Lynk & Co 08 EM-P PHEV review: 200 km electric, fast charging

Priced at 1.299–1.389 billion VND, Lynk & Co 08 EM-P PHEV uses a 39.6 kWh battery for 200 km of WLTC electricity, 85 kW DC fast charging, 345 horsepower; 5-seat configuration against 7-seat SUV.

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P was launched in Vietnam on the evening of October 24 with two versions Pro and Halo, priced at 1.299 billion VND and 1.389 billion VND respectively. The D-SUV plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model stands out thanks to its 39.6 kWh battery pack for a pure electric range of up to 200 km according to WLTC standards, supporting 85 kW DC fast charging (30-80% in about 28 minutes) and a total powertrain of 345 horsepower, 580 Nm. In a segment familiar with the KIA Sorento PHEV and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, the 08 EM-P chooses a technology-oriented approach but accepts the trade-off of space with only 5 seats.

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P belongs to the D-SUV segment

Bold technology DNA and practical usage problems

On paper, the 08 EM-P's PHEV configuration is superior in its class: a large battery rarely seen in a PHEV, fast DC charging speeds, and strong power specifications. However, efficiency depends largely on infrastructure: the DC fast charging network in Vietnam is limited; AC charging at home, even though it can reach 11 kW, still takes many hours to fill the 39.6 kWh battery pack. If users do not have access to suitable infrastructure, the advantage in electric range may be less meaningful.

D-SUV style, diverse color options

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P belongs to the D-SUV group, aimed at urban customers who need to operate electric during the day and have long-distance flexibility when charging. The car has 5 exterior colors: black, gray, white, blue, copper gold.

Lynk & Co 08 EM-P exterior has 5 colors: black, gray, white, blue, bronze

Digital cabin, audiovisual experience leading the pack

The 08 EM-P cockpit focuses on the digital experience: a 15.4-inch 2.5K resolution central screen, a 92-inch AR-HUD, a Snapdragon 8155 chip and the "Hey Frank" voice assistant. These features create a clear advantage over Korean competitors that lack similar items.

Minimalist interior but full of technology

Sound is the highlight: the Harman Kardon 23-speaker system, 1,600 W capacity, creates an audio-visual configuration rarely seen in the segment. For reference, the Sorento and Santa Fe in this price range usually stop at 12 speakers.

Harman Kardon 23-speaker 1,600 W sound system on Lynk & Co 08 EM-P PHEV

Powertrain: 345 hp, 0–100 km/h 6.75 seconds

The 08 EM-P uses a 1.5 Turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 345 horsepower, 580 Nm of torque; acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.75 seconds (according to the announcement). The 39.6 kWh NCM battery pack allows for pure electric driving up to 200 km according to WLTC, suitable for daily city driving needs like an electric car. On the journey, the 85 kW DC fast charging capability helps replenish 30-80% of energy in about 28 minutes, a rare sight in PHEVs today. The total operating distance can reach about 1,400 km according to comparison information in the segment.

The trade-off is that the larger battery capacity adds weight and makes the car dependent on charging infrastructure. For users who primarily charge at home, consider the many hours of AC charging time needed to fully charge the 39.6 kWh battery.

Usable space: 5 seats, priority for small families

Unlike the KIA Sorento PHEV and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which both have 7 seats, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P has a 5-seat configuration. The advantages of technology and performance are strong points, but the versatility of carrying 3 rows of seats is not a priority of this model. The suitable target is individual customers or small families, willing to exchange 2 third-row seats for long range and technology equipment.

Comparing Korean competitors: technology or convenience?

In the hybrid D-SUV group, the Sorento PHEV and Santa Fe Hybrid are familiar choices. The 08 EM-P stands out in terms of PHEV technology and in-car entertainment, but faces the advantage of 7 seats and competitive prices of the Korean duo.

Category	KIA Sorento PHEV	Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid	Lynk & Co 08 EM-P
Transmission system	PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)	HEV (Self-Charging Hybrid)	PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)
Gasoline engine	1.6 Turbo GDi	1.6 Turbo GDi	1.5 Turbo BHE15
Battery/Related Specifications	13.8 kWh (Lithium-ion polymer)	1.5 kWh (Lithium-ion polymer)	39.6 kWh (NCM)
Power/Torque	265 hp / 350 Nm	231 horsepower / 367 Nm	345 hp / 580 Nm
Pure electric range	≈70 km	≈2 km (light support)	≈200 km (WLTC)
AC/DC charging	AC 3.3 kW – no DC	DC not supported	DC 85 kW – 30–80% in ~28 minutes
Total distance	≈800–900 km	≈900 km	≈1,400 km
Number of seats	7 seats	7 seats	5 seats
Reference price	≈1.24 billion VND	≈1.26–1.35 billion VND	1,299–1,389 billion VND

Price and positioning: higher than competitors, in exchange for experience

Compared to the 2022 listed price, the KIA Sorento PHEV has now decreased by about 410 million VND, to 1.248 billion VND; the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has decreased by nearly 200 million VND, to about 1.269 billion VND. At the time of launch, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P was priced about 50-140 million VND higher than the price level of the two Korean models. In return, the 08 EM-P offers a range of 200 km according to WLTC, 85 kW DC fast charging and an outstanding entertainment experience package - cabin digitalization.

The new brand factor in Vietnam is also a point to consider for buyers, in addition to charging infrastructure conditions where they live and daily travel schedules.

Conclusion: suitable for who, what to note

Advantage

• 39.6 kWh battery for 200 km pure electric range according to WLTC; rare in the PHEV group.
• 85 kW DC fast charging, 30–80% in about 28 minutes; convenient for long journeys.
• Total power 345 horsepower, 0–100 km/h 6.75 seconds (claimed).
• High-tech cockpit: 15.4-inch 2.5K screen, AR-HUD, 8155 chip, 23-speaker 1,600 W sound.

Limit

• Only 5 seats, less versatile than the 7-seat Sorento and Santa Fe.
• Dependent on charging infrastructure; home AC charging takes hours to fully charge a large battery.
• The selling price is slightly higher than Korean competitors at the present time.

Overall, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P is suitable for users who prioritize daily electrification experiences, appreciate cabin technology and are willing to invest in charging infrastructure. For large families or those who value 3 rows of seats, the Sorento PHEV and Santa Fe Hybrid are still more accessible options in terms of practicality and cost.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/danh-gia-lynk-co-08-em-p-phev-200-km-dien-sac-nhanh-10308959.html