Lynk & Co 01 I facelift (2021 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Lynk & Co 01 (Generation I facelift) is a premium compact SUV based on Volvo's CMA platform (shared with the XC40). Launched in Europe in 2021 in its facelifted form (the original model dating back to 2017 in China), it stands out for its innovative distribution model (no-commitment monthly subscription) and its ultra-simplified catalog with 'all-inclusive' equipment. ⚠️ EXPERT NOTE REGARDING DIESEL: There is no diesel engine available for the Lynk & Co 01, neither in Europe nor in the rest of the world. The Geely/Volvo group has completely excluded diesel from this lineup in favor of hybridization (HEV and PHEV). This report therefore focuses on the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which is the direct alternative to diesel for high-mileage drivers and represents the vast majority of

✅ Strengths

Volvo technical and safety basis (CMA platform, excellent crash tests)
Very generous PHEV electric range (17.6 kWh gross battery)
Plethoric standard equipment (panoramic roof, 360° cameras, driving aids)
Very high-level interior finish, durable materials
Rear roominess and seat comfort

⚠️ Weaknesses

Total absence of a diesel engine (penalizing for exclusive very high-mileage highway drivers)
Infotainment system slow to start and prone to bugs
Very high weight (nearly 1,900 kg for the PHEV) penalizing agility
Combustion consumption on the highway once the battery is empty (around 7.5 to 8 L/100 km)
Limited physical maintenance network (partnership with the Volvo network, but sometimes administratively complex)

🎯 Verdict

The Lynk & Co 01 is an excellent choice for those seeking the features of a Volvo XC40 at a more accessible price or via a flexible subscription formula. Although it offers no diesel engine, its PHEV version provides sufficient electric range to cover daily commutes without consuming a drop of petrol, thus compensating for the absence of a diesel powertrain. Mechanically very reliable thanks to its Volvo components, its main Achilles heel lies in its entertainment and connectivity electronics, which are often capricious. To be bought as a recent used car with a clear maintenance history in the Volvo network.