TEST DRIVE | Lynk & Co 08 is turning Bucharest traffic into tranquility

Launched on the Romanian market in September 2025, the new Lynk & Co 08 is more than just another SUV in the landscape. It is a statement of technology and refinement, a mid-size crossover designed to change the rules of the game by prioritizing a luxury often overlooked: the user’s peace of mind.

The initial encounter with the Lynk & Co 08 is distinctive. Thanks to the ”Keyless Go” function, the car recognizes its owner. As you approach, the headlights come to life and the hidden door handles glide out toward you like a discreet greeting.

Once behind the wheel, you realize that minimalism has been elevated to an art form. You won’t find a Start/Stop button. The car wakes up the moment the door is opened, ready to be shifted into Drive. And when you leave, the anxiety of forgotten open windows is gone: the vehicle locks and secures itself automatically as you walk away.

A digital sanctuary inside

The interior is dominated by a massive 15.4-inch screen with a crisp resolution of 2560 × 1600 pixels. This is the nerve center from which you control everything, from the driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) that radically alter steering feedback, to an ambient lighting show synchronized with your music.

If you prefer hands-free control, “Frank” is at your service. The intelligent voice assistant responds to “Hey, Frank!” and can manage almost every vehicle function, allowing you to remain fully focused on the road.

The cabin experience is rounded out by a premium Harman Kardon audio system, featuring 23 speakers and a dedicated subwoofer for a personalized 3D surround sound experience. Settings include Concert, Studio, and Surroundmodes, each optimized for different musical genres.

These features, paired with heated and ventilated leather seats offering various massage programs, are complemented by world-class soundproofing. At highway cruising speeds, the exterior world is virtually silent.

Volvo DNA in an avant-garde body

Built on the CMA Evo platform (shared with Geely and Volvo), the Lynk & Co 08 inherits the rigorous safety standards and material quality associated with the Swedish premium brand. This lineage is felt in every interior detail and in the surgical precision of the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Pricing and versions in Romania

For the local market, the model is available in two primary trim levels:

Core: Starting at approximately €52,990 (VAT included).
More: Priced at €56,990 (VAT included), adding the Harman Kardon system, massage seats, and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Technical Specifications: Lynk & Co 08

Powertrain: 1.5L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol + Electric Motor
Combined Output: ~345 HP (257 kW)
Maximum Torque: ~615 Nm
Electric Range (WLTP): Up to ~200 km
Total Combined Range: Over 1,100 km
Acceleration (0–100 km/h): ~6.8 seconds
Battery Capacity: ~39.8 kWh (PHEV)
DC Fast Charging: 10–80% in ~33 minutes
Cargo Capacity: 540L / 1,254L (seats folded)
Key Features: 21-inch wheels, Matrix LED adaptive headlights, 15.4-inch Multimedia system, Ventilated/Massage seats.