The plug-in mid-size SUV is no longer the exclusive territory of German premium. In 2025, two Chinese brands arrive in Spain with offers starting at 53,000 euros that, on paper, deliver more power, more battery and more equipment than a BMW X3 xDrive30e or an entry-level Volvo XC60 Recharge. The question is no longer whether they are worth a look. It is which of the two.
The Omoda 9 and the Lynk & Co 08 play the same game with different cards. One bets on raw power and all-wheel drive; the other on the Scandinavian restraint inherited from Volvo (Geely is behind both brands, by the way, although Omoda belongs to Chery). Below, the head-to-head analysis.
Omoda 9 PHEV 537 Premium AWD — from ≈52,900 €
The Omoda 9 arrives as the brand’s top-of-the-range model in Europe. Its powertrain combines a 1.5 TGDi engine with a plug-in hybrid system featuring three electric motors that deliver a formidable 540 CV and all-wheel drive. The 34.5 kWh battery promises around 150 km in pure electric mode — a WLTP figure that, on a real motorway, drops closer to 100 km.
Inside, Omoda has done its homework. A 24.6-inch central screen, synthetic leather on the dashboard and doors, ventilated massage seats and a finish that, in our view, holds its own against a base BMW X3 and wins on visual perception. To the touch? Here there are nuances. The plastic of the paddle shifters feels like plastic, and the panel gaps lack the millimetric obsession of German makers. Yet the overall impression is strong.
| Power kW | Power CV | Top speed | Electric range | Consumption | Label | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≈400 kW | ≈540 CV | ≈180 km/h | ≈150 km | ≈1.5 l/100 km | Zero emissions | PHEV petrol |
Lynk & Co 08 PHEV 345 Core — from ≈53,000 €
The 08 takes a different approach. Less power (350 CV, front-wheel drive in the Core trim), but a larger battery — 39.5 kWh — and a homologated electric range of around 200 km. For 100% electric use during the week, the difference is significant: we are talking about 33% more WLTP range than the Omoda.
The interior breathes Volvo from every angle. Recycled materials with a convincing feel, a 15.4-inch vertical screen with its own interface (not Google Automotive, mind you), a 23-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the Core and more rational ergonomics than the Omoda. It is a car that feels like European premium because, in part, it is: it shares the SEA platform with the Zeekr 001 and draws on the engineering Geely absorbed from Volvo. If you come from an XC60, the step up will not feel exotic.
| Power kW | Power CV | Top speed | Electric range | Consumption | Label | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≈260 kW | ≈350 CV | ≈190 km/h | ≈200 km | ≈1 l/100 km | Zero emissions | PHEV petrol |
Where each one wins
The Omoda 9 wins on:
- Power and traction. 540 CV and standard AWD versus the Lynk’s 350 CV and front-wheel drive in the Core. For those wanting a plug-in mid-size SUV that really pushes, the Omoda plays in a different league.
- Standard sensory equipment. Massage seats, ventilation, a giant screen and a panoramic roof come as standard. On the Lynk Core you must move up a trim level to match some of these features.
The Lynk & Co 08 wins on:
- Real electric range. Those extra 50 km of WLTP translate into an entire working week without visiting a petrol station if you charge at home. It is the PHEV that comes closest to daily 100% electric use.
- Perceived quality and interior coherence. Without being a Mercedes, the Lynk offers the kind of restraint that those coming from European premium understand. Less dazzling than the Omoda, more convincing to the touch.
Summary table and score
| Model | CV | Electric range | Battery | Drive | Price from | Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omoda 9 PHEV 537 Premium AWD | ≈540 | ≈150 km | ≈34.5 kWh | AWD | ≈52,900 € | 8.2 / 10 |
| Lynk & Co 08 PHEV 345 Core | ≈350 | ≈200 km | ≈39.5 kWh | Front-wheel drive | ≈53,000 € | 8.4 / 10 |
The prices indicated are the manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, excluding dealer discounts, campaigns or current incentives such as the Plan Auto+. Check the final amount at each point of sale.
Against European premium
Do they match the X3 xDrive30e or the XC60 Recharge? It depends on what you measure. In equipment per euro, the two Chinese cars win hands down: paying 53,000 € for an equivalent German car gets you the base trim, whereas here you have almost everything as standard. In real material quality (not just visual), the Lynk comes closer than the Omoda. In refined driving, both remain behind — something we had already seen when comparing the reference premium PHEVs.
The reasonable doubt: residual value. Neither brand has a track record in Spain yet, and reselling a Chinese PHEV after four years is uncharted territory.
Verdict
- For those who drive many electric kilometres daily and come from European premium: Lynk & Co 08. Its 200 km electric range and coherent interior make it the most usable plug-in of the duo.
- For those who want muscle, all-wheel drive and maximum equipment for the price: Omoda 9. Nobody matches 540 CV and AWD at 52,900 €.
- Best overall price-performance ratio: Lynk & Co 08. For the same 53,000 €, it offers the most efficient usage profile and the interior that will age best.
The RRP difference between the two is less than 1%, so the decision comes down to use case, not budget.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Omoda 9 and the Lynk & Co 08 qualify for the zero-emissions DGT label?
Yes, both are PHEVs with more than 40 km of WLTP electric range, which gives them access to the DGT zero label and to the low-emission zones of Madrid, Barcelona and other cities.
How long does a Lynk & Co 08 take to charge at a home wallbox?
With a 7.4 kW wallbox, the ≈39.5 kWh battery is full in about 6 hours. The 08 also accepts DC fast charging, which is uncommon in the PHEV segment.
Does the Omoda 9 PHEV really deliver 540 CV with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The system combines the 1.5 TGDi with three electric motors (one at the front, two at the rear) for a combined output of approximately 540 CV, and AWD is standard in the Premium trim available in Spain.
What warranty do Omoda and Lynk & Co offer in Spain?
Omoda offers a 7-year or 150,000 km general warranty and 8 years for the battery. Lynk & Co usually works with 5-year coverage plus specific battery extensions; confirm the current conditions with each brand before signing.
