The Lynk & Co 08 midsize fastback SUV with a plug-in hybrid system from Geely and Volvo is ready for the mass production in China as it has got the permission from the Chinese Government (MIIT). Its specs are unveiled with LFP and ternary (NMC) battery options. Let’s get to know the Lynk & Co 08 better.
For all our readers, we will remind that Lynk & Co is the brand, jointly launched by Geely and Volvo. Its model line in China comprises six vehicles that have both petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid versions. However, Lynk & Co sells internationally only one model, which is the Lynk & Co 01 PHEV SUV. By the way, it is doing quite well in the European market with their subscription model for 550 EUR/month. Anyway, let’s get back to China, where the new Lynk & Co 08 has finally got the production permission, revealing its specs at the same time.
Lynk & Co 08 basic information
As we have already mentioned, the Lynk & Co 08 is a mid-size fastback SUV with dimensions of 4820/1915/1685 mm and a wheelbase of 2848 mm. It is slightly larger than BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60. We will also remind you that it stands on the new generation of the CMA platform that will also underpin the upcoming next-gen Volvo XC60. Speaking about the exterior of the 08, it stays in line with the pre-production version, displayed in March 2023. It has the same signature thin running lights, sharp angles, a closed grille, retractable door handles, a huge air intake in the lower part of the front bumper and a thin LED strip taillight unit.
According to the MIIT announcement, the Lynk & Co 08 can obviously fit only five people. Its front and rear tracks have an equal width of 1635 mm. We should mention here that the car’s handling is usually a bit better when the rear track is slightly wider than the front one. So, the 08 looks more like a family SUV but not a performance one. Moreover, its approach and departure angles are a bit small: 18 and 21 degrees, respectively. So, you should be careful while driving the Lynk & Co 08 in suburbs. Worth mentioning that the wheels of the 08 are 235/55 R19 or 255/40 R21.
Lynk & Co 08 powertrain
Speaking about the powertrain, the Lynk & Co 08 has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ICE called BHE15-BFZ. The same engine powers the Geely Galaxy L7 SUV, the Geely Galaxy L6 sedan, and the new Geely Preface sedan. So, it step-by-step becomes one of the most popular Geely Group’s engine. According to the previous information, on board of the Lynk & Co 08, this ICE works with the 3-speed DHT gearbox and two electric motors. As a result, the peak power of this SUV reaches 536 hp. As for the peak torque, it reaches insane 900 Nm.
The curb weight of the Lynk & Co 08, there are three options: 2038 kg, 2100 kg and 2200 kg. There is one main reason for these weight options. It is the battery that powers electric motors. As it goes from the MIIT announcement, the entry-level Lynk & Co 08 goes with an LFP battery from CATL. Two other versions got ternary (NMC) batteries from the same company. We don’t know the capacity of smaller batteries yet. But it was previously reported that the top-trim 08 will get a 39.6 kWh ternaty battery pack for 245 km of CLTC electric range. As for the mixed range with the ICE on, its range will reach 1400 km.
Editor’s comment
So, the Lynk & Co 08 is ready to hit the production line in China. It means that its market launch will probably happen in Summer 2023. The 08 can become a strong competitor in the rapidly growing Chinese PHEV SUV market. It looks like the Lynk & Co 08’s main rival will be the Denza N7 from BYD, that recently hit pre-sales and received over 20,000 orders. As for the overseas markets, it is difficult to predict will Lynk & Co launch the 08 here. For an example, in Europe this brand plans to launch only the mysterious Lynk & Co 02 EV. Moreover, Lynk & Co International CEO Alain Visser previously mentioned that its model line in Europe will be as simple as it possible. So, it will comprise three models max. Anyway, we will keep an eye on the Lynk & Co 08, so stay tuned!
Source: MIIT
