The Lynk & Co 08 offers strong value for money in the premium plug-in hybrid segment, but the question remains: how reliable is this Chinese brand compared to established rivals? This comparison gives you insight into where the 08 sits among similar SUVs in the same price bracket. Discover where the model excels and in which areas competitors may be the better choice.
The Lynk & Co 08 is a mid-size premium SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers an electric range of more than 200 kilometres. With an entry price of around €56,900, the model positions itself as an affordable alternative to more expensive rivals such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The technical specifications are impressive: a system output of 460 hp, 765 Nm of torque and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds. The combined range is around 1,256 kilometres, which makes this model practical for both daily commuting and long journeys. You can find more information about any problems with the Lynk & Co 08 in our detailed overview.
How is the Lynk & Co 08 priced?
The 08 stands out with aggressive pricing. While rivals such as the NIO EL8 start from €84,300 and the BMW X5 PHEV from €78,000, the entry price of the Lynk & Co is over €20,000 lower. These price differences make the model attractive for buyers who want premium features without the high purchase costs of German or Scandinavian brands. Standard equipment is generous: a 15.4‑inch infotainment screen, LiDAR technology for advanced driver assistance systems and an audio system with 36 speakers.
Compared with the Tesla Model Y, which starts from €45,000, the Lynk & Co 08 is more expensive. However, the Tesla offers a fully electric powertrain without the versatility of a hybrid system. For long distances without charging stops, the 08 scores better thanks to the 1.5 turbo engine that functions as a range extender.
‘ The electric range of 245 kilometres according to WLTP comfortably surpasses many competitors. ’
What technical advantages does the Lynk & Co 08 offer?
The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the 08 combines a 1.5 turbo engine with electric motors for a total system output of 460 hp. This results in sporty performance that competes with more powerful rivals. The electric range of 245 kilometres according to WLTP comfortably surpasses many competitors. The BMW X5 PHEV achieves only 80 kilometres on electricity, the Mercedes GLE PHEV reaches 100 kilometres and the Volvo XC90 Recharge tops out at 70 kilometres.
The luggage capacity of 546 to 1,616 litres makes the 08 suitable for families. Its dimensions are more compact than many full-size SUVs, with a length of 4,820 millimetres and a width of 1,930 millimetres. This makes the model more manoeuvrable in urban environments without sacrificing interior space. The 08 shares its platform with the Volvo XC90, which guarantees Geely’s proven CMA architecture.
How does the Lynk & Co 08 score for reliability?
The reliability of Chinese car brands is often a topic of debate, but Lynk & Co benefits from the technology and experience of parent company Geely. The brand uses the same architecture as Volvo, which inspires confidence in the underlying construction. In crash tests, the model is expected to score a five-star rating. Other Geely products achieve similar scores.
Owners report a smooth and quiet driving experience on electric power, with minimal vibrations under acceleration. The premium finish of the interior often exceeds expectations for a Chinese manufacturer. However, there are reports of slow software updates, especially in colder winters. This can affect the user experience, as app integration forms an important part of ownership.
Compared to established brands, there is still a lack of long-term data on maintenance costs and wear. BMW, Mercedes and Audi have decades of statistics that show which parts are prone to problems. With the Lynk & Co 08, this is still largely unknown territory. Buyers therefore take on a certain risk in terms of future reliability.
Which competitors are more reliable?
The BMW X5 PHEV and Mercedes GLE PHEV have a proven track record in the premium SUV market. Both brands offer extensive dealer networks and long-term warranties. Maintenance costs are higher than for the Lynk & Co, but owners gain certainty about the availability of parts and expertise in workshops. The road holding and driving dynamics of German SUVs are more refined, partly thanks to years of development of chassis and powertrain.
The Volvo XC90 Recharge may share its platform with the Lynk & Co 08, but it benefits from Volvo’s long-standing reputation for safety and durability. The brand consistently scores highly in reliability tests and owner surveys. The price difference of around €30,000 compared with the 08 reflects this brand value.
The Tesla Model Y offers a fully electric powertrain without complex hybrid components that could fail. Its fast‑charging capabilities and extensive Supercharger network make long journeys practical. However, Tesla struggles with inconsistent build quality and a relatively limited dealer network for servicing.
What are the strengths of the Lynk & Co 08?
The Lynk & Co 08 clearly wins on cost efficiency. For around €27,000 less than a NIO EL8 you get comparable luxury and a more practical hybrid system without range anxiety. The large electric range makes daily charging worthwhile: for regular commuting within the electric range you can save up to 50 per cent on fuel costs. The adaptive dampers ensure comfortable cruising, and the LiDAR technology offers advanced traffic‑jam assistance that normally only appears in more expensive models.
Users appreciate the app integration, which lets you check charging status and activate climate control remotely. The Ultra trim offers a panoramic roof and massage seats that reinforce the premium character. Scandinavian design is combined with Chinese pricing, which makes the model unique in its segment.
Practical tips for owners
- Charge daily for maximum fuel savings and optimum use of the electric range
- Activate the LiDAR sensors in demo mode to test calibration for reliable traffic‑jam assistance
- Use original engine oil for the 1.5 turbo engine to keep the warranty valid
- Check regularly for software updates via the app for battery optimisation
- Avoid intensive off‑road use due to the limited ground clearance of 193 millimetres
Who is the Lynk & Co 08 the best choice for?
The 08 is ideal for buyers who want premium features without the high purchase costs of established brands. The model suits families who drive electrically on a daily basis and occasionally cover long distances without depending on charging infrastructure. The generous interior space and boot capacity make it practical for holidays and weekend trips.
Buyers who value a proven dealer network and long‑term reliability statistics are better off choosing BMW, Mercedes or Volvo. Those who want to drive fully electric without compromise will find better options in the Tesla Model Y or NIO EL8, albeit at a higher price or with limitations in electric range.
The Lynk & Co 08 scores on innovation and pricing, but requires an open attitude towards a relatively new brand. A test drive is recommended to experience the interior quality and driving dynamics for yourself. Compare maintenance conditions and warranty terms with those of competitors to make a well‑informed choice.
On the Carnews website you will find many more SUV comparisons, in‑depth reliability analyses and practical tips for car buyers. Discover more information about plug‑in hybrids, maintenance costs and experiences with different brands. Stay up to date with the latest developments in the automotive world and make better‑informed decisions for your next purchase.
Frequently asked questions
The Lynk & Co 08 offers a clearly comfort‑oriented driving experience, with a quiet powertrain and soft, adaptive damping that in practice sits closer to a Volvo XC90 than to the slightly firmer BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE. In corners it feels less dynamic and sharp than these German premium SUVs, but more secure and more refined than many non‑premium competitors. In terms of engine performance, with its powerful plug‑in hybrid powertrain (0–100 km/h in around 4.6 seconds) it can keep up well with the more powerful X5 and Q7 versions, while combining that performance with a much larger electric driving range. That positions the 08 as a comfortable, high‑performance all‑rounder, but not as the sportiest choice in the premium SUV segment.
The Lynk & Co 08 stands out with a 15.4‑inch infotainment screen, extensive app integration and over‑the‑air software updates for functions and battery management. In addition, it offers advanced ADAS systems with LiDAR support for driver‑assistance functions such as traffic‑jam assist. The audio system with 36 speakers and premium connectivity positions it technologically above many competitors in its segment. Together with the long electric range and smart charging and driving modes, this creates a highly integrated, high‑tech platform.
With a starting price around €56,900, the Lynk & Co 08 is clearly cheaper to buy than comparable premium PHEV and EV SUVs such as the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7, which generally start between roughly €78,000 and €90,000. Thanks to its large electric range (up to around 245 km WLTP), everyday use can largely be electric, meaning that fuel costs can be substantially lower than with traditional PHEVs with 50–100 km range, provided there are good charging opportunities. Maintenance levels, due to the shared Geely/Volvo technology and conventional 1.5T petrol engine, are probably comparable to or slightly lower than those of German premium brands, while over‑the‑air software updates can reduce the need for extra workshop visits. Over the full lifetime, this results in a total cost of ownership that is generally more favourable than that of luxury PHEV SUVs from established brands and, in many cases, competitive with fully electric SUVs, especially for drivers who often cover long distances without rapid charging.
The Lynk & Co 08 offers a very generous amount of interior space that keeps pace with, but is not demonstrably greater than, that of its premium competitors. The build quality and choice of materials are perceived as high‑end and premium, especially given the lower price compared with rivals such as the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Volvo XC90. In absolute terms, some established premium brands still achieve a slightly more refined level of finish. Overall, however, the Lynk & Co 08 offers a particularly strong combination of space, perceived quality and materials relative to its price segment.
Lynk & Co positions the 08 as an affordable premium alternative to established brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volvo, emphasising lots of technology and luxury for a lower price. In terms of brand image it focuses on being modern, digital and young‑urban, rather than the traditional status‑ and heritage‑driven image of the German premium brands. For long‑term reliability, Lynk & Co implicitly refers to the shared Geely/Volvo technology and the CMA platform, but it still lacks the proven track record and reputation built up over decades that established brands enjoy. As a result, the 08 is presented as a rationally attractive and technically solid choice, but the brand still needs to build trust when it comes to long‑term durability.