Lynk & Co 08: how reliable is this Chinese rechargeable (plug-in) hybrid SUV?

The Lynk & Co 08 is a Chinese rechargeable (plug-in) hybrid SUV with 345 hp that positions itself as a premium alternative to established brands. The model combines an electric range of 200 kilometres with advanced technology and a sharp price, but at the same time raises questions about long-term reliability. If you are considering buying this Lynk & Co, it is wise to first get a realistic picture of possible problems.

The Chinese car brand Lynk & Co is still relatively new to the European market, and with the introduction of the 08 the brand is taking a clear step towards the premium SUV segment. The 08 is the largest model in the line-up and has to compete with established names such as the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The combination of 345 hp system output, an electric range of 200 kilometres and a price that is below many rivals makes the 08 attractive on paper. Even so, with young brands and new models there are always uncertainties about reliability, quality and service levels. For potential buyers it is important to put these aspects into perspective. What are the most common problems with the Lynk & Co 08? How about the quality of the materials and fit and finish? And what can you expect from warranty and service? Car problems with Lynk & Co do occur, just like with any other car brand, but the question is how often and how serious these are.

A hybrid SUV with premium ambitions and a specific target group

The Lynk & Co 08 is aimed at motorists who want to drive electrically in daily use, but do not want to depend on charging infrastructure on long journeys. The EM-P hybrid system (Electrified Multi-mode Power, an advanced rechargeable hybrid drive system) combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a 39.6 kWh battery (kilowatt hours, the unit for the battery’s storage capacity). The system output is 345 hp and 615 Nm of torque, good for a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The electric range of 200 kilometres is more than sufficient for commuting without using fuel.

The model is available with 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive ADAS package with 360-degree camera. The higher trims offer a Harman Kardon audio system with 23 speakers, massage seats and a panoramic roof. The boot capacity is 540 litres and can be expanded to 1,254 litres. With a towing capacity of 1,600 kilograms, the 08 is also suitable for caravans or trailers. The target group consists of families and commuters who are looking for premium comfort and technology without paying the price of a traditional German brand.

Lynk & Co: a young brand with a limited track record

Lynk & Co was founded in 2016 as a sub-brand of the Chinese Geely group, which also owns Volvo. The brand shares technology and platforms with Volvo, which provides a technical basis that has already been proven in practice for years. The 08 uses a similar plug-in hybrid system to the Volvo XC60 Recharge, albeit with a larger battery and a lighter drivetrain. The link with Volvo offers advantages in terms of technical development, but Lynk & Co does not yet have a long history in Europe to give a clear picture of reliability.

The first experiences with the brand show a mixed picture. Some owners report problems with software, customer service and parts, while others are satisfied with the price-performance ratio. The lack of an extensive dealer network in Europe can lead to longer waiting times for service and repairs. The warranty is five years or 150,000 kilometres, which is above average, but in practice it still has to become clear how well Lynk & Co handles warranty claims and after-sales support. For a young brand, building trust is a long-term process, and the 08 is still too new to draw definitive conclusions.

Software and infotainment: problems you can expect

The Lynk & Co 08 is heavily dependent on software and digital systems. The 15.4-inch touchscreen controls virtually all functions, from climate control to driving modes and charging options. Early user experiences point to software bugs and slow-responding menus, especially after starting up the car. Some owners report that the screen sometimes freezes or that functions such as the camera or navigation temporarily fail. These are typical teething troubles with new models that have complex digital architecture.

Lynk & Co offers OTA (over-the-air) updates to fix software problems remotely. In theory, this means that bugs can be resolved quickly without a visit to the dealer. In practice, the speed and effectiveness of these updates depend on the priority the brand gives to specific issues. The infotainment system (the central digital system for information and entertainment) supports voice control, but accuracy and language support are not yet at the level of more established brands. After purchase, regularly check whether software updates are available and install them to improve the stability of the system.

Electric drive and battery performance: what issues might you face?

The 39.6 kWh battery (kilowatt hours, the unit for the battery’s storage capacity) is one of the largest in the plug-in hybrid segment, but also brings extra weight. The 08 weighs 2,138 kilograms, which affects energy consumption and the wear of tyres and brakes. The electric range of 200 kilometres is based on CLTC standards, which are more optimistic than the WLTP standard used in Europe. In practice, you should expect more like 150 to 180 kilometres, depending on driving style, temperature and use of climate control.

The battery can be charged using 85 kW DC fast charging (rapid charging with direct current), which allows a charging time of 33 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent. AC charging (normal charging with alternating current) at 11 kW takes 4.5 hours from empty to full. Problems with the charging port, charging software or charging speed are not uncommon with new plug-in hybrids. Some users report that the car sometimes does not communicate properly with public charging points or that the charging speed is lower than advertised. Keep the charging port clean and, in case of charging problems, have the software checked by the dealer. Battery performance can decline over time, but most factory warranties cover the battery for eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Chassis, suspension and driving dynamics: comfort with a few shortcomings

The Lynk & Co 08 features a MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which should provide comfortable road manners. The 21-inch wheels on the higher trims look sporty, but can come at the expense of comfort on poor road surfaces. Some owners report that the suspension feels stiff and that you clearly feel imperfections in the road surface. The heavy weight of the battery contributes to a stable feel, but can also lead to increased wear on shock absorbers and bushes.

The turning circle of 12 metres makes the 08 quite manoeuvrable for an SUV of this size, but the weight is noticeable when cornering at speed. The intelligent four-wheel drive system provides good traction, but can react slowly in some situations. During test drives, listen out for noises from the suspension, especially at low speed. Creaking or knocking noises can indicate wear or production faults. Regularly check tyre pressures, as the high weight can lead to uneven wear.

Interior and exterior: quality that still needs to mature

The finish of the Lynk & Co 08 is generally good, with real leather or synthetic leather with microfibre. The front seats are electrically adjustable and the higher trims offer massage functions. Even so, there are reports of minor fit-and-finish issues, such as rattling panels, loose clips or squeaking seats. These kinds of problems occur more often with new models and are usually relatively easy to solve, provided you act quickly.

The paintwork and bodywork appear to withstand normal wear and tear well, but long-term experience is still lacking. When the car is delivered, carefully check the bodywork for manufacturing defects such as paint runs, gaps or uneven panel seams. The retractable door handles are a modern detail, but can be sensitive to dirt and frost. Make sure you clean them regularly and lubricate if necessary. The panoramic roof lets in a lot of light, but listen for noises in wind or rain, which may indicate poor sealing.

Maintenance and prevention: how do you keep the 08 in good condition?

Regular maintenance is just as important for a plug-in hybrid as it is for a conventional car. The petrol engine requires less maintenance than a fully combustion-powered engine, but it still needs to be serviced on time. Have the oil changed according to the service schedule and regularly check the coolant level. The electric motor and battery require little maintenance, but it is sensible to have the battery health checked annually.

The brakes wear more slowly thanks to regenerative braking, but can therefore also corrode faster. Apply the brakes firmly from time to time to prevent rust. Check the charging hardware and cables for damage and keep the charging port clean. You can often install software updates yourself via the infotainment system or the Lynk & Co app. Pay attention to warning lights and contact the dealer if you are unsure about the technical condition of the car.

Practical tips for owners

• Check tyre pressures monthly and adjust them to suit the weight of the car
• Install software updates as soon as they are available
• Clean the charging port and retractable door handles regularly
• Have the battery health checked once a year
• Drive on the petrol engine regularly to keep it running smoothly

Warranty, service and parts: what do you get after purchase?

The Lynk & Co 08 comes with a warranty of five years or 150,000 kilometres, which is more generous than the standard two or three years offered by many other brands. The battery is covered by a separate warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometres, which offers protection against rapid capacity loss (the battery gradually being able to store less energy). Do pay attention to the conditions: the warranty only covers material and manufacturing defects, not wear and tear or damage caused by incorrect use.

The Lynk & Co dealer network in Europe is limited, which can lead to longer travel times and waiting times for servicing and repairs. The brand also offers a subscription model, where you pay a monthly amount for use including insurance and maintenance. This can be attractive for shorter periods, but buying remains cheaper in the long term. The availability of parts is still a question mark, because the brand is new and the logistics structure is still developing. When buying, ask about delivery times for common parts and allow for possible delays in repairs.

The Lynk & Co 08 versus its competitors in terms of reliability

Compared with established brands such as Volvo, BMW and Audi, Lynk & Co does not yet score on reputation. The Volvo XC60 Recharge shares technology with the 08, but has a longer track record and a more extensive service network. The Audi Q5 TFSI e and BMW X3 xDrive30e offer similar performance, but are more expensive and have their own teething troubles. Reliability studies show that plug-in hybrids generally have more software problems than conventional cars, regardless of brand.

The 08 stands out with a larger battery and a lower price, but is that offset by lower quality or more problems? Initial signals point to similar teething troubles to those of other new models, but without long-term data it is difficult to make a definitive comparison. Japanese brands such as Toyota and Lexus are known for their reliability, but (still) do not offer plug-in hybrids with this range and power. If you are looking for certainty and proven technology, a Volvo or Toyota is a safer choice. If you opt for the 08, you do so in the knowledge that you are one of the first to test this model in everyday use.

Is the Lynk & Co 08 a sensible choice for you?

The Lynk & Co 08 offers a lot of car for a sharp price: 345 hp, 200 kilometres of electric range and premium features. However, reliability is still an uncertain factor due to the young nature of the brand and the model. Software problems, limited service and unclear long-term quality are risks you need to take into account. The five-year warranty offers some protection, but in practice it still has to become clear how well Lynk & Co deals with complaints and repairs.

For early adopters who are prepared to accept teething troubles and want to benefit from the technology and price, the 08 can be interesting. If you are looking for a proven, worry-free SUV with plug-in hybrid technology, a Volvo, Toyota or Lexus is a better choice. Bear in mind that the future value of the 08 is still uncertain and that the resale value may be lower than that of established brands. Take a test drive, check the car thoroughly on delivery and report any problems to the dealer straight away. The Lynk & Co 08 can be a good choice, but it does require you to buy with your eyes open.