Lynk&Co launches in Switzerland: Not from bad parents

Oops! «Excuse me», it sounds behind us: if you miss a whisper-quiet electric car in the parking garage on foot, the Lynk&Co 02 will speak to you. The idea: the Sorry button in the 02 is the quieter, friendlier alternative to the horn. No, it's not new: Opel had a buzzer in the Ampera. But it is smart and just right for the politely quiet Switzerland. However, the law is currently still against such gallantry: the 02 may only speak while standing. But that is set to change, and other languages are also being considered.

A Chinese from Sweden

Is Lynk&Co Chinese? Yes and no, rather a dual national: the design and some of the technology come from Gothenburg, Sweden, where the headquarters are located. Next door are Volvo, Polestar and Zeekr, because like those brands and Lotus, Lynk&Co is part of the Geely Group. Geely has put Volvo back on track and (with Mercedes) relaunched Smart. So Lynk&Co is not a bad parent. The name Lynk&Co is, of course, quirky - whatever marketing comes up with after the third beer. Never mind, because weird is distinctive.

It wasn't the name that caused the 2021 launch to flop: Lynk&Co launched the 01 in Europe, which was only available as a car subscription. It was a respectable success and sold 70,000 cars, but nothing more; the idea was too far ahead of its time. ’It was a niche,« admits Chief Product and Strategy Officer David Green, »so we wanted to expand our business model.« The switch to »normal« car sales followed in 2025. Since the beginning of the year, Lynk&Co has also been available in Switzerland through six dealers in the Volvo partner network and ten by the end of 2026. The subscription model no longer applies. However, the cars are still easy to share if desired, and the clever feedback button in the car to give direct tips for improvement remains.

The 01 has just been renovated

Eleven models are already in production in China, three in Switzerland at the start. The first is the original Lynk&Co 01, light on the outside and completely redesigned on the inside. The 4.55-metre SUV with plug-in hybrid drive, 206 kW/276 hp and an electric range of 75 kilometers costs CHF 43,995. For the test drive, we first take the new small electric 02 and then the equally fresh plug-in hybrid 08. A positive aspect when looking at the trio: finally not just narrow horizontal light slits at the front, Lynk&Co is striving for something like a family face. That stands out.

The 02 is a real hit

The electric 02 looks really cool, is also extremely neatly furnished and is not too annoying with touchscreen puzzles despite being fully digitalized. With a length of 4.45 meters, it scurries us through the agglo in a pleasingly compact manner, steers fun and has a forgiving suspension - here comes a fine city SUV for everyday needs. Starting at a fair 35,995 Swiss francs, it offers 200 kW/272 hp and a range of 445 kilometers according to the standard; charging should be quick with 145 kW. Disadvantages? The coupé design obscures the rear. No matter, because there is plenty of space. So much, in fact, that we look it up - because the 02 is actually a technological twin of the (slightly cheaper) Smart #1 and (clearly more expensive) Volvo EX30, which seem closer to us. So: the 02 is a good 20 centimeters longer than the #1 and EX30. This makes it the choice for anyone who wants more space. A good idea, as well as plenty of equipment and a four (battery eight) year warranty.

All-wheel drive to follow for the 08

The latter also applies to the Family SUV 08, which is a plug-in hybrid from 55,995 francs. Amazement is the order of the day: 200 kilometers of pure electric range is record-breaking! It's also worth frowning: without all-wheel drive, nothing will happen in this league, but 4×4 is set to follow in 2027. The 257 kW/350 hp and 4.82 meter long hybrid looks great. Initially inside too. It's a shame that it only exudes its noble aroma in the visible area: In the lower area, we feel impeccably made, but simply cheap hard plastic. Strange, especially as the smaller 02 doesn't falter there. There is plenty of space in the 08: the rear is wonderfully lolling. The chassis seems a little firm, but in the end we glide along in a relaxed manner. But the same applies here: Too digital an orientation digs deep stumbling blocks into the logic; we spend ages searching the touchscreen to briefly open the glove compartment. Nevertheless, the assistance is clearly less annoying than elsewhere.

Our summary at the end: Yes, the 08 also makes a good impression and should find its way. If customers find it, the way to Lynk&Co SwitzerlandThe brand first has to establish itself. But it won't fail because of the cars and prices. We remain curious.