Cologne. Lynk & Co is one of the longest-serving Chinese brands on the German market. However, the early start has hardly benefited it so far: in just over five years it only had a little more than 10,000 new registrations. But now the Geely subsidiary finally wants to get started - not least with new models like the large crossover 08.
Lynk & Co became known in Germany for its unusual sales system - the Crossover 02 was initially only available online and there only as a subscription, i.e. as a kind of complete leasing in which tax, insurance and maintenance are integrated into the monthly rate.
But Volvo plays a role for Lynk & Co in another way: If you look closely, you will see a common gene pool inside and out. The Lynk is based on Volvo's CMA platform, which also carries the much smaller XC40. However, there is a closer relationship to the Volvo XC70 plug-in hybrid, which is currently only offered in China.
With its 4.82 meters length and the 257 kW/349 hp drive combination of 1.5 liter petrol engine and electric motor, it is closer to this in terms of size and positioning in the model hierarchy.
The 08 is not only long, but also dominates the present appearance. With a sporty, pointed front including its own light signature, slightly sloping rear and large wheels, it stands out as a distinctly dynamic alternative from Volvo and the related Polestar models enough to be perceived as independent.
However, the most important differentiating feature remains the plug-in hybrid drive, which is not available in this special form from the group that specializes in pure electric drives. What is particularly unusual is the large battery, which, at 39.6 kWh, stores as much energy as a typical small electric car.
The Lynk 08 can go astonishingly far; in practice, it can be driven purely electrically for the 200 kilometers promised by the manufacturer and is very efficient even in mixed hybrid operation.
This is also due to the comparatively complex technology. Unlike many German plug-in hybrids, the very powerful 155 kW/211 hp electric motor is not simply stuffed into the gearbox housing of an existing combustion engine drive, but rather integrated into an overall system designed for efficient division of labor.
An important difference: The electric motor responsible for traction acts directly on the front wheels via a fixed gear ratio and does not have to move the combustion engine's gearbox beforehand - which can be a range killer, especially when the oil is cold in winter. There is also a second small electric motor, which works primarily as a generator, and the four-cylinder petrol engine mentioned, which is integrated via a three-speed automatic transmission.
The three power sources work together remarkably smoothly and are not annoying like the systems of many competitors with their contentious division of labor and unforeseen spurts. Instead, the crossover drives like a normal electric car - without any annoying interruptions in traction. He is quite confident and powerful, but without displaying any rowdy airs.
It is charged either in the classic way via the 11 kW wallbox or on the CCS fast charger. But a little patience is required: the small battery can only handle 85 kW - and only for a short time before the charging management reduces it even further. For typical everyday life - long AC charging at home and then electrically to the office - that's definitely enough. And on long journeys there is still the combustion engine. This provides a further range of around 900 kilometers.
The high level of drive comfort is complemented by appropriate chassis tuning. The successful mix of comfort and agility is particularly popular outside of town; instead of sporty ambitions, there is calm casualness here. Combined with the efficiency and power of the drive, the result is a harmonious picture.
The same applies to the interior, which is roughly based on Volvo with the small digital display behind the steering wheel, but adds enough of its own accents in the form of high-quality ambient lighting. The central control element is a large touchscreen on which the Google software is particularly impressive.
What we don't like is the sometimes complicated operating logic - we're already used to adjusting the exterior mirrors using software menus. It is incomprehensible that the panoramic roof can only be opened after a long period of typing on the screen.
The brand's new car sales are now much more accessible. For a long time you could only order the cars online, but they are now available in the traditional way at many Volvo dealers. Prices start at 56,000 euros for the already well-equipped “Core” version; full equipment is available for 4,000 euros more in the “More” version. Then, among other things, 21-inch models, a powerful Harman Kardon audio system with 23 speakers, air-conditioned massage seats and matrix LED headlights are on board. Overall, the Lynk remains priced well below classic premium brands and is more in the upper volume segment, roughly at the level of a VW Tayron with a plug-in hybrid - but clearly beats it in terms of electric range.
The high technical effort involved in the hybrid system was worth it. In terms of power delivery as well as efficiency and range, the 08 is one of the few really convincing plug-in hybrids on the market. The packaging is also of high quality and quite pleasing - with a dash of exoticism. Unlike the part-time electric vehicles from German suppliers and the sister brand Volvo, the Lynk & Co is not yet seen on every corner.
