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Does the GAC GS8 make sense for the Filipino family?

GAC’s premium mid-size crossover has a lot to offer, but is it the right fit for the average Filipino family?

Jerome Tresvalles
Does the GAC GS8 make sense for the Filipino family?

Seven-seaters are all the rage in the Philippines. The size, practicality, and extra two seats are a must if you wish to ferry the family. Seven-seaters come in all sorts of flavors, however, and most importantly, price points. The GAC GS8 is one such seven-seater, but, unlike the MPVs we’re familiar with, the GS8 delivers premium features, performance, and tech. 

The abundance of features is to be expected, though, as the GS8 starts at P2,398,000 for the 4x2 model and tops out at P2,698,000 for the 4x4 variant. We’re taking a look at the GS8’s spec sheet to see if it’s the right fit for Filipino families, and if it can be a great pick over established names in the segment.

Related: 2024 GAC GS8—First Drive Impressions
GAC GS8 Front Quarter

The current generation of the GAC GS8 has been around since 2023, but it still commands attention the moment it rolls into view. With a design that blends muscular SUV proportions with refined detailing, its exterior speaks both strength and sophistication. Lighting plays a key role in the GS8’s personality. Its all-LED headlight array combines multiple projectors with adaptive technology, turning as the steering wheel moves to illuminate the path ahead. The rear lights and turn signals echo this modernity with sleek LED strips, giving the SUV a sophisticated and cohesive presence from every angle.

Every detail contributes to its sense of motion, even when standing still. The side profile features sharp character lines that stretch from the headlights to the tail. The 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels fill the wheel arches perfectly, with their multi-spoke two-tone design complementing the GS8’s hefty size nicely. At the rear, subtle contours and a sculpted tailgate add visual depth, while chrome accents tie together the design language for a premium feel.

GAC GS8 Rear Quarter

For the Filipino family, the GS8 strikes a balance between approachable and striking. Its exterior isn’t overly flashy, yet it manages to bring a sense of occasion to every road trip. In fact, its design feels refreshingly different, offering a welcome alternative to the more familiar looks of established midsize SUVs on the market.

GAC GS8 Trunk

Moving from the exterior into the actual meat of the brochure, the GS8 has a long list of features to show, even in its 4x2 variant. The cabin is thoughtfully designed for both driver and passengers, starting with a three-zone automatic air conditioning system that allows everyone—from the front seats to the rear rows—to enjoy a tailored temperature in the interior.

GAC GS8 Dashboard

The driver’s area combines sophistication and functionality. A leather-wrapped, multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters places key controls within easy reach, while the auto-dimming rearview mirror reduces glare during night drives without the driver having to move a finger. Power adjustments extend to the seats as well: the driver enjoys a six-way power seat with lumbar support, and the front passenger gets a four-way adjustable power seat, ensuring optimal comfort on long journeys.

GAC GS8 Sunroof

Seating in the GS8 is equally impressive, with leather and leatherette-trimmed seats featuring diamond stitching on both the first and second rows, a detail that blends luxury with visual appeal. Front-row seats can even be ventilated, while the second-row Easy Entry seats provide both electric sliding and manual reset functions, making access to the third row effortless for families on the go.

GAC GS8 Ambient Lighting

Convenience features abound, including one-touch up & down power windows for both the front and second rows, a front central armrest box, and multi-color intelligent ambient lighting that elevates the driving and riding experience. 

GAC GS8 Infotainment

From a tech perspective, the GAC GS8 delivers the essentials that matter most to Filipino families. A large 14.6-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, phone mirroring, and Bluetooth connectivity come standard, making daily drives and long trips easy to manage. Convenience features like wireless charging, multiple USB ports, passive entry and start, and speed-based volume adjustment add to its family-friendly appeal. The 4x4 variant ups the premium feel with a 10-speaker Alpine audio system, while the 4x2 already offers a solid eight-speaker setup.

GAC GS8 Seats

The GS8 also addresses everyday urban challenges well. Front and rear parking sensors, an HD surround-view camera system, and a built-in digital video recorder help take the stress out of tight parking situations and busy roads, common headaches in Philippine cities. These features contribute to a calmer, more confident driving experience, especially for parents juggling errands and family duties.

Moving to safety, the GS8 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist. Importantly, these features are not limited to the top-spec model, making even the 4x2 a reassuring choice. 

The GAC GS8 is built on the GPMA-L platform and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produces 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque, figures that are comparable to most midsize crossovers and even some diesel-powered PPVs. In 2WD form, power is sent to the front wheels, while the 4WD variant distributes drive to all four wheels and offers multiple selectable drive modes, giving it added capability on rougher and more demanding terrain.

GAC GS8 Front

We had the opportunity to drive the two-wheel-drive variant of the GS8 back in 2023, and our takeaway was that it is an exceptionally pleasant crossover to drive and ride in. The GS8 prioritizes comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces. Its unibody platform contributes to a more car-like driving feel, clearly emphasizing refinement over outright ruggedness. Inside, the cabin does a commendable job of isolating occupants from road and wind noise, resulting in a quiet and relaxed driving experience. 

With a starting price of P2,398,000 and topping out at P2,698,000, the premium features the GS8 offers come with a rather steep price. However, put it among the company of top-spec PPVs and other premium crossovers, then the GS8’s price tag starts to be the most reasonable one of the bunch.

While pricing may not be its strongest suit, the GS8 makes a compelling case through its generous feature list and refined driving experience. For family buyers, the added comfort, technology, and safety on offer help justify the premium, especially for those who value a stress-free and secure vehicle for daily use and long road trips.

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