| 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 Vehicle Group), which has lofty ambitions of being a prime 10 participant domestically by 2030.
A key mannequin that’s more likely to determine within the model’s preliminary lineup is the GAC GS8 massive 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 huge 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 computerized transmission.
And, though it’s underpinned by a monocoque chassis (somewhat than a rugged ladder body), the GS8 has Sand, Mud and Snow drive modes, so it has no less than on-paper all-terrain capabilities.
Nonetheless, the very fact it comes outfitted with road-biased 50-series tyres wrapped round 20-inch rims is a pointer to the very fact it’s conceived extra as an city warrior than an off-road demon.
How a lot does the GAC GS8 price?
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 check 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 equipment as commonplace.
If these costs had been to be mirrored within the Australian market, it might place the GS8 lineball with the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, et al.
The problem for the GAC GS8 is that it might be coming into the market as a brand new model and nameplate, whereas the rivals talked about above are long-established entities.
Nonetheless, within the GAC’s favour would probably be a extra beneficiant commonplace equipment listing (if the local-spec GS8 shall be equally outfitted to the UAE model), and it’s potential the native GAC beancounters would sharpen their pricing pens to entice consumers to the model.
What’s the GAC GS8 like on the within?
The GAC GS8 isn’t brief on mod-cons, bells and whistles, but it surely’s barely let down by trim supplies which are on the ‘el-cheapo’ finish of the size.
The centrepiece of the range-topping GS8 GX’s cabin is an expansive 14.6-inch infotainment system, whereas going through the driving force is a 7.0-inch digitised instrument cluster. Each interfaces are clearly laid out and usually intuitive to make use of.
A head-up show lets you maintain your eyes glued to the highway, 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 driving force’s seat means you possibly can simply conjure up a cushty place behind the wheel, whereas the comparatively massive 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 laborious 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, in recent times, 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 huge, one might need anticipated a V6 to be the default powertrain within the GAC GS8.
Nonetheless, the one engine on supply 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 site visitors.
The Aisin eight-speed auto by 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 economic system, additional sapping efficiency.
Extracting something resembling vigorous 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 probably be simply positive 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 brief 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 encompasses a MacPherson suspension setup on the entrance and a multi-link association on the rear.
This {hardware} delivers trip and refinement ranges which are on par with just about the rest within the section.
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 massive 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 corporations up, and throttle/transmission response additionally sharpens considerably.
All instructed, the GS8 serves up a extra refined trip/dealing with stability than we’d have anticipated, and it will possibly maintain its personal in opposition to different choices in its section.
As elaborated on earlier, the two.0-litre motor has its work lower out to haul the two.0-tonne wagon round, so you should maintain it percolating within the mid to higher ranges of its rev band to extract first rate 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 actual fact it’s shod with road-biased 50 Sequence 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 actually has presence, with its Cadillac Escalade-inspired styling setting it aside from the horde. With its massive chrome-laden grille, angular headlights and sharp-edged proportions, the GAC gained’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 sure to no less than spark curiosity.
What do you get?
On check 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 Comply with Me House Operate
- LED tail-lights
- Entrance fog lights
- Rear fog lights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Energy-adjustable aspect mirrors with built-in flip indicators
- 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 cellphone system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Three-zone computerized local weather management
- Second- and third-row AC vents
- Air High quality System and Detrimental 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 check outcomes can be found for the GAC GS8, though the previous-generation mannequin managed to earn a five-star crash-test ranking from C-NCAP (China New Automotive Evaluation Program).
We’d count on 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 driving force.
Customary 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 Visitors Alert (RCTA)
- Visitors Signal Recognition (TSR)
- Digital Parking Brake (EPB) with Autohold
- Tire Strain Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFix Little one Security Seat Anchors
- Second Row Little one Security Door Lock
- Affect Sensing Door Unlock
CarExpert’s Tackle the GAC GS8
The GAC GS8 isn’t with out its deserves, and it stands up as a reputable would-be various to the prevailing seven-seat massive SUV choices priced within the $60-85k bracket.
GAC has nailed many of the key standards with the GS8, and if the mid-cycle replace or next-gen mannequin had been to handle the marginally low-rent inside and undernourished powertrain, the consequence could be a well-rounded household SUV.
However even because it stands, the GS8 is proof the incoming GAC marque has legit potential as a mainstream quantity model Down Below.
Click on the pictures for the total gallery
MORE: Inside Chinese language model GAC’s daring plan to storm Australian gross sales prime 10
