Despite receiving a facelift last year, GAC Motor Philippines isn’t holding back in continually updating the GS8 flagship SUV. The Chinese marque previewed the all-new GAC GS8 at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the model’s second-generation version.
All-new GAC GS8
Right off the bat, the massive Flying Dynamic 4.0, or dragon scale wing, grille design fronts the second-gen GAC GS8. It is mediated by full-LED headlights equipped with Adaptive High Beam Assist and High Beam Assist. With these features, the driver and its surrounding vehicles can stay safer, especially in night driving conditions.
The side profile gets a floating roof design, headlamps placed on the side mirrors that illuminate the entry/exit path, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the rear end sports red diamond taillights with sleek third brake light and reflectors. It is also installed with two exhaust pipes that add sportiness at the back.
It gets a muscular design
Inside, the seats are wrapped in quilted leather material and are now power-adjustable. The dashboard utilizes a large full digital display with a 12.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Its head unit allows passengers to connect their smartphones via the system’s phone mirroring systems.
In terms of safety, the Chinese flagship SUV is loaded with features such as a 360-degree 3D view camera, an Augmented-Reality Head-Up Display, Automatic Assisted Driving System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Fusion Automatic Parking Assist, among others.
A more refined SUV
Under the hood, the all-new GAC GS8 uses a 2.0-liter Mega Wave Power turbocharged gasoline engine, boasting 251 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It makes 80 more Nm of torque than the outgoing 320Turbo engine which is important, especially for SUVs. The sends power to a BorgWarner Intelligent 4-wheel drive system through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
GAC Motor Philippines noted that the all-new GS8 SUV will make its Philippine debut sometime in 2023. It will be launched in the same year as the GAC EMPOWW55 sports sedan which was unveiled at the 2022 MIAS as well.
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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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