GAC Philippines, which is managed by Astara Philippines, is poised to release the GS8 4x4 variant for the local market.
The GAC GS8 (global version shown)
This was confirmed by the car brand itself, and the new GS8 variant’s official launch is scheduled to happen on August 25, 2023, at the Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City. Of note, this coincides with the GAC Discovery Drive Fest event which highlights the brand’s lineup of cars.
As its name implies, the GS8 4x4 is the off-road capable version of the currently available GS8 4x2 front-wheel-drive (FWD) version. But other than what its 4x4 moniker is hinting, no other specs for this new variant were shared by GAC for now.
If we go by the global version of the GS8 4x4 however, it is expected to use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and the same eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s found on the locally available version. Aboard the 4x4 trim, the said engine will likely output 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque as well.
The Philippine-spec GS8 GT 4x2 AT
The 4x4 GS8’s global version retains the same MacPherson strut and Multi-link beam suspension setup found on the FWD variant. Added though, are new drive modes, which In other markets, include sand, mud, and snow.
The same story goes for the interior of the upcoming GS8 4x4. There’s a good chance that it will mirror the current FWD version and it will also feature leather seats, a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, a power tailgate, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 14-inch touchscreen.
We also won’t be surprised if it gets the same level of safety as well. On the current version, the GS8 already has an extensive advanced driver-assistive safety suite which includes a 360-degree view camera, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, etc.
It is likely that the GS8 4x4's interior will look identical to the insides of the FWD variant
With all that said though, the GS8 4x4 might be positioned by the brand as a flagship model. No prices were shared for now, but there’s a big possibility that it’ll be a fair bit pricier than the GAC GS8 4x2. For your reference, is locally available GS8 4x2 trim is currently priced at Php 2,398,000.
For more updates on the upcoming 2024 GAC GS8 4x4 and other new car releases, keep it here on Philkotse.
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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