Lynk & Co 08 test: 200 km on electricity, promise kept?

In 2025, Chinese brand Lynk & Co expanded its range with a third model: the 08. This premium plug-in hybrid SUV has an electric range of up to 200 km, the best on the market. Will he keep his promise? So at what price? Launched in France in 2025, the Lynk & Co 08 can boast of being the plug-in hybrid model with the widest electric range on the market. ©Lynk & Co200 km in electric mode. This is the promise of Lynk & Co 08. It is considered an unprecedented value for a plug-in hybrid model, as there is no equivalent on European soil. The competition reaches a maximum range of 140 km, as in the Audi A3 TFSI e or Volkswagen Golf eHybrid.

Marketed in Europe since June 2025, the 08 has been added to Lynk & Co’s small range. At the time, the Chinese brand, owned by the Geely group, only had the plug-in hybrid C-SUV 01, as well as the 100% electric C-segment crossover 02.

Lynk & Co 08 is positioned in the premium D-SUV market. It therefore competes with German plug-in hybrid models such as the BMW X3 (90 km electric range), Audi Q5 (113 km) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (125 km).

Livability of the appointment place

With a length of 4.82 m, a width of 1.91 m and a height of 1.68 m, the Lynk & Co 08 has particularly generous dimensions, superior to those of its Rhine rivals. A dimension that directly benefits livability but proves to be more restrictive, especially when maneuvering in an urban environment.

Designed in Gothenburg, Sweden, Lynk & Co 08 has a very avant-garde appearance. It is not surprising that it embodies certain stylistic codes of the brand, starting from the double-stage lighting signature on the front or the illuminated strip on the rear, also reminiscent of the 02.

The SUV also stands out with its “Technology Totem”, a side pattern that structures the vehicle’s profile at the level of the mirrors. It comes with 21-inch wheels in the top trim (19 inches as standard), helping to reinforce its premium character.

The interior of the Lynk & Co 08 presents a very neat presentation with very high quality materials. On the dashboard we find a 15.4-inch central touchscreen associated with a 10.2-inch handset for the digital instruments located just behind the steering wheel. On the other hand, the almost complete absence of physical buttons on the dashboard and center console forces the driver to use the touch screen for most settings.

If ergonomics are not its strong point, livability is more convincing thanks to the ample space offered to passengers, including in the rear. The panoramic roof, offered as standard, also strengthens the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. Finally, the Lynk & Co 08 offers a boot of 540 l. Decent volume, but far from exceptional considering its size, this is negated by the presence of the battery located under the boot floor.

Is it really 200 km on electricity?

Based on the Geely group’s CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, like the Volvo EX40 and XC40, the Lynk & Co 08 is offered with a single plug-in hybrid engine. It has a 137-hp turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine associated with a 208-hp electric machine. Thus, it develops a total power of 345 hp.

The Lynk & Co 08 exhibits remarkable dynamism despite its curb weight of 2,112 kg. Although it doesn’t claim to compete with the performance of a sports car, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 185 km/h; These values ​​enable it to move easily both in the city and on the highway.

But what makes Lynk & Co 08 strong is, above all, its durability. The SUV can actually travel up to 200 km WLTP in electric mode, thanks to its impressive 39.6 kWh NMC battery. Charging from 10% to 80% will take 33 minutes with a maximum power of 85 kW. The Chinese manufacturer claims a total autonomy of 1,100 km by combining the 60-litre fuel tank.

On our 230 km urban route, consisting mostly of roads at speeds of 50 to 110 km/h, we managed to cover 156 km in electric mode with still 22% battery level when we arrived. In more urban use, an electric range of 200 km seems entirely achievable. Fuel consumption was kept under control during the driving phases where the internal combustion engine was used and was recorded as 4.2 l/100 km on average.

Prices starting from 53.995 Euros

All in all, the Lynk & Co 08 proved to be quite comfortable and well cushioned, even with 21-inch wheels. Steering remains precise but handling sometimes lacks stability, especially during acceleration phases. However, our journey was interrupted by voice alerts that were very intrusive and not always easy to disable.

The driver has the choice between three driving modes, selectable from the central display. First, there is the Pure mode, which uses only the electric motor and allows you to take full advantage of the driving pleasure with a particularly smooth and quiet ride, especially in urban or suburban environments.