GAC has been on a roll in recent months. In the local market alone, the marque has been quite active as it now has a virtual showroom, and it has already introduced the GAC GN6 several months ago. And back in its home country, it has been making moves as well. For instance, it has updated the GS8 full-size crossover SUV, for the model year 2022.
The 2022 GAC GS8
So, what’s so special about the new 2022 GAC GS8? Well for starters, it takes advantage of the brand’s partnership with Toyota by using the Toyota Hybrid System. Otherwise known as the THS, it allows the new GS8 to use two powertrains to power the front and rear axles separately.
For the front, it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine that’s able to make up to 190 horsepower. The rear axle is then propelled by a 54-horsepower electric motor. Combined, it can produce up to 252 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. That’s a significant amount of turning force coming from a gasoline-based powertrain. For its transmission, it then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox from Aisin.
The new exterior design is more angular
Despite its torque figure and macho, ultra-modern styling, the new GS8 isn’t a full-on off-roader. It lacks a ladder frame set-up, and it is primarily geared towards optimum comfort on pavement. We can be certain though that the new GS8 will be quick. Well, at least for the hybrid version that is.
Inside, the 2022 GS8 can seat up to seven occupants. Its interior also features a massive 12.25-inch gauge cluster, as well as a gargantuan 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Combined with the abundance of leather, it is oozing with plushness.
Inside the new GS8. As mentioned, most of it's interior pieces are covered in leather
With all that said, it appears that GAC has geared up the GS8 to go toe-to-toe against the likes of the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. As such, it may well be a new serious contender in the full-size crossover SUV segment.
For now, the 2022 GAC GS8 is only available in China. According to reports though, the brand will be selling it in other markets soon. So, do you dig the GS8? Do you want to see it on Philippine roads?
Keep it here on Philkotse.com for the latest car news and car reviews.
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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