Here are the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P’s strengths, weaknesses

Currently, the local plug-in hybrid (PHEV) crossover segment is experiencing steady growth. The aforementioned, of course, means plenty of choices for would-be buyers and a lot of competition between brands. 

One such brand that has recently introduced a PHEV crossover is Lynk & Co Philippines. Specifically, it recently made available the 08 EM-P for P2.498 million. 

All of the said qualities of the mid-size ride sound good, but does it have specific strengths that will make it more appealing to buyers? Also, does it have any weaknesses? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Powerful but sustainable

Propelling the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, as well as a 39.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. In total, the said setup can produce up to 375 horsepower (hp) and 615 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The said figures make it a bit less powerful compared to other 08 EM-P versions sold in other markets, but it has more than enough oomph to rank as one of the most powerful rides in its class and price range. 

To put the aforementioned into perspective, Lynk & Co Philippines says that the model is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 6.5 seconds - quite rapid for a crossover. 

But beyond its performance chops, the model also boasts a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure-indicated (WLTP) total range of 1,400 kilometers (km). Out of the said range, it can cover up to 204 km using pure electric propulsion. 

Supporting the 08 EM-P’s powerful propulsion system is a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and a set of Pirelli Scorpion tires.

Plenty of amenities

Inside the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P is a well-equipped cabin fitted with plenty of luxury touches. Examples include its perforated Nappa leather seats and its abundance of soft-touch leather surfaces. Its front seats also get the following functions: 

• Massage function
• Power-adjustability
• Heating and ventilation

The model’s stylish dash also boasts sizable digital displays. To be exact, it comes with a 15.4-inch Ultra High Definition (HD) infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound, meanwhile, is fed into the vehicle’s cabin by a 23-piece Harman Kardon audio system. 

Other noteworthy exterior and interior features of the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Adaptive LED headlamps
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Frameless glass windows
• Tinted sunroof with UV protection
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake

Comprehensive safety kit

While it boasts loads of power and creature comforts, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P was also fitted with a comprehensive safety kit. 

For reference, its wide array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) includes the following: 

• Camera system
• Automatic parking system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Front and rear collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane change assist
• Automatic high beams with directional headlamps
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention monitoring
• Door opening warning

Cons

Minimal physical buttons

Sure, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P has a clean and slick-looking dashboard, but it lacks physical controls for some of its in-vehicle functions. 

As we’ve pointed out before, adopting a minimalist approach and integrating car functions via a screen can significantly enhance packaging and design. However, many drivers will prefer using physical buttons and knobs, especially for the car’s air conditioning system. 

Why? Well, fiddling with knobs and buttons is easier to do while driving, at least when compared to having to divert one’s eyes from the road just to look at a screen. And yes, it is much safer as well. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P gets the right balance of comfort and performance. It also looks sharp from the outside. And through its relatively affordable price tag, it is likewise a value-added buy as it comes packaged with an eight-year or 200,000 km battery warranty and two years of free periodic maintenance service. 

Do you like what the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P is offering? If you do, we urge you to take it out for a test drive. Who knows, it might just be the right crossover you’ve been waiting for. 

Also read:

Have a look at Lynk & Co 02's rivals

Lynk & Co 01: the sole option

Electrified crossover battle: Lynk & Co 01 vs. Honda CR-V RS e:HEV

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