upholstery that provides both luxury and durability. The auditory experience is equally impressive thanks to a premium Harman/Kardon sound system featuring 23 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.

Comfort is enhanced by seats with massage functionality (except for the center seat in the second row) and multicolor ambient lighting that creates a customizable atmosphere. This combination of luxury touches and family-friendly practicality positions the 08 as a serious competitor to established European premium brands, offering comparable features often at a more attractive price point.

Pricing and Availability: The Chinese Challenger

The Lynk & Co 08 will be available in Europe starting June/July 2025 with a competitive pricing strategy. The Core version will start at €52,995, while the more feature-rich More version will be priced at €56,995. Customers will have multiple purchase channels available, including Lynk & Co retailers, direct website purchases, or at local Lynk & Co Clubs.

The brand is rapidly expanding its European presence with over 30 partner-operated sales points already open and an ambitious goal to reach 150 sales points by the end of 2025. This aggressive retail strategy underscores the brand's commitment to challenging established European manufacturers like Volkswagen on their home turf.

Market Impact: Bridging the EV Transition Gap

The Lynk & Co 08 targets eco-conscious consumers who aren't quite ready to make the jump to full electric vehicles. By addressing range anxiety while maintaining the flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys, the 08 could represent an important transitional technology in Europe's electrification journey.

This "super hybrid" approach challenges traditional European automakers on both technology and value, offering features and capabilities that few, if any, established manufacturers currently match at similar price points. The success of the 08 will be a significant test of European consumer willingness to adopt Chinese automotive technology, particularly as the market continues its gradual shift toward electrification.

The question remains whether consumers will embrace this approach as a sensible intermediate step or view it as unnecessary complexity in an increasingly EV-focused market. Regardless, the Lynk & Co 08 is poised to make waves when it arrives on European shores this summer.