The question of whose model actually is GAC GS8, arises among many car enthusiasts who encounter this large crossover on the roads for the first time. Externally, a massive car with an aggressive design often evokes associations with famous Western or Japanese brands, but its roots go deep into the Chinese automobile industry. Manufacturer - corporation Guangzhou Automobile Group, based in Guangzhou, in southern China. This is one of the largest state-owned automakers, which successfully competes not only in the domestic market, but also actively exports its developments.
It is worth noting that behind the abbreviation GAC hides enormous production power and many years of experience in cooperation with global giants. It is this fact that is often overlooked when wondering about the origin of the car. To fully understand the scale of the manufacturer’s personality, it is necessary to consider the history of the company’s formation and its current position in the global ranking of automakers.
Crossover GS8 is the flagship of the model range and demonstrates the highest level of technological development of the company. The owners of these cars receive not just a “Chinese” product, but a product created with an eye on world standards of safety and comfort. Below we will take a closer look at who is behind the wheel of this production and why the brand deserves attention.
History and origin of the GAC brand
Corporation Guangzhou Automobile Group was founded in 1997, which is a relatively recent development by the standards of the automotive world. However, the company’s growth rate is amazing: from a local assembly plant it has turned into a global player, one of the top 10 largest automakers in the world. The headquarters is located in the Guangzhou Economic Development Zone, where the main research centers are concentrated.
An important milestone in the history of the brand was obtaining a listing on stock exchanges, which made it possible to attract massive investments in the development of its own platforms. For a long time, GAC's main activity was the assembly of cars of other brands under license. Partnerships with such giants as Toyota, Honda and Fiat, allowed Chinese engineers to adopt the best practices in quality management and production organization.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) brand with other Chinese abbreviations such as BAIC or Changan. These are completely different corporations with independent histories and ownership structures.
Today GAC Group owns several of its own brands, including Trumpchi (by which the GS8 is most often known in the domestic market), Aion (electric vehicles) and Hycan. The GS8 model was developed as a flagship project designed to prove the ability of the Chinese auto industry to create premium products without regard to Western models.
Specifications and platforms
When we talk about whose car the GAC GS8 is, we cannot fail to mention the technical basis. The second generation of the crossover, which is now actively exported, is built on a modular platform GPMA (Global Platform Modular Architecture). This architecture has been developed by GAC engineers for several years and is considered one of the most advanced in China.
The platform allows the installation of various types of power plants, which makes the car universal. The basic versions use a two-liter turbocharged engine of the series' own design. 4B20J1, which produces 231 horsepower. For those looking for maximum dynamics, a hybrid version is available, developed in collaboration with the company Toyota.
- 🚀 The 2.0 Turbo GDI engine produces 390 Nm of torque, which ensures confident acceleration even for a heavy SUV.
- 🔋 The THS (Toyota Hybrid System) hybrid system allows you to significantly reduce fuel consumption in the urban cycle.
- ⚙️ Aisin transmission (8-speed automatic) ensures smooth gear shifting and reliability.
- 🛡️ The body consists of 50% super-strong steel, which is confirmed by high ratings in C-NCAP crash tests.
The engineers managed to achieve a balance between sporty handling and comfortable soft suspension. All-wheel drive system AWD from BorgWarner automatically engages when slipping, providing confidence on slippery roads. This makes the GS8 not just an urban crossover, but also a car capable of handling light off-road conditions.
When choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD), keep in mind that the all-wheel drive version has slightly better fuel economy but significantly better road holding in winter.
Design and external dimensions
Visual style GAC GS8 developed in a design center in Los Angeles under the direction of a former designer General Motors. This explains the fact that the car looks harmonious and modern, without raising questions about the “secondary” design. The front part of the body was called “Starry Sky” due to the original radiator grille.
The dimensions of the car belong to the class of mid-size crossovers, which allows it to compete with popular models like Toyota Highlander or Kia Mohave. The body length exceeds 4.9 meters, which provides a spacious interior and an impressive luggage compartment volume. The ground clearance is 185 mm, which is optimal for urban conditions and dirt roads.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4980 mm | Increased compared to the 1st generation |
| Width | 1950 mm | Provides stability on the road |
| Height | 1750 mm | Comfortable seating for passengers |
| Wheelbase | 2820 mm | Legroom in the second row |
| Trunk volume | 420-1350 l | Depending on seat position |
Particular attention is paid to lighting technology. LED headlights have a complex internal structure and automatically switch between low and high beam. The taillights are designed in the form of vertical stripes, which has become a recognizable feature of the brand. The aerodynamics of the body have also been improved: the drag coefficient is 0.32 Cd, which has a positive effect on noise and fuel consumption.
Interior and cabin equipment
Salon GAC GS8 is a space where Chinese manufacturers traditionally try to outperform their competitors in terms of equipment. Finishing materials are selected for long service life: soft plastic, genuine leather and high-quality fabric inserts. The assembly of parts is satisfactory, the gaps are minimal, and there are no extraneous squeaks.
The central place in the front panel is occupied by a multimedia system with a large touch screen. The system interface is adapted for various markets, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top trim levels include a head-up display that displays navigation and speed on the windshield, as well as a panoramic electric roof.
- 🎵 Premium audio system provides surround sound with deep bass.
- ❄️ Climate control has a separate control unit for the second and third rows of seats.
- 🛋️ The second row of seats can be equipped with “captain’s” chairs with footrests.
- 📱 Availability of multiple USB ports and wireless charging for all passengers.
⚠️ Note: In some early batches, the media software may be in Chinese or English for export. When purchasing, check the availability of Russification or the ability to install third-party applications.
The third row of seats, which is often decorative in other crossovers, is quite suitable for short-distance travel by average-sized adults. If necessary, all third-row seats fold into a flat floor, turning the car into a cargo-passenger version with enormous cargo space.
Secrets of interior ergonomics
GAC engineers have spent thousands of hours testing the fit of drivers of different heights. The steering wheel has a wide range of adjustments, and the armrests are located at the optimal height, which reduces fatigue on long trips.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Safety is a critical issue for any car, and the GAC GS8 scores well here. The body is designed to absorb impact energy and maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Availability 6 airbags is standard in the basic configuration, but the list of active safety systems is much wider.
Complex of driver assistance systems ADAS includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. All-round cameras provide high-resolution images, which makes parking a large vehicle in tight spaces much easier.
It is worth special mentioning the driver fatigue monitoring system, which analyzes the car’s behavior on the road and, if necessary, gives sound signals. This is a useful feature for those who often travel long distances on the highway. All systems work in the background, without distracting the driver from control.
☑️ Check security systems before purchasing
Cost of ownership and reliability
One of the main advantages GAC GS8 is its competitive cost of ownership. Spare parts for scheduled maintenance (oil filters, pads, spark plugs) are affordable and often unified with other models of the concern. Engines of the 4B20 series have proven themselves to be reliable units capable of long mileage with timely maintenance.
The manufacturer's warranty policy is also becoming more and more attractive to buyers. In many countries, dealers offer an extended warranty of up to 5 years or 150,000 km. This indicates the plant’s high confidence in the quality of its products. However, it is worth considering that liquidity on the secondary market for Chinese brands is still lower than for their Japanese counterparts.
The service life of the transmission and suspension directly depends on operating conditions. Using high-quality fuel and original consumables is the key to a long car life. The GS8's electronics are stable, although harsh climates may require extra attention to the battery.
The GAC GS8 is a car that offers premium levels of equipment and comfort at mass market prices, becoming a smart choice for the modern family.
What is the real fuel consumption of the GAC GS8?
In the combined cycle, consumption is about 9-10 liters per 100 km for the front-wheel drive version. All-wheel drive versions and models with a large number of passengers can consume up to 11-12 liters in city mode.
Does GAC GS8 have problems with Russification?
Official dealers supply cars with pre-installed Russian language in the interface. When purchasing a car from parallel import, you may need to have the multimedia system re-flashed by specialists.
How reliable is the CVT or automatic transmission on this car?
The GAC GS8 is equipped with a classic 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission, which is considered one of the most reliable in its class. CVTs are not used on this model.
Can a towbar be installed on the GAC GS8?
Yes, the body structure allows the installation of a towbar. It is important to choose certified equipment that will not interfere with the operation of parking sensors and security systems.