GAC GS8 is the flagship crossover of the Chinese brand, which in recent years has firmly occupied a niche between budget Chinese SUVs and premium European competitors. In 2026, the model received updated configurations, an expanded list of options and three engines to choose from: gasoline 270T, 390T and hybrid 400T. But how not to get confused in versions Comfort, Luxury and President? Which equipment justifies its price, and what is not worth overpaying for?
In this guide we will look at all available configurations of GAC GS8 2026 according to the following criteria:
- π§ Specifications engines and transmissions - what each engine provides in practice.
- π° Price fork at official dealerships (valid as of June 2026).
- βοΈ Differences in equipment: what is included in the basic version, and for what you will have to pay an additional 300β500 thousand rubles.
- π Recommendations for selection for different tasks: city, highway, off-road, family trips.
We will pay special attention hidden nuances of configurations, which dealers often keep silent: for example, why the version President with motor 270T may be less profitable than Luxury with 390T, or what options are actually in demand in Russian operating conditions.
1. Review of GAC GS8 2026 engines: which engine to choose?
Ruler GAC GS8 offers three power units, and their choice directly affects the dynamics, fuel consumption and final cost of the car. Let's look at each option in detail.
Petrol 2.0T 270T (252 hp) β base engine for most trim levels. It is equipped with a system Miller Cycle, which increases efficiency at low speeds, but does not save you from failures when overtaking on the highway. Combined cycle consumption - 9.8β10.5 l/100 km. Suitable for quiet driving around the city, but off-road or with a full load there will be a lack of power.
Petrol 2.0T 390T (399 hp) β top-end naturally aspirated engine with twin turbocharging. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.9 sec, maximum torque 550 Nm available already from 1750 rpm. Ideal for lovers of dynamic driving and heavy trailers (up to 2.5 tons). Consumption is higher - 11.2β12.8 l/100 km, but for this power level it is acceptable.
Hybrid 400T (400 hp) combines a 2.0T petrol engine and an electric motor. Declared consumption - 7.8 l/100 km, but in real conditions in winter it grows to 9.5β10 l. The main advantage is the smooth ride and the ability to drive on electricity up to 50 km (with charged battery). Minus - price: the hybrid version is more expensive than the gasoline version 600β800 thousand rubles.
β οΈ Attention: Only petrol versions are officially supplied in Russia270Tand390T. Hybrid400TAvailable to order with a waiting period of 3β5 months and requires registration as βparallel importβ. Check with your dealer for availability!
| Characteristics | 270T (252 hp) | 390T (399 hp) | 400T (hybrid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow (mixed) | 9.8β10.5 l/100 km | 11.2β12.8 l/100 km | 7.8β9.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0β100 km/h | 8.2 sec | 5.9 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Max. torque | 390 Nm | 550 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Recommended gasoline | AI-95 | AI-98 | AI-95 |
| Cost (from) | 3.8 million β½ | 4.5 million β½ | 5.2 million β½ |
Optimal for 90% of buyers 390T β it provides a reserve of power for overtaking and towing without excessive fuel consumption. 270T Suitable only for urban use without loads.
2. GAC GS8 2026 configurations: what is included in each version
In 2026 GAC GS8 Available in four trim levels: Comfort, Luxury, President and President Plus. The last two are only available with a motor 390T. Let's figure out how they differ.
Basic equipment Comfort (available from 270T and 390T) includes:
- πΉ 19-inch alloy wheels
- πΉ Leather interior with heated front seats
- πΉ 12.3" dashboard display + 14.6" media screen
- πΉAdaptive cruise control
ACC(works up to 150 km/h) - πΉ 360Β° camera with automatic parking function
However, in Comfort missing:
- β Ventilated seats (even in front)
- β Panoramic roof
- β System ADAS second level (for example, lane keeping at speeds above 60 km/h)
- β Premium audio system (basic 8-speaker installed)
Equipment Luxury adds:
- π΅ Audio system Infinity for 12 speakers with subwoofer
- βοΈ Panoramic roof with electric drive and curtain
- πͺ Ventilated and massaging front seats
- π System Traffic Jam Assist (automatic following in traffic jam)
- π¦ Adaptive LED headlights Matrix LED
President and President Plus β top versions with exclusive options:
- π Rear seats with electric drives, heating, ventilation and "boss-mode" function (reclining front passenger seat)
- π₯ Head-up display HUD with increased projection area
- π Audio system Infinity 3D for 16 speakers
- π‘οΈ Complete package ADAS (including automatic lane change and traffic sign recognition)
- π₯οΈ Rear entertainment system with two 10.1-inch screens
β οΈ Attention: Included President Plus installed 21-inch wheels, which impair the smoothness of the ride on rough roads. If you often drive on dirt roads, it is better to choose President with 20-inch wheels.
The engine corresponds to the declared power (check the VIN in the database)|The presence of all declared options (especially ADAS)|The condition of the paintwork (common defects on dark colors)|The operation of the panoramic roof (problems with seals)|The functionality of the rear entertainment system (if equipped)-->
3. Comparison of GAC GS8 configurations by price and equipment (table 2026)
Below is a current table with prices and key differences. Please note that prices may vary depending on region and exchange rate (most GAC GS8 imported from China).
| Equipment | Engine | Price (from), RUB million | Key options | What's missing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 270T / 390T | 3.8 / 4.5 | Adaptive cruise, 360Β° camera, leather interior, 19" wheels | Panoramic roof, ventilated seats, premium audio |
| Luxury | 270T / 390T | 4.2 / 4.9 | Panoramic roof, Infinity Audio, Matrix LED, massage seats | Rear entertainment system, head-up HUD |
| President | 390T | 5.3 | Rear seats with massage, HUD, 20" wheels, full ADAS | 3D audio system, rear screens |
| President Plus | 390T | 5.8 | Infinity 3D, rear screens, 21" wheels, exclusive trim | β |
Please note price/equipment ratio:
- π‘ Overpayment for President Plus compared to President amounts to
500 thousand rubles, but all you really get is an upgraded audio system and rear screens. For most buyers this is not justified. - π‘ Version Luxury with motor
390Tβ the best balance: powerful engine + a full range of comfortable options for4.9 million β½. - π‘ Comfort with
270Tsuitable only if the budget is strictly limited to4 million β½.
If you choose between Luxury 270T and Comfort 390T for a similar price, take it Comfort 390T β engine power is more important than a panoramic roof. The engine cannot be completed, but the roof can be installed later.
4. Which GAC GS8 trim level should I choose in 2026?
The choice depends on your priorities. Let's look at the scenarios:
For the city and family trips:
- ποΈ Optimal Luxury 270T. Power
252 hpenough for maneuvering in traffic, and the panoramic roof and ventilated seats will make the trip more comfortable. Fuel consumption in traffic jams - approx.12β14 l/100 km. - π If you often carry children, pay attention to the rear USB ports and heated rear sofa (available in all trim levels except Comfort).
For the highway and long journeys:
- π£οΈ Definitely Luxury 390T or President 390T. Motor
399 hpwill ensure confident overtaking, and the system ADAS will reduce fatigue on long routes. - π¦ Important nuance: in President there are adaptive headlights Matrix LED, which automatically adjust to oncoming traffic - this is critical for night trips.
For off-road and difficult conditions:
- ποΈ Not a single configuration GAC GS8 is not a full-fledged SUV. The maximum is
190 mmground clearance and all-wheel drive AWD with coupling Haldex (in versions390T). - π If you need towing (like a trailer or boat), take
390T- its torque550 Nmwill allow you to pull up to2.5 tons.
For status and premium comfort:
- π There is only one choice here - President Plus. Rear seats with boss-mode function, exclusive wood trim and 21-inch wheels emphasize the status of the owner.
- π But remember: real cost of ownership President Plus higher by 20β30% due to expensive maintenance (for example, replacing 21-inch tires will cost 120β150 thousand rubles per set).
Why shouldn't you take the GAC GS8 with the top-end 270T?
Engine 270T does not reveal the potential of premium options (for example, massage seats become meaningless if the car stalls when overtaking). Overpayment for President 270T compared to Luxury 390T unjustified - itβs better to pay extra for a powerful motor.
5. Hidden disadvantages of GAC GS8 packages: what to look for
Even in top versions GAC GS8 there are nuances that dealers prefer not to talk about. Here's what you need to know:
Electronics problems:
- π System ADAS in Russian conditions it works unstably: the braking often triggers falsely when pedestrians are detected (especially in rain or snow).
- π± Wireless charging for smartphones gets warm and may turn off at temperatures below
-10Β°C.
Interior nuances:
- πͺ Seat ventilation in Luxury and President copes poorly with heat - with
+30Β°Cthe skin remains warm. - π¨ Light interior trim (optional in President Plus) gets dirty within 2β3 months of use, and cleaning costs
15β20 thousand rubles.
Technical points:
- π οΈ Motor
390Trequires gasoline AI-98. On AI-95 detonation and loss of power are possible (up to10β15%). - π Battery in hybrid version
400Tloses up20% capacityfor 3 years when used in cold weather.
β οΈ Attention: Available with 21-inch wheels (President Plus) there is no spare wheel - only a repair kit. If you often travel outside the city, you will have to buy an extra tire or a full-size spare tire.
It is also worth considering that warranty for GAC GS8 in Russia is 3 years or 100 thousand km, but:
- β οΈ Hybrid battery warranty - only
5 years or 150 thousand km(subject to service from an authorized dealer). - β οΈ Repairs after an accident under CASCO may take 2-3 months due to a shortage of spare parts (many parts are ordered from China).
6. Prices for GAC GS8 in 2026: where is it cheaper to buy?
Cost GAC GS8 Varies by region, dealer and purchase method. Current prices for June 2026:
| Equipment | Engine | Price from an official dealer, RUB million | Price from parallel importers, RUB million | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 270T | 3.8β4.0 | 3.5β3.7 | up to 300 thousand β½ |
| Luxury | 270T | 4.2β4.4 | 3.9β4.1 | up to 300 thousand β½ |
| Luxury | 390T | 4.9β5.1 | 4.5β4.7 | up to 400 thousand β½ |
| President | 390T | 5.3β5.5 | 4.9β5.1 | up to 400 thousand β½ |
Where is the best place to buy?
- π’ Official dealer: 3 year warranty, original spare parts, but the price is higher. Suitable if reliability and service are important to you.
- π’ Parallel import: cheaper by
300β500 thousand rubles, but the guarantee is reduced to1 year, and spare parts may take longer to arrive. - π» Online platforms (Avto.ru, Drom): sometimes you come across used cars
1β5 thousand kmat the price of a new one (these are test drive or exhibition copies).
β οΈ Attention: When purchasing from parallel importers, check:
- π Availability PTS (some cars are sold under DCT without registration).
- π§ Service history (if the car has already been in Russia, check where the maintenance took place).
- π Customs documents (risk of confiscation if customs clearance is carried out with violations).
It's also worth keeping an eye on dealer shares. For example, in May 2026 GAC Motor Russia suggested:
- π Free installation of a ramp for the disabled (promotion for President).
- π³ Loan under
7.9%for 3 years (with a first payment of30%). - π§ Free maintenance for 15 thousand km (includes oil and filter changes).
If your budget is limited, it is better to take Luxury 390T from a parallel importer than President 270T from an official dealer. Power is more important than bells and whistles, and the difference in price can be spent on an extended warranty.
7. Alternatives to GAC GS8: who to compare with before buying
Before making your final choice, you should look at your competitors GAC GS8 in the same price segment (3.8β5.8 million β½). Main alternatives:
| Model | Price (from), RUB million | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haval H9 | 3.5 | Sturdier frame, four-wheel drive with differential lock | Outdated interior design, poor sound insulation |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 5.2 | Reliable, proven hybrid system | Boring design, weak dynamics (0β100 km/h in 8.3 seconds) |
| Volkswagen Teramont | 4.8 | High-quality assembly, spacious interior | Expensive maintenance, weak base engine (220 hp) |
| Hyundai Palisade | 4.5 | 5 year warranty, rich equipment in the database | Soft suspension (poor handling at high speeds) |
Why GAC GS8 could there be better alternatives?
- πͺ Price/power ratio:
399 hpfor4.9 million β½- this is a record in the class. For comparison, Toyota Highlander with249 hpworth it5.2 million β½. - π¨ Design and premium: Salon GS8 looks more expensive than Haval H9 or Teramont, especially in the version President.
- π‘οΈ Security: Based on the results C-NCAP (2023) GAC GS8 received
5 starswith assessment92.8%for the protection of passengers.
Where GAC GS8 loses to competitors?
- π§ Reliability: Toyota and Hyundai have a more predictable service life of engines and transmissions.
- π° Cost of ownership: Spare parts for GAC more expensive than for Korean brands (for example, replacing a turbine will cost
250β300 thousand rubles). - π Network of services: There may be no official service stations in the regions GAC, which will complicate warranty repairs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about GAC GS8 configurations
β Is it possible to install a panoramic roof on the basic version? Comfort?
Technically yes, but it will cost 180β220 thousand rubles (spare parts + labor). In addition, the body control module will need to be reflashed, which may void the warranty. If a panoramic roof is important, itβs better to get it right away Luxury.
β What is the real fuel consumption of the GAC GS8 390T?
According to owner reviews:
- ποΈ City (traffic jams):
14β16 l/100 km - π£οΈ Route (110β130 km/h):
9.5β11 l/100 km - ποΈ Off-road (low gears): up to
18 l/100 km