Picture this: an SUV that looks like it belongs in some trendy design shop, with a plug that’ll whisk you 200 kilometers without sipping a drop of petrol, and a price tag that doesn’t instantly obliterate your savings. Sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? Well, buckle up, because the Lynk & Co 08 has rolled into Belgium, and it’s a plug-in hybrid you can’t just shrug off. This isn’t some mundane mid-ranger with a cord slapped on. It’s a 4.8-meter slab of tech that the Chinese folks at Lynk & Co have shipped our way, laced with a hefty dose of Volvo DNA. And, bloody hell, it’s impressive.
Let’s cut to the chase: the powertrain. The 08 pairs a petrol engine with an electric setup good for a WLTP range of 200 kilometers. That’s enough to get you from Brussels to the coast without so much as glancing at a fuel pump, provided you don’t drive like a lunatic. Chuck in a 60-liter fuel tank, and your total range shoots past 1,100 kilometers. Perfect for those who love a long haul without faffing about. And when the battery’s kaput? No sweat. With an 80 kW fast-charging capability, you’re back at 80% in half an hour – just enough time to grab a coffee and pretend you’re on an important call.
The looks? Let’s just say it’s not shy. The 08 has a face you won’t forget, with sharp lines and a grille that dares you to say something snarky. Clearly, Lynk & Co’s designers didn’t want this thing blending into the dreary sea of crossovers clogging our roads. Inside, it’s just as modern, with a cabin that’s sleek and minimalist yet oozes a hint of luxury. No pointless buttons or frilly nonsense – it’s all about function with a sprinkle of flair.
And the price? Starting at 55,995 euros. Not exactly pocket change, but for a plug-in hybrid SUV with these specs, it’s not highway robbery either. You get two trim levels – Core and More – both packed with enough gizmos to make you feel like you’ve arrived in the 21st century. This isn’t a car for the penny-pinching dad tallying coins at Aldi. It’s a machine for someone who wants practicality with a side of swagger.
Of course, the Lynk & Co 08 doesn’t come out of thin air. The brand, part of China’s Geely group (who also own Volvo), has already shown it’s not afraid to shake things up with the 01, a smaller SUV you could rent via a subscription gig. The 08 builds on that, but with more space, more grunt, and a slightly more grown-up vibe. It’s built on the CMA platform – same as the Volvo XC60 – so you know there’s some solidity under the skin. And thank goodness, because at 4.82 meters long and with power nudging 544 hp (courtesy of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder and two electric motors), this isn’t some lightweight you’d overlook.
But let’s be real: it’s a Chinese product, and that might raise an eyebrow or two. Is it reliable? Will it fall apart after two years like a cheap market-stall clock? Well, if Volvo’s involvement doesn’t ease your mind, consider that Lynk & Co has been at it for a few years now, and the 01 wasn’t a total disaster. The 08 feels like a step up, both in tech and ambition. With a 2025 launch here in Belgium, they’ve had time to iron out the kinks – fingers crossed.
Is it flawless? Probably not. The infotainment system will likely be another touchscreen nightmare where you’re three menus deep just to turn on the air-con. And 200 kilometers of electric range is decent, but if you’re a plug obsessive, you might crave more. Still, the Lynk & Co 08 is a damn intriguing newcomer in a market drowning in predictable SUVs. It’s not a Tesla slayer or a BMW stand-in, but an oddball that proves the Chinese aren’t just copying – they’re innovating too.
