Legado Motors Inc. (LMI), the official distributor of GAC models in the Philippines, has just brought in the refreshed GS8 SUV for the 2022 model year. It’s still the same first-generation GS8 model, but it does get some new exterior bits plus some improvements to its interior.
The GAC GS8 seven-seater crossover SUV for the Philippine market
On the outside, the most obvious changes to the new GS8 include a new chrome piece on the front bumper. The front bumper also gets a pair of larger intake vents, while the rear now comes with a silver-colored faux skid plate.
Inside, the 2022 GAC GS8 still gets a luxurious-feeling cabin with wood trim and black piano finish dashboard. It still gets the same 10-inch LED display with Apple CarPlay, that is then linked to a six-piece Harman Kardon sound system. The 2022 model also keeps the multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, push-to-start-button, wireless phone charger, sunroof, among other features.
Inside the updated GS8
New to the interior of this GAC model though is the Alcantara leather seats. The front and second-row seats also come with adjustable lumbar support, with the front row seats now equipped with memory function. The second row also gets a separate air-conditioning system control, plus a new USB charging port, as well as an electrical outlet.
The updated GS8 from the side
Moving on to safety, the GAC-made SUV comes standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, 10 airbags, and traction control. Further aiding the driver is a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a power tailgate with motion sensor. It also gets a remote keyless ignition system plus a fingerprint sensor door lock for added security.
As for engines, the 2022 GS8 still uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mill that was present in the previous version. At maximum, this gasoline engine can make up to 198 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Power is then sent to the front wheels, or all wheels, depending on the variant.
Under the hood of the GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine
Speaking of variants, there are two available ones for the Philippine market. First is the GS8 Sports 2.0 4x2 AT which has a price tag of Php 2,088,000. The more expensive model meanwhile is the GS8 GL 2.0 4x4 AT, which comes with a price of Php 2,288,000.
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Know more about GAC GS8 2024
The next-generation 2024 GAC GS8 is a midsize, seven-seater SUV. In the Philippine market, its 4x2 variant comes with an introductory price of Php 2,398,000, while the 4x4 version is priced at Php 2,648,000.
Under the hood of the GAC GS8 is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that can make up to 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The said engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The GS8 size-wise, spans 4,980mm long, is 1,950mm wide, and 1,780mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,920mm.
Locally, the 2024 GAC GS8 competes against the Toyota Fortuner, Mazda CX-8, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Terra, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Ford Everest, among others.
GAC GS8 Launch
The GAC GS8 first debuted in China back in 2021. It was then previewed at the 2022 MIAS, before its official launch in 2023. The 4x4 top-spec version was then brought into the local market in August 2023.
GAC GS8 Exterior
The only trim of the Philippine-spec GAC GS8 is equipped with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and rear fog lamps. Also present on this SUV is a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, automatic headlamps, and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
GAC GS8 Interior
Keeping all of its seven occupants cool is a three-zone automatic air-conditioner. All seats are then wrapped in leather.
Provided for the driver of the GS8 is an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, a leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, etc.
Technology & Safety Features
The GS8 has a comprehensive safety kit that consists of dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking with EPS, stability control, hill-start control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, engine immobilizer, etc.
Supporting those standard safety features are adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, etc.
Entertaining the occupants of the GS8 is a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Phone mirroring, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said headunit is then linked to a total of eight speakers. Also present are a number of charging ports, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.
Platform & Chassis
The GS8 uses a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link suspension for the rear. Braking for this model is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the GS8 is a 2.0-liter TGDi engine. At the maximum, this powerplant can generate up to 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. All power is sent to its front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also present on this model are three drive modes which include Eco, comfort, and Sport.
There are four available color options for the Philippine-spec 2024 GAC GS8. There’s Elegant Black, Ink Seal Green, Crystal White, and Moonlight Grey.
The GAC GS8 is one of the most powerful midsize seven-seater SUVs on the market right now. Well, barring that of some luxury models. It is also on-par against its competitors when it comes to amenities and safety features.
The only thing that we see that might hold it back is its high starting price. There’s also the fact that it only has one variant in the local market.
GAC GS8 Pros & Cons
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₱ 2,398,000 - ₱ 2,648,000
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