The GAC GS8 is the brand's mid-sized SUV having the capability of catering up to 7 passengers including the driver. Its exterior design is quite intricately clean. It comes along with a boxy design with the accompaniment of several distinctive design cues, such as the uniquely shaped headlights. Its domineering and robust body posture is because of the lightweight vehicle body design it has, which is perfect for off-road use. Synonymous to its boxy exterior design is a roomy cabin, accentuated with a luxuriously presented interior, with its leather upholstered seats and the huge 10.1-inch touchscreen audio & video system with Bluetooth and USB with wireless phone charging capability. Convenience features include a keyless entry with a push-start button, a three-zone automatic air conditioning system, electrically adjustable seats, and a sunroof for added entry of light within the cabin.
The beating heart of the GS8 is a 2.0 turbocharged engine that produces a healthy number of 198hp and 320nm of torque. It is available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions for that off-roading freedom. The GS8 also boasts in terms of safety features, with multiple airbags as standard (Driver's Airbag, Front Passenger's Airbag, Side Airbag, Curtain Airbag, Knee Airbag), ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points, ABS, EBD, Stability Control, Electronic Door Locks, Immobilizer, Security Alarm, and Lane Departure Warning.
Launch
The GAC GS8 was launched along with its other stablemates last October 2018as part of the brand's entry into the Philippine market. Initially, it was made available in 3 variants, namely, the 2.0 4x2 GE, 2.0 4x2 GL, and 2.0 4x4 GL.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The GAC GS8 sits on a unibody platform and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This pairing is able to produce 198 hp and 320 Nm of torque. This midsize crossover can be had with a 4X2 or a 4X4 drivetrain. For the front, it gets a MacPherson type independent suspension while the rear gets a multi-link beam independent suspension. Braking is provided by disc brakes on all four wheels.
Driving Performance
The GS8 handles well thanks to its unibody chassis and fully independent front and rear suspension. Steering is light for a crossover of this size, and the engine pulls its weight nicely with the smoothness and power of a larger naturally aspirated mill. The turbocharger does well to add some much-needed torque when hauling a lot of passengers, or with a loaded cargo area. The GS8 also gets a good amount of drivability thanks to its mode selector which helps the throttle response become sharper or duller depending on the type of driving to be conducted. The only con about its driving modes will be navigating through some of the options to get to your desired setting.
Technology Features
All variants of the GAC GS8 come equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment system with a 6-speaker audio system. However, only the range-topping GL 4WD's screen supports video and navigation. Still, all trims benefit from Bluetooth hands-free functionality, USB ports, steering wheel-mounted controls, a push-start button along with a smart key, cruise control, eco mode, and all-around parking sensors. On the other hand, the wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are available on both the mid-tier and range-topping trim of the GAC GS8. The engine stop-start system, on the other hand, is exclusive on the top-of-the-line variant.
Exterior
The exterior of the GS8 features GAC's unique take on a midsize SUV. Built with heavy-duty steel, the crossover certainly looks beefy with its wide fenders and its imposing front fascia. The headlights are an all-LED array and are one of the best in the GAC stable. The multi-LED array features multiple projectors and also adaptive lighting, which follows the direction that the car is pointed. On top of that, the rear lights, indicators, and other auxiliary bulbs are all LED. Step boards also come standard with the vehicle along with up to 19-inch wheels in a two-tone finish.
Interior
The interior of the GS8 can be finished in light tone leather. Wood accents are scattered throughout the cabin, gives a sense of warmth for occupants. GAC peg the GS8 as a 7-seater, with ample legroom for occupants sitting in the front, middle, and back rows. AC vents are also scattered throughout the cabin, allowing for refreshing amounts of airflow for all. The rear and middle row of seats may be folded and reveal an expansive flat cargo area.
Safety
Standard safety and security features on the GAC GS8 include ABS with EBD and brake assist. You also get an electronic stability program paired with traction control and 6-airbags. Also, to keep you safe is the inclusion of a lane-departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera that's available on select variants.
