The modern automotive market is undergoing dramatic changes, and Chinese brands are confidently occupying niches that were previously considered the undivided property of European and Japanese manufacturers. GAC GS 8 This is a bright representative of the new generation, designed to compete with class leaders in the segment of full-size crossovers. The model attracts attention not only with its aggressive design, but also with a serious set of technical solutions that were the lot of the premium segment until recently.
The appearance of the car evokes polar emotions, but it is impossible to deny its monumentality and thoughtful aerodynamics. Engineers of the GAC Group have relied on a recognizable grille and complex optics, which forms a unique look. Inside, there is a spacious interior, saturated with electronics and high-quality finishing materials, which makes this car attractive for a large family.
In this review, we will analyze in detail all aspects of operation, from power units to nuances of service. You'll find out why. The GAC GS 8 has become one of the most talked about cars of the year, and whether it’s worth your attention when choosing a new vehicle. We will analyze the real indicators and technical features so that you can make an informed decision.
Design and dimensions: External expression
The first thing that catches your eye when you meet with GAC GS 8These are his impressive sizes. The body length exceeds 4.9 meters, which puts it in line with giants such as Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride. Wide wheelbase provides not only visual stability, but also creates the prerequisites for a spacious interior. Body panels have a complex stamping, creating a game of light and shadow, which is especially noticeable when viewed in daylight.
The proprietary grille, dubbed the "Explosive Matrix", is the dominant element of the front. It is organically combined with LED headlights equipped with an adaptive lighting system. The gaps between the body panels of the GAC GS 8 are less than 2 mm, which is comparable to the German premium. This indicates a high level of quality control of the assembly at the plant.
The back of the car is also not devoid of design delights. Elongated lights, connected by a chrome insert, visually expand the stern. The two-color wheels up to 20 inches in diameter emphasize the sporty nature of the car. Despite the massiveness, aerodynamic drag was reduced due to the well-thought-out relief of the sidewalls and the presence of active blinds in the bumper.
- 🚗 A unique grille with a 3D effect and chrome elements.
- 🚗 Fully LED optics with automatic driving beam switching.
- 🚗 Hidden door handles, improving aerodynamics and giving the profile cleanliness.
- 🚗 Panoramic roof with a large opening hatch.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a body color, be aware that complex pearl shades (such as “Green Forest” or “Grey Stone”) may require more careful care and specialized polishing to preserve the depth of the color.
Interior and ergonomics: Comfort of business class
Inside. GAC GS 8 has an atmosphere resembling the expensive lounge areas of airports. Engineers paid special attention to tactile sensations: soft plastic, natural or high-quality eco-skin, inserts under wood or metal - all this creates a sense of luxury. The center console is focused on the driver, but does not infringe on the rights of the front passenger.
The multimedia system is based on a large touch screen with high resolution. Interface. GAC ADiGO It works smoothly, supporting voice control and integration with smartphones. However, it is worth noting that the settings menu is quite deep, and you will have to get used to it. To control the climate, physical keys or touch panels are saved, which is much easier to move.
The third row of seats is not just a formality, as many competitors have. Even adult passengers can comfortably accommodate here at short distances thanks to the increased legroom. The second row is equipped with longitudinal adjustment and a change in the back angle, which allows you to find the optimal fit. The driver's seat has many adjustments, including lateral support and an elongated cushion.
Noise insulation is performed at a high level. Double glass, acoustic bags and an active noise cancellation system make the trip quiet even at high speeds. Ventilation of seats works efficiently, and heating the steering wheel and all rows of seats (in maximum configurations) makes the car all-season.
Technical characteristics and power units
Under the hood GAC GS 8 They are modern and technologically advanced engines. The main power unit was a two-liter turbocharged gasoline engine of the series 4GS20T2. It combines dual phase change technologies and direct fuel injection, which allows you to remove excellent power at a moderate flow rate.
In pair with the engine, the classic 8-speed automatic from Aisin works. This bundle provides smooth switching and high reliability. For those who are cost-effective, a hybrid version with the Toyota Hybrid Module (THM) system is available, which allows you to drive on electric power in the city, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
All-wheel drive is implemented through a clutch that quickly redistributes torque between the axles. The system has several modes of operation, including Sport, Eco and Off-road, which allows you to adapt the behavior of the car to the current road conditions. The suspension is set for comfort, but it is able to keep the road at high speeds.
Features of the hybrid installation
The hybrid version of the GS 8 uses a system licensed from Toyota. It does not require external charging, as the energy is generated by the internal combustion engine and during braking recovery. This makes the hybrid ideal for those who want to save money but don’t have the ability to charge an electric car at home.
The dynamic performance of the car corresponds to its class. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 8-9 seconds depending on the modification, which is an excellent result for a heavy seven-seat crossover. The braking system with large diameter discs provides a steady deceleration even when fully loaded.
| Parameter | 2.0 Turbo (2WD) | 2.0 Turbo (4WD) | 2.0 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (L.S.) | 231 | 249 | 243 (total) |
| Torque (Nm) | 390 | 400 | 340 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (c) | 9.2 | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Expenditure (mixed) | 9.5 litre | 10.2 l | 6.5 litres |
Safety and driver assistance systems
Security is a priority in the creation of GAC GS 8. The body of the car is made of high-strength steels, forming a rigid cage. This allows you to effectively extinguish the impact energy during a collision, maintaining the integrity of the cabin. The results of crash tests confirm the high level of protection of passengers.
Electronic arsenal includes a complex ADiGO PILOTThis is a level of autonomy of the second level. The system is able to keep the car in the lane, maintain a distance in the flow and recognize road markings. All-round cameras provide high-resolution images, making parking easier in crowded conditions.
- 🛡️ Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Recognition
- 🛡️ Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function.
- 🛡️ Monitoring blind spots and warning about leaving the lane.
- 🛡️ 10 airbags, including the central one between the front seats.
⚠️ Note: Despite the availability of advanced assistance systems, the driver is obliged to constantly monitor the traffic situation. Electronics is only an auxiliary tool and does not guarantee the prevention of accidents in difficult weather conditions.
Maintenance and maintenance costs
Possession GAC GS 8 It requires an understanding of the specifics of Chinese car maintenance. On the one hand, dealers offer long-term warranties and free TO for a certain mileage. On the other hand, the cost of body parts repairs can be higher than that of mainstream brands, due to logistics.
The engine requires high-quality fuel with an octane number not lower than AI-95. The use of low-quality gasoline can lead to detonation and failure of the catalyst. It is recommended to change oil every 7-8 thousand kilometers, especially when operating in urban conditions with frequent traffic jams.
The hybrid version, despite the complexity of the design, is characterized by high reliability of planetary transmission. However, the diagnosis and repair of a hybrid system requires special equipment and trained personnel. Therefore, it is important to choose official service centers for scheduled work.
☑️ Planned maintenance (every 10,000 km)
The resource of the main transmission and suspension units is highly estimated. The multi-link rear suspension is durable, but sensitive to strong impacts, so on broken roads one should be careful. The cost of insurance can vary depending on the region and the driver’s history.
Summary: Is it worth buying?
GAC GS 8 It is a car that offers more than you expect for its price. It combines the size of a large SUV, the comfort of a business sedan and modern technology. It is a choice for those looking for an alternative to the familiar brands and ready for a new ownership experience.
Competitiveness of the model is ensured by rich equipment even in basic versions. Here you get something that the “Europeans” would have to pay a lot of money for. However, before buying it is worth weighing all the pros and cons, especially in terms of liquidity in the secondary market.
The GAC GS 8 is a technologically advanced and comfortable family crossover that will best suit those who value equipment and size and plan to operate the car for a warranty period or longer without frequent resale.
If you need a car for a large family with high demands on comfort and safety, the GS 8 is a great candidate for consideration. It proves that the Chinese automotive industry has reached a qualitatively new level, offering world-class products.
What is the actual fuel consumption of the GAC GS 8?
In the mixed cycle, the consumption of the gasoline version is about 10-11 liters per 100 km. In a city with traffic jams, the indicator can grow to 13-14 liters. The hybrid version shows much better results - about 6-7 liters in the mixed cycle.
Does the GAC GS 8 have a problem with spare parts?
There may be delays with body parts due to logistics. Consumables (filters, pads) are often unified or are already available in dealer warehouses. The situation with spare parts improves with the growth of the brand’s popularity.
Does multimedia support the Russian language?
Yes, the official versions of the car for the CIS market are completely Russified. The menu, voice control and navigation work in Russian without the need for flashing.