Electrification in Europe is moving along two tracks: fully electric cars are accelerating technological progress, while plug-in hybrids remain a pragmatic stepping stone for many drivers. It’s precisely in this category that a model is now arriving that could change how the entire segment is perceived. The Lynk & Co 08 brings a figure that, until recently, was more typical of EVs than PHEV SUVs: an electric range of up to 200 kilometers (WLTP).
In real life, that means a large share of everyday driving—commuting, city trips, meetings, and weekend errands—can be done purely on electricity, while the combustion engine stays in the background as a “safety net” for longer journeys.
Electric range as the argument that changes the rules
Until now, the key question around plug-in hybrids has been simple: is the electric range sufficient for the system to make sense beyond the spec sheet? The Lynk & Co 08 answers with a number that raises the bar. And it adds a marketing-strong yet measurable proof point: the model entered the Guinness World Records after covering an impressive 293 kilometers on electricity alone—the longest recorded all-electric distance by a plug-in hybrid SUV in the world.
Add a combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometers, and it becomes clear who the 08 is targeting: drivers who want electrification without changing habits and without anxiety about charging infrastructure.
Scandinavian roots, Volvo engineering, and service reassurance
Lynk & Co was founded in 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and works closely with Volvo on technology. For the Czech market, this matters more than it may seem: Lynk & Co vehicles can be serviced at authorized Volvo service centers. In a segment where customers often hesitate due to long-term brand support, this is a concrete advantage—an accessible service network and a standard of care Volvo clients already trust.
A premium-leaning interior and equipment without compromises
Inside the 08, the ambition to compete with established players is obvious. The design is modern, materials and craftsmanship focus on detail, and the cabin feels like a product built for demanding customers.
Technology is one of the key selling points: a Harman Kardon audio system, Google-based infotainment, a digital interface, and smart assistants for everyday use. Practicality is not overlooked either—size-wise, the car sits in a class comparable, for example, to the Škoda Kodiaq, which makes it relevant for families and customers who prioritize space and comfort on longer trips. Add a panoramic roof and seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
345 horsepower and selectable driving modes
The powertrain combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system delivering 345 horsepower. Drivers can choose between all-electric, hybrid, or performance modes, while the car continuously adapts to the situation and optimizes efficiency. In other words: performance remains, efficiency improves—and that’s one of the key trade-offs customers consider in large SUVs today.
The Czech market: Orbion Cars and the first steps of a dealer network
The brand is entering the Czech market through Orbion Cars, part of the Autorion Group, which is responsible for its development. The opening of a showroom in Čestlice near Prague is the first visible step, with further expansion of the dealer network expected—beyond Prague and also toward Brno.
What this means for the market
The Lynk & Co 08 suggests that a plug-in hybrid doesn’t have to be a compromise choice for a “transition period.” If a vehicle can cover most daily driving on electricity while still offering long combined range, the decision logic changes: some customers considering an EV may opt for a PHEV without feeling they’re taking a step back.
That’s why the 08 stands out as one of today’s most interesting new arrivals—not just as another SUV, but as a signal of how the plug-in hybrid segment in Europe could evolve.





