| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfy, refined and dynamic | Inside trims look a bit low-cost |
| Distinctive exterior styling | Engine undernourished for two.0-tonne SUV |
| Loaded with bells and whistles | Transmission lazy in Consolation mode |
Among the many horde of Chinese language manufacturers set to storm the Australian market this 12 months is GAC (Guangzhou Car Group), which has lofty ambitions of being a high 10 participant regionally by 2030.
A key mannequin that’s prone to determine within the model’s preliminary lineup is the GAC GS8 giant SUV, which might take the struggle to different car-based seven-seat wagons such because the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Pathfinder.
Trying considerably like a shrunken Cadillac Escalade, the G8 measures 4980mm lengthy, 1950mm large and 1780mm tall, which makes it a fraction bigger than the Kluger in all dimensions.
Regardless of its girth (the full-spec 4WD mannequin we examined weighs 2030kg), the one powertrain supplied within the GS8 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that ekes out 182kW of energy and 400Nm of torque, with drive despatched to all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed automated transmission.
And, though it’s underpinned by a monocoque chassis (relatively than a rugged ladder body), the GS8 has Sand, Mud and Snow drive modes, so it has at the very least on-paper all-terrain capabilities.
Nevertheless, the actual fact it comes geared up with road-biased 50-series tyres wrapped round 20-inch rims is a pointer to the actual fact it’s conceived extra as an city warrior than an off-road demon.
How a lot does the GAC GS8 value?
We examined the GAC GS8 within the United Arab Emirates, the place the entry-level front-wheel-drive variant is priced from AED149,900 (A$66,725).
Our take a look at automobile was the 4WD GX range-topper, which is priced from AED169,900 (A$75,627), with the added spend bringing a swag of mod-cons and security package as commonplace.
If these costs had been to be mirrored within the Australian market, it will place the GS8 lineball with the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, et al.
The problem for the GAC GS8 is that it will be coming into the market as a brand new model and nameplate, whereas the rivals talked about above are long-established entities.
Nevertheless, within the GAC’s favour would possible be a extra beneficiant commonplace package checklist (if the local-spec GS8 will probably be equally geared up to the UAE model), and it’s doable the native GAC beancounters would sharpen their pricing pens to entice patrons to the model.
What’s the GAC GS8 like on the within?
The GAC GS8 isn’t quick on mod-cons, bells and whistles, but it surely’s barely let down by trim supplies which might be on the ‘el-cheapo’ finish of the dimensions.
The centrepiece of the range-topping GS8 GX’s cabin is an expansive 14.6-inch infotainment system, whereas dealing with the motive force is a 7.0-inch digitised instrument cluster. Each interfaces are clearly laid out and customarily intuitive to make use of.
A head-up show allows you to preserve your eyes glued to the street, whereas the ultra-high-resolution surround-view show makes slotting into tight parking spots a breeze.
Different commonplace goodies embrace a wi-fi charging pad, three-zone local weather management, a panoramic sunroof, and multi-color clever ambient lighting which pulses in tandem with the infotainment system.
Ten-way energy adjustment for the motive force’s seat means you may simply conjure up a snug place behind the wheel, whereas the comparatively giant and upright glasshouse makes for good visibility in all instructions.
Occupants of the first- and second-row seats have little to complain about, however the pair of third-row pews are of the kiddies-only selection as even merely accessing these is an train in calisthenics.
As alluded to earlier, cabin atmosphere is mostly okay, but it surely’s let down by an affordable really feel because the leather-based/leatherette seat upholstery and onerous plastic trim on the doorways and centre console are proof of cost-saving.
The shortfall in inside aesthetic attraction is all of the extra notable as, lately, a number of Chinese language manufacturers have considerably raised the bar on this division.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Contemplating it’s a big three-row SUV that measures a smidgeon underneath 5.0 metres lengthy and a pair of.0m large, one may need anticipated a V6 to be the default powertrain within the GAC GS8.
Nevertheless, the one engine on provide is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill that ekes out 182kW at 5200rpm and 400Nm over 1750-4000rpm – modest outputs for a chariot that weighs over two tonnes, and it interprets to leisurely efficiency within the cut-and-thrust of visitors.
The Aisin eight-speed auto by means of which drive is channelled is a smooth-shifting unit, however the calibration errs in the direction of early upshifts within the chase for higher gasoline financial system, additional sapping efficiency.
Extracting something resembling full of life acceleration requires you to face on the throttle, thereby prompting the transmission to downshift, however the ensuing sharp rise in revs compromises refinement because the decibel degree escalates.
The drivetrain would possible be simply high quality in a smaller and lighter automobile, but it surely feels a bit undernourished to be hauling round a full-size SUV.
How does the GAC GS8 drive?
Though the GAC GS8 falls barely quick when it comes to its powertrain and cabin atmosphere, the remainder of the bundle is fairly good.
Underpinned by GAC’s GPMA-L modular platform, the GS8 contains a MacPherson suspension setup on the entrance and a multi-link association on the rear.
This {hardware} delivers experience and refinement ranges which might be on par with just about the rest within the phase.
Pootle round in Consolation mode and most road-surface imperfections are comfortably ironed out. Ambient noise can be effectively suppressed, with solely a hint of wind rustle from round A-pillars at freeway speeds permeating into the cabin.
As for dealing with dynamics, the large SUV feels a bit roly-poly and flaccid in Consolation mode however switching drive modes to Dynamic yields a pointy distinction.
The steering turns into weightier and crisper, the suspension companies up, and throttle/transmission response additionally sharpens considerably.
All informed, the GS8 serves up a extra refined experience/dealing with steadiness than we’d have anticipated, and it will possibly maintain its personal towards different choices in its phase.
As elaborated on earlier, the two.0-litre motor has its work lower out to haul the two.0-tonne wagon round, so you might want to preserve it percolating within the mid to higher ranges of its rev band to extract respectable efficiency.
Though the GS8 has Sand, Mud and Snow drive modes, it’s extra a light-duty all-terrainer than a hardcore dune basher and dirt mauler.
The very fact it’s shod with road-biased 50 Collection rubber wrapped round 20-inch rims says all of it – it’s conceived extra for city schlepping than rugged outback adventures.
Muddy swamps and towering dunes is likely to be past its transient, however reasonable off-road terrain – rutted gravel tracks, hard-packed sand, water crossings as much as half-a-metre deep, and so on – is inside its capabilities.
Visually, the GS8 definitely has presence, with its Cadillac Escalade-inspired styling setting it aside from the horde. With its giant chrome-laden grille, angular headlights and sharp-edged proportions, the GAC received’t be mistaken for any of its Japanese/Korean rivals.
The GS8’s pseudo-American visuals won’t be to everybody’s tastes however, to my eye, the Chinese language SUV gels okay aesthetically and it’s certain to at the very least spark curiosity.
What do you get?
On take a look at right here is the GAC GS8 GX.
2025 GAC GS8 GX tools highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/50R20 tyres
- Full-size spare
- LED headlights with Energy Top Adjustment
- Auto headlights with Observe Me House Perform
- LED tail-lights
- Entrance fog lights
- Rear fog lights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Energy-adjustable aspect mirrors with built-in flip alerts
- Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
- Energy tailgate
- Roof rails
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10 Speaker Alpine sound system
- USB Ports
- Bluetooth handsfree telephone system
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Three-zone automated local weather management
- Second- and third-row AC vents
- Air High quality System and Damaging Ion Air Air purifier
- Multi-function leather-clad steering wheel with paddle shifters
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Leather-based/leatherette-trimmed seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance Seats
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat
- 60:40-split, folding and sliding second-row sats
- 50:50-split, folding third-row seats
- Panoramic sunroof with energy sunshade
- Entrance map lights and rear studying lights
- Inside ambient lighting
- 220V energy outlet underneath centre armrest
- Cargo are 12V energy outlet
Is the GAC GS8 secure?
No crash take a look at outcomes can be found for the GAC GS8, though the previous-generation mannequin managed to earn a five-star crash-test score from C-NCAP (China New Automobile Evaluation Program).
We’d anticipate the current-gen GS8 to additionally fare effectively on the protection entrance, with twin entrance, aspect and curtain airbag fitted as commonplace throughout the vary. The flagship GX dietary supplements this quota with a knee airbag for the motive force.
Normal security options embrace:
- Twin Entrance Airbags
- Twin Facet Airbags
- Curtain Airbags
- Driver’s Knee Airbag
- Digital Stability Program (ESP)
- Hydraulic Brake Help (HBA)
- Hill-start maintain management (HHC)
- Hill Descent Management (HDC)
- Entrance and Rear Parking Sensors (8 sensors)
- Encompass View Parking System
- Cruise Management
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Change Help (LCA)
- Adaptive Cruise Management (ACC)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Ahead Collision Warning (FCW)
- Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
- Built-in Cruise Help (ICA)
- Rear Cross Site visitors Alert (RCTA)
- Site visitors Signal Recognition (TSR)
- Digital Parking Brake (EPB) with Autohold
- Tire Strain Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFix Baby Security Seat Anchors
- Second Row Baby Security Door Lock
- Influence Sensing Door Unlock
CarExpert’s Tackle the GAC GS8
The GAC GS8 will not be with out its deserves, and it stands up as a reputable would-be different to the present seven-seat giant SUV choices priced within the $60-85k bracket.
GAC has nailed a lot of the key standards with the GS8, and if the mid-cycle replace or next-gen mannequin had been to deal with the marginally low-rent inside and undernourished powertrain, the outcome can be a well-rounded household SUV.
However even because it stands, the GS8 is proof the incoming GAC marque has reliable potential as a mainstream quantity model Down Below.
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
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