The Lynk & Co 08 is a large hybrid rechargeable SUV from the Chinese brand Lynk & Co, which is part of the Geely group—also known for brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. This vehicle is notable for its 39.6 kWh battery, which is nearly twice as large as the battery in the previous Renault Twingo electric model. That battery capacity is comparable to the "urban range" version of the Renault 5 and about half of what you'd find in a Tesla Model Y with long-range autonomy. The Lynk & Co 08 combines a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with a 60-liter fuel tank, producing a combined power output of 345 horsepower—making it both powerful and versatile for various driving conditions. Measuring 4.82 meters in length, the Lynk & Co 08 is a spacious SUV that offers generous legroom in the back. Its trunk capacity is 540 liters, which is relatively modest for its size due to the large battery installed under the floor. Inside, the vehicle features a modern, well-finished interior with a bright, customizable ambiance and numerous smart storage compartments. An abundance of USB ports ensures all occupants are connected, while the design emphasizes minimalism, with nearly all controls centralized on a large 15.4-inch touchscreen. While the system works well for daily use, it can be inconvenient to adjust basic settings, like the direction of air vents, while driving. The SUV also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, and a Harman Kardon audio system with 23 speakers, including some integrated into the headrests. During testing, the Lynk & Co 08 proved to be comfortable, well-equipped, and a pleasure to drive, thanks to its large panoramic and opening roof. Despite its size, the vehicle's multiple sensors and 360-degree cameras made parking easier. With a claimed 200 km of electric range, the SUV can handle daily trips with zero emissions. Based on a 20 km average daily use, the battery can last nearly 10 days without recharging. Over a week of testing, covering nearly 600 km, the energy balance was 5.0 liters of petrol and 10.2 kWh of electricity per 100 km. With free recharging at work and a fast charge at a CCS station, the total cost for this distance was only 65.80 euros—significantly cheaper than a comparable gasoline-only SUV. However, the Lynk & Co 08 showed some limitations during a long trip between Paris and the Yonne region. The GPS did not efficiently balance the use of the petrol and electric components, favoring the high-speed engine. Drivers had to manually switch to 100% electric mode at high speeds or in traffic to save energy. The dashboard also lacked clear indicators for when the petrol engine was active, making it hard to monitor energy use. The "Power" mode didn't significantly enhance the vehicle's already dynamic performance. The SUV starts at 53,995 euros for the base model, with the higher "More" trim priced at 57,995 euros. While it is more expensive than the BYD Seal U DM-i, it offers more luxury and power. In comparison, premium models like the Volvo XC60 Recharge and the Mercedes GLC 300e are significantly pricier, making the Lynk & Co 08 a strong contender in the hybrid SUV market. In France, the market for hybrid rechargeable vehicles is declining, as more drivers move toward full electrification. However, the Lynk & Co 08 remains relevant for those who cannot recharge at home daily but want to drive electrically during the week while still having the freedom to take long trips. Despite higher taxes on heavier vehicles, the Lynk & Co 08's operating costs remain lower than many of its competitors. While this hybrid model is often seen as a temporary step before full electrification, it still provides a practical, versatile option for drivers who want the best of both worlds.