Imagine an SUV that takes you long distances in electric mode, but without the “range anxiety” of a fully battery-powered car. Well, Lynk & Co, a brand from the Chinese giant Geely, has just launched its newest ace in Europe: the 08 PHEV SUV, and it arrived with a number that’s making waves in the market.
What’s the Big News About the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV?
The most impressive feature of this new plug-in hybrid SUV is, without a doubt, its electric range. While many PHEVs on the European market offer an electric range around 70 miles (about 113 km), the Lynk & Co 08 breaks that barrier with an impressive 124 miles, equivalent to 200 km, according to the European WLTP cycle.
This extended range could be a game-changer for many consumers. Imagine the convenience of doing most of your daily trips or even short journeys using only electric power, but with the security of a combustion engine for longer drives or when charging points aren’t available. It’s the best of both worlds for those who aren’t quite ready for a full transition to an electric vehicle. This is especially crucial when we see the rise of other brands in the market, like BYD, which is shaking up the market with its meteoric rise.
Why Did Lynk & Co Bet on a Long-Range PHEV?
Lynk & Co doesn’t hide the fact that the brand has been facing challenges in Europe. Sales of their electric models, according to Data Force figures reported by Auto News, have dropped 33% through April this year. Launching a PHEV with a record electric range seems like a calculated strategy to attract consumers who are “courting” the idea of an electric car but still want the familiarity and safety of a gasoline engine.
Additionally, the midsize SUV market is growing in Europe. Positioning the 08, which sits above the brand’s 01 and 02 models, in this popular segment is a way to ride the wave and try to reverse the sales trend. It’s an interesting tactic, similar to how other brands are exploring new niches, like Opel with its electric off-road SUV.
What Are the Technical Specifications of the Lynk & Co 08?
Beneath the body with the brand’s new design language, revealed in China a few years ago, the Lynk & Co 08 uses the CMA Evo platform. This technological base is shared with other vehicles from the Geely group, like the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country and the Polestar 2, which suggests a solid and modern foundation.
The powertrain combines a 1.5-liter combustion engine with 135 hp and a robust 208 hp (155 kW) electric motor, delivering good overall performance. The magic of the electric range comes from the 39.6 kWh battery—a considerable size for a PHEV. The good news is it supports DC fast charging, allowing you to go from 10% to 80% charge in just 33 minutes.
Electric Range Comparison (Approximate)
- Lynk & Co 08 PHEV: 124 miles (200 km, WLTP)
- Other PHEVs on the Market: Usually above 70 miles (113 km), but rarely reaching 124 miles (200 km).
- Electric SUVs (Example): Can vary widely, but models like the 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron 45 offer significantly greater pure electric ranges, though without the gasoline “backup.”
This difference in electric range is what sets the 08 apart in the plug-in hybrid segment. It offers a smoother transition for those used to the convenience of quick refueling with gas.
How Much Does the Lynk & Co 08 Cost in Europe?
The 08 SUV will be offered in two versions in Europe starting in July:
The entry-level version, called Core, has a suggested price of €53,995 (approximately $57,000 USD). The more fully equipped More version costs €56,995 (about $60,500 USD) and adds features such as larger 21-inch wheels, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and LED Matrix headlights, which are not present in the Core model.
Considering the onboard technology and record electric range, the prices seem competitive within the premium plug-in hybrid SUV segment in Europe. It’s interesting to note how different electrification approaches are hitting the market, from performance hybrid sedans like the 2025 BMW M5 to luxury and technology-focused options like the 2026 Lexus ES Sedan, which also bets on electrified versions.
What Does the Launch of the 08 Mean for Lynk & Co?
For Lynk & Co, the 08 is more than just a new model; it represents hope for a turnaround. With falling EV sales, the brand bets that a plug-in hybrid with such an attractive electric range can capture a larger share of the European audience. And being a PHEV also exempts it from the higher tariffs that the European Union has imposed on fully electric vehicles imported from China, which could help its price competitiveness.
Unfortunately for North American consumers interested in the bold design and range of the 08, Lynk & Co has no plans to launch the model in the United States anytime soon. The focus, for now, is the European market, where competition among SUVs and electrified models is increasingly fierce, with newcomers like the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2027 Jeep Renegade appearing on the radar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV
- What does PHEV mean? It stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It combines a combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged externally.
- Is the 124-mile electric range real? Yes, that is the electric range stated by Lynk & Co according to the WLTP test cycle, the standard in Europe.
- Where is the Lynk & Co 08 manufactured? The vehicle is manufactured in China.
- When will it be available in Europe? Sales start in July of this year.
- Will the Lynk & Co 08 be sold in Brazil or the USA? The article explicitly states that there are no plans for sales in North America soon. There is no information about Brazil.
In my analysis, the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV is a smart strategic move by Geely for Lynk & Co in Europe. The 124-mile (200 km) electric range is a huge competitive advantage in the plug-in hybrid segment and could really attract those consumers looking for a more gradual transition to electric mobility. The solid foundation of the CMA Evo platform and the fast-charging technology are strong points. The challenge will be to overcome the brand perception in a well-established market and reverse recent sales performance. But with this model, Lynk & Co has a real chance to surprise.
And you, what do you think of the Lynk & Co 08 PHEV’s proposal? Do you think 124 miles (200 km) of electric range is enough to convince you to own a plug-in hybrid? Leave your comment below!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br