Lynk & Co 01 (2026) review: What the refreshed plug-in SUV can do

More power, a larger screen, a new design, and fresh colors. We have the facelift tested the Swedish-Chinese plug-in hybrid Lynk & Co 01 and reviewed it for you. the predecessor compared.

Some cars struggle from the outset against an image they didn't choose. The Lynk & Co 01 is one of them. When the brand presented its first concept in Berlin in 2016 and followed it up with the production model a year later at the Shanghai Auto Show, much of it sounded like something from the future: cars to subscribe to rather than own, shared via an app, and sold through lifestyle clubs in city centers instead of traditional dealerships. Technically, the 01 is based on the CMA platform, which it shares with, among others, the Volvo EX40 and the Polestar 2 This is because Lynk & Co is backed by the Chinese Geely Group, which also owns Volvo. The first models hit the road in Germany in 2021, and indeed, the 01 was a surprisingly common sight for a while, mostly in black with blue accents, often registered to rental or subscription companies.

But after the initial success came disillusionment. For years, the 01 remained the brand's only model in Europe, and registration figures recently plummeted to a shockingly low level. This is precisely where the facelift, launching in Germany at the end of 2024, comes in. Lynk & Co has subtly refined the design, given the SUV a significantly more modern infotainment system, and boosted the powertrain. Even more important than the technical specifications, however, is the strategic shift: The brand has recognized that the pure club and subscription model isn't working in Germany and is now building a genuine dealer network. The refreshed 01 is therefore more than just a facelift. It's an attempt to finally establish a likeable outsider in the mass market. Whether it succeeds depends not only on the car, but the car has to deliver. We took a closer look.

Image: Lynk & Co

Conclusion on the Lynk & Co 01: A reasonable underdog in its class

The refreshed Lynk & Co 01 isn't the most exciting PHEV compact SUV in its class, but perhaps one of the most sensible. The facelift addresses precisely the weaknesses that held its predecessor back: the infotainment system is finally up to date, and the powertrain is more powerful and refined. What remains are the virtues that have always made the 01 appealing: a high-quality, distinctive interior, a quiet and comfortable ride, and a fair price tag. For those who can regularly charge at home and don't need all-wheel drive or fast charging, this is a well-thought-out, fundamentally sound car that delivers more enjoyment in everyday use than its dry specifications would suggest.

Ultimately, the old Lynk & Co dilemma remains: the car itself was rarely the problem, but the sales concept was. With the establishment of a genuine dealer network and a model that is now technically more convincing, the brand has held the best cards for a long time. The 01 deserves more attention than its recent meager registration figures suggest. It's the quiet, sensible companion that, with its simplicity and price, reminds you that a good car doesn't have to be complex and expensive to be compelling. Our clear recommendation: get in, take it for a test drive, and be surprised. More variants Overall, it's the more well-rounded package.

Strengths and weaknesses of Lynk & Co 01:

✅ Strengthen:

• Significantly faster infotainment with a large 15,4-inch screen and a powerful Snapdragon chip.
• A more powerful, and in Sport mode truly lively, engine with 276 hp and 535 Newton meters of torque.
• A good, independent interior with a consistent sustainability approach.
• Generous legroom in the rear and clever cable management in the trunk.
• Physical steering wheel buttons back and helpful voice assistant
• Attractive price-performance ratio and flexible usage models

❌ Weaknesses:

• The touchscreen takes over too many of the essential functions.
• Numerous and intrusive acoustic assistance warnings
• Noticeable wind noise at the front side windows at higher speeds
• No all-wheel drive and no DC fast charging

Image: Lynk & Co

Design and exterior of the Lynk & Co 01: Carefully refined

Anyone who places the old and the new O01 side by side needs a moment to sort out the differences. This isn't a criticism, quite the opposite. The basic coat remains unchanged.And rightly so, because the 01 never looked outdated. The high, powerfully sculpted front, the narrow daytime running lights extending far into the hood, and the headlights set low in the bumper still give the SUV a distinctive look today. With the facelift, the grille is now consistently finished in high-gloss black, the wheels receive new designs, and the taillights have a revised internal mechanism with dynamic turn signals that illuminate sequentially. The light strip at the rear is so cleanly designed that one could easily mistake it for a more expensive premium SUV.

The most noticeable change is almost imperceptibly hidden in the color palette. Previously, the 01 was essentially only available in black and blue, which was almost ironic for a car that aims to stand out from the crowd. Now, Crystal White with its pearlescent shimmer and the matte, silky-looking Mineral Green have been added, while the deep Sparkling Black remains. The More trim level also allows for a two-tone paint job with a contrasting black roof and black wheels. Stylish, no doubt, but one detail mars the overall impression: the standard black 20-inch wheels of the More variant absorb so much light in everyday driving that the finely crafted spokes almost disappear. A lighter-colored wheel would noticeably improve the car's appearance. At 4,55 meters long, the 01 remains a manageable compact SUV that doesn't feel cumbersome in the city and doesn't require patience in parking lots.probe will.

Image: Lynk & Co

Space: Generous, with one drawback

The interior of the 01 plays one of its strongest cards. Up front, you sit on comfortable, well-contoured seats with ample headroom. Even the panoramic glass roof of the More variant doesn't noticeably reduce headroom. The seating position is pleasantly elevated, as you would expect from an SUV, without feeling like you're stuck in a high seat. With a wheelbase of 2,73 meters... proThe rear seats are particularly comfortable: legroom is generous, even tall passengers will find ample space in the back. proPlenty of space. The fact that the kids get two of their own USB-C ports might sound like a small thing, but it's invaluable on long journeys. Every parent knows why.

There is one small drawback, however. The rear seat backrest is a bit too upright and its angle cannot be adjusted, which becomes noticeable on long journeys. The middle rear seat is also more of a last resort than a permanent seat. Aside from that, the 01 scores points with its many practical storage compartments and well-thought-out interior layout. Compared to a VW Tiguan or a Volvo XC40In terms of sheer space, the Lynk & Co doesn't have to hide from its natural opponents in this class; in terms of rear knee room, it's even ahead.

Image: Lynk & Co

Trunk: Small, but cleverly used

The trunk holds 466 liters.A solid, but not outstanding, figure for a compact SUV. Those who regularly need to load up their entire family vacation will find more volume in some competitors. However, in everyday use, the storage space is easily sufficient for weekly groceries, a stroller, or sports equipment, and the cargo area is well-designed, meaning there are no annoying edges or sloping walls that waste space. Folding down the rear seatbacks creates a decent loading area for bulky items.

Lynk & Co has cleverly solved a problem that many plug-in hybrids still neglect: the charging cables. Where competitors often leave a bulky bag rattling around loose in the trunk, clattering through the cargo area with every braking maneuver, the two cables in the 01 disappear neatly under the load floor. The fact that there's even room for a standard household cable without noticeably reducing usable space is a detail that brings more joy in everyday use than many a glossy feature listed in the spec sheet. Here you can tell that someone actually used the car before releasing it.

Image: Lynk & Co

Interior of the Lynk & Co 01: High-quality, distinctive, sustainable

The interior was already a strong point in the previous model, and the facelift further enhances this strength. The perceived quality of the materials is pleasingly high for this price range. Plenty of synthetic leather with contrasting stitching, along with textured plastic surfaces on the center console and doors that feel pleasant to the touch and look anything but cheap. Lime-yellow accents give the black interior a youthful, almost cheeky character, which pleasantly sets the 01 apart from the gray monotony of many competitors. The workmanship is precise, the sound insulation is decent, and the initial impression is positive.

What's particularly appealing is the consistent focus on sustainability, which isn't just mentioned in the packaging. The seats in the Core version are made of ECONYL, a 100% recycled material derived from sources including old fishing nets. The More version features a solvent-free synthetic leather with recycled backing layer It's ready for use. A small sign on the front seats indicates this. Not everything is perfect: the glove compartment can now only be opened via the touchscreen. A hidden button on the center console helps in an emergency, but it's so inconspicuously placed that you'll hardly find it the first time. A simple handle would have sufficed. Such touchscreen features look modern, but can sometimes be a real nuisance in everyday use.

Image: Lynk & Co

Infotainment and connectivity: The biggest leap

If the facelift has a clear winner, it's the infotainment system. The central The touchscreen grows from 12,8 to a substantial 15,4 inches. and now boasts HD resolution. It also features a high-resolution 10,2-inch digital driver display. The crucial difference, however, lies beneath the surface: A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, one of the most powerful processors currently used in production cars, ensures that the system reacts noticeably faster than its predecessor. Menus open instantly, map data loads quickly, and the annoying stuttering of earlier Chinese systems is eliminated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, the navigation covers 32 European countries, and it provides real-time data on traffic, parking, and weather. Over-the-air (OTA) updates keep the system current without requiring a visit to the workshop.

Just as important as the screen are the little things you don't see in the spec sheet. The steering wheel now has real, physical buttons again instead of the fiddly sliders of the past, and that's a real improvement: volume and driver assistance systems can now be operated by feel, without taking your eyes off the road. Also worth mentioning is the Frank voice assistant, which speaks in either a male or female voice and, in our test, was surprisingly able to control a lot of the vehicle's functions. The downside of this screen offensive: the touchscreen takes over almost too many functions. Anyone who has to navigate through menus for every little thing will occasionally long for a simple button. Normal buttons for the climate control functions, for example, would be a godsend.

Picture: TechnikNews

Sound system: Full sound only available at an extra cost

In terms of sound, Lynk & Co clearly differentiates between the two versions. The Core variant has to make do with eight speakers, which is perfectly adequate for everyday use and reproduces radio, podcasts, and occasional music well without being overpowering. Those who want more can opt for the More variant with a ten-speaker system. Infinity by Harman Including subwoofer. The predecessor already boasted an Infinity system that delivered a pleasantly dynamic sound with clear highs and rich lows, and the new system seamlessly continues this tradition.

In testing, the larger system impressed with its balanced tuning, neither overemphasizing the treble nor becoming muddy in the bass. Audiophiles may find more refined systems available, such as the Bowers & Wilkins systems in significantly more expensive Volvo models, but the 01 performs well in direct comparison to its competitors. The only drawback is that the superior sound is tied to the more expensive trim level. Those who purchase the 01 as a Core model and prioritize music cannot order the premium system separately. This model policy forces buyers into a package-based system that won't appeal to everyone.

Picture: TechnikNews

Lynk & Co 01 driver assistance systems: Comprehensive, but very talkative

Regarding the assistance systems proThe 01 is clearly inherited from its Volvo kin, and it shows. The predecessor already performed flawlessly in this regard, and the new one improves upon it even further. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, emergency braking assist, traffic sign recognition, and a driver drowsiness alert. The "More" variant adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, and a traffic jam assist system that provides semi-autonomous steering in stop-and-go traffic. The systems operate reliably and intervene predictably when necessary, without feeling rushed. Those who frequently drive on highways will appreciate the highway assist, which maintained lane position and distance precisely during our test.

One criticism the 01 shares with almost all current new cars, and it's particularly noticeable here, is the sheer number of audible warnings. The speed warning system, in particular, which triggers for every perceived or actual speeding violation, tends to be overly active and prone to excessive beeping. This is legally mandated and not a self-inflicted problem, but one still wishes for a quicker, more permanent way to silence the most annoying sounds. During testing, one found oneself clicking through the menus before every journey to achieve peace and quiet. A clever quick access solution would be invaluable here.

Picture: TechnikNews

Security: Swedish heritage

In terms of safety, Lynk & Co can rely on the foundation that Volvo has laid over decades. The CMA platform is designed for high crash safety, and the 01 adopts a large portion of the passive and active safety technology from the group's parts bin. On board are front, side, and curtain airbags, a far-side airbag between the front seats that separates the occupants in a side impact, as well as electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, and traction control. Practical aids such as hill start assist and hill descent control for downhill stretches are also included.

The package is complemented by an electronic child lock, an emergency call function, a breakdown call function, and an event data recorder that captures relevant driving data in the event of an accident. The digital key concept, which allows the O01 to be opened and shared via smartphone, is not only convenient but also a security feature, as access rights can be precisely granted and revoked. An official Euro NCAP result The facelift version was not available at the time of testing, but given the technological basis and the safety philosophy of the parent company, there is little reason to doubt a solid performance. The 01, at least, conveys the feeling of sitting in a fundamentally sound car from the very first drive.

Picture: TechnikNews

Comfort: Quiet and serene

Comfort is a discipline in which the 01 excels. The suspension is rather softly tuned and effortlessly smooths out bumps. In the city and on country roads, the SUV rolls along pleasantly smoothly. Added to this is a pleasingly low noise level: In electric mode, the 01 glides along almost silently, and even when the gasoline engine kicks in, it remains remarkably quiet. While it does audibly rev higher under load, it never becomes unpleasantly intrusive. This makes the 01 a relaxed companion for long journeys.

Two things mar the otherwise comfortable experience. First, despite the good insulation of other noises, wind noise around the front side windows becomes more noticeable at higher speeds than one would like. Second, the standard 20-inch wheels of the More variant, with their low-profile tires, counteract the otherwise pleasing suspension: On poor roads and over transverse joints, the ride becomes harsh. They pass short, unfiltered shocks to the occupants.Those who prioritize maximum suspension comfort will be better served by the smaller 19-inch wheels of the Core variant. The seats themselves offer good support even on long journeys, and the electric adjustment with memory function in the More variant makes setting them up a breeze.

Picture: TechnikNews

The Lynk & Co 01's engine: More pressure than before

Lynk & Co has clearly made some changes here. The basic layout remains largely unchanged: A 1,5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine works in conjunction with an electric motor, and power is transmitted to the front wheels via a hybrid-specific transmission. However, system output increases from 261 to 276 hp.The maximum torque increases even more significantly, from 425 to a substantial 535 Newton meters. This is achieved through the 102 kW (137 PS) of the internal combustion engine and 107 kW (143 PS) of an electric motor. The 01 thus sprints to 100 km/h in 7,7 seconds and is electronically limited to 200 km/h. On paper, that sounds decent, but in practice it feels even better. In hybrid mode, the drive responds spontaneously and smoothly to the accelerator pedal, with the power delivery early and evenly. In sport mode, with a reasonably charged battery, the 01 unleashes an acceleration that truly lives up to the expectations set by the 01.proIt feels like having almost 280 hp without energy costs exploding.

Overall, the facelift clearly demonstrates the significant refinement achieved compared to its predecessor. Testers regularly criticized the old 01 for its jerky load changes: under hard acceleration, the transmission shifted hesitantly, and the transition between purely electric and hybrid operation was noticeably jerky; sometimes the combustion engine would even engage abruptly. The new 01 handles this more smoothly and harmoniously. The tuning isn't perfect yet; occasionally, the combustion engine revs a bit too high, or the communication between the drive systems isn't entirely seamless.proPerfectly balanced. But these are nuances, no longer annoyances.

Image: Lynk & Co

Driving dynamics and handling: Comfort before sharpness

The 01 isn't a corner carver, and it doesn't intend to be. With around 1,9 tons empty weight With its comfort-oriented suspension setup, it clearly prioritizes composure over sharpness. It feels perfectly at home in the city and on country roads, offering agile steering and relaxed handling. However, those who drive more sportily and quickly through a winding road will notice the soft suspension: body roll is noticeable, and the steering provides little feedback about what the front wheels are doing. This isn't a flaw, but rather a deliberate design choice that fits the overall concept.

A classic obstacle for front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrids is also present in the 01: the potent 535 Newton-meters of torque can occasionally be a bit too much for the front axle during hard acceleration from a standstill, causing the tires to briefly scrabble for traction. Electronic traction control reliably tames this, but the effect cannot be completely eliminated. All-wheel drive is not available, which can be a disadvantage compared to some competitors like the all-wheel-drive Cupra Formentor or a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in, but is tolerable for most everyday drivers in this class. Furthermore, an auto-hold function is unfortunately missing. All in all, the 01 drives calmly and safely, without any emotional highlights, but also without any unpleasant surprises.

Picture: TechnikNews

Battery: Proven and intelligently managed

The facelift deliberately makes no changes to the battery, and that's understandable. The battery stores gross 17,6 kilowatt hoursOf this, approximately 14,1 kilowatt-hours net are actually usable. This is a respectable, though not exceptional, figure for a plug-in hybrid, but perfectly adequate for its intended purpose: to handle daily commutes as purely electrically as possible and to serve as a fuel-saving option on longer journeys. A DC fast-charging function is not available, which is typical for plug-in hybrids of this class and not a real drawback.

What stands out particularly positively review is the intelligent energy management. The system manages the charge level remarkably proactively and almost always maintains enough reserve to provide an electric boost at opportune moments. Even on long journeys, the electric assistance rarely runs out completely. Only when maintaining high motorway speeds for extended periods does the battery eventually run out, and then you notice that the comparatively small combustion engine is struggling with the heavy SUV. For the vast majority of buyers, however, this extreme case is rather theoretical. Those who regularly recharge at home or at work will drive the 01 in electric mode most of the time.

Image: Lynk & Co

Fuel consumption of the Lynk & Co 01: Honest rather than embellished

When it comes to fuel consumption, it's worth taking an honest look beyond the official figures. Lynk & Co states a combined fuel consumption of just 0,9 liters per 100 kilometers and CO₂ emissions of 20 grams according to WLTP. pro Kilometers. These figures are obtained under the favorable conditions of the test cycle with a fully charged battery and say little about real-world driving. This is the case with every plug-in hybrid. More meaningful is the measured consumption in hybrid mode with a constant battery charge: Here, the O01 consumes a good 7,0 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers with moderate driving. Those who drive more sportily will still remain within an acceptable range of under 10 liters for a nearly two-ton SUV with almost 300 hp. If the battery is always fully charged, a consumption of 5,0 liters per 100 kilometers .

Approximately 20 kilowatt hours flow purely electrically. pro 100 kilometers on electric power alone is a realistic and by no means exaggerated figure. The comparison with its predecessor is interesting: even the old model performed respectably on the reference route with around 5 liters per 100 kilometers, putting it roughly on par with a Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid and ahead of a Mercedes GLA 250e or a Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-inThe facelift continues this sensible approach. As with all plug-in hybrids, self-discipline remains crucial: those who charge consistently will save money. Those who ignore the battery and drive solely on gasoline are wasting the entire concept and will quickly end up with fuel consumption figures that a fuel-efficient conventional combustion engine can undercut.

Picture: TechnikNews

Scope: Practical and suitable for everyday use

Lynk & Co still states the all-electric range as up to 75 kilometers according to WLTP. The good news first: this figure is actually nearly achievable in everyday driving and not just a marketing promise. This is based on a restrained driving style and mixed routes.profil are the 75 kilometers realisticIn city traffic and on country roads, you can get very close to them. This means the O01 covers the entire commute electrically for most commuters, often even for several days before it needs to be recharged.

As with any electric drive, speed reduces the range. On the motorway at higher speeds, the electric range shrinks noticeably, while on leisurely country roads it can even slightly exceed the standard figure. The predecessor already exhibited this typical pattern, with electric ranges between around 50 kilometers on the motorway and over 80 kilometers on country roads. The combination of electric range and a petrol tank makes the 01 a relaxed long-distance vehicle: commuting works purely electrically, and weekend trips or holiday journeys are possible without range anxiety, because if necessary, the combustion engine simply takes over. This carefree approach is the real selling point of this type of vehicle, and the 01 plays to it well.

Picture: TechnikNews

Charging: Solid connection to the wall socket

When it comes to charging, the 01 performs within the typical range for its class, with a pleasing improvement over the first model. The SUV charges via alternating current. maximum approximately 7,2 kilowattsThis means the battery charges from zero to 100 percent in approximately 2,8 hours using a wallbox. That's a significant improvement over the very first O01, which took four to five hours with its 3,7-kilowatt charger. Naturally, charging via a standard household outlet using the included Schuko cable takes longer, around seven hours, but this is manageable overnight. proIt can be done without any problems.

A DC fast-charging function is missing, as is the case with most plug-in hybrids. In practice, this is hardly a disadvantage, since typical use involves leisurely charging at home or at work, not a hectic pit stop on the motorway. Theoretically, the battery can also be charged while driving via the combustion engine, but this is inefficient and increases fuel consumption, which is why it should only be used in exceptional cases. On the other hand, it is practical and valuable in everyday use that two suitable cables are included as standard and neatly stored. Anyone with a wallbox at home will be completely satisfied with the O01's charging concept.

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Price and warranty of the Lynk & Co 01: A lot of car for the money

The price is where things get interesting, because this is one of the greatest strengths of the O01. The basic version Core It starts at €42.995 in Germany., which is significantly better equipped The "More" variant costs 46.995 euros.For the €4.000 surcharge, the More variant offers a generous package: adaptive headlights, panoramic glass roof, electric seat adjustment with memory function, a 360-degree camera, the Infinity sound system, an inductive charging pad for smartphones, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, and higher-quality seat upholstery. Those who do the math will usually find the More variant to be the better choice, as it includes precisely the features that make everyday life more comfortable. Compared to a similarly powered and equipped VW Tiguan eHybrid or a Volvo XC40 Recharge The 01 model generally offers more standard equipment for less money, including the panoramic sunroof. (All prices in this article are as of July 2026 and include 19% VAT.)

Added to this is what has defined Lynk & Co from the very beginning: its flexible financing options. Besides the traditional purchase, the 01 will likely remain available through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, via leasing, or through the company's own car-sharing program, where users can rent their car to others via the app and thus reduce costs. This model remains particularly attractive for shared households or people who share a vehicle. Lynk & Co's warranty is in line with market standards. Those who value specific terms should inquire about the conditions valid at the time of purchase directly with the club or a dealer, as such offers are subject to change. Overall, the price-performance ratio is excellent.

Image: Lynk & Co