Here are the GAC GS8's 2 variants

The GAC GS8 is an imposing-looking sports utility vehicle (SUV). It is one of GAC Motor Philippines’ three-row models, and it is touted to provide both comfort and excellent driving characteristics even on rocky roads or slippery terrain. 

With the said characteristics, the GS8 is an attractive option for Filipino buyers. Its high-riding stance can deal with the imperfect road conditions in areas like Metro Manila. Plus, its three-row configuration ensures that it is a family-friendly ride. 

So, which variant of the GS8 should car buyers choose? Should folks buy the 4x2 or the 4x4 version? Let’s find out here.

GAC GS8 4x2

Exterior

On the outside, the GAC GS8 4x2 sports an impactful design made more appealing by a large “Wing Chrome” grille and a set of vertically aligned LED headlamp clusters. 

The side of the vehicle, on the other hand, showcases its straight-cut boxy outline, which is complemented by black-colored window pillars, chrome window linings, and a set of 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 

Over to the rear, the 4x2 trim features a pair of large rectangular LED headlamps, a power tailgate, a chunky lower rear bumper, and a dual-tip exhaust setup. 

Other notable exterior features found on the GS8 4x2 include the following:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing wipers 
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Soundproof windscreen

Interior

Inside the GS8 4x2 is a three-row configuration with enough space for up to seven occupants. The aforementioned is combined with a modern-looking cabin, which features plenty of soft-touch surfaces or brushed metallic decorative bits. 

Dominating the dashboard of the 4x2 trim is a huge 14.6-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with a third-party smartphone phone linking software. 

The entry-level trim also comes with an eight-piece speaker system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, several USB ports, and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster. 

For utmost passenger comfort, the GS8 4x2 is equipped with the following features: 

• Three-zone automatic climate control system
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Front and rear armrests
• Passive entry and starting
• Multi-color intelligent ambient lighting system

The driver, on the other hand, has access to paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

Safety

For its basic safety gear, the GS8 4x2 version was equipped with dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start hold control, hill descent control, tire pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

Moreover, the aforementioned features are reinforced by a number of advanced driver-assist systems listed here: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition system
• Forward collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic jam assist
• Integrated cruise assist

Powertrain

Under the hood of the GS8 4x2 variant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine capable of producing up to 248 horsepower and 400 Newton-meters of torque. Power is sent to the vehicle’s front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

Available drive modes for the entry-level trim include economy, comfort, and sport. It also has a MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and disc brakes for all four wheels. 

GAC GS8 4x4

In general, the top-spec GS8 4x4 trim is nearly identical to the entry-level 4x2 variant. It has the same exterior design, a similar feature set, and the same 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain. 

The key element which makes the top-spec model stand out, however, is its use of a 4x4 drivetrain. Thanks to the aforementioned, its four-banger is allowed to distribute power to all four wheels as needed. To manage the said system more effectively, it likewise gained additional drive modes such as sand, mud, and snow. 

Interestingly, the 4x4 version also gained a ventilated central armrest for its front cabin and a more premium 10-piece Alpine sound system. 

Final thoughts

Based on the specs mentioned above, choosing what GS8 trim to get is quite straightforward. 

Folks who will use the GAC model as a family chariot or people carrier on paved in-city roads should go for the 4x2 trim. Buyers who need something able to deal with slippery road conditions and light off-roading, meanwhile, should get the 4x4 model instead. 

As we always say, serious prospective buyers should give both trims a test drive first. Doing so, after all, will result in a more informed purchase in the end.

GAC GS8 Specs

Model	GAC GS8 4x2	GAC GS8 4x4
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,980x1,950x1,780
Wheelbase	2,920
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Three-zone automatic climate control system Power-adjustable front seats Ventilated front seats Front and rear armrests Passive entry and starting Multi-color intelligent ambient lighting system Panoramic sunroof Power-folding side mirrors Rain-sensing wipers Eight-piece speaker system	Three-zone automatic climate control system Power-adjustable front seats Ventilated front seats Front and rear armrests Passive entry and starting Multi-color intelligent ambient lighting system Panoramic sunroof Power-folding side mirrors Rain-sensing wipers 10-piece Alpine speaker system Ventilated front center armrest
Instrument cluster	7-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	14.6-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with Phone mirroring
Seating Capacity	7
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower	248
Torque	400 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Traffic sign recognition system Forward collision warning Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Traffic jam assist Integrated cruise assist
Safety	Dual front airbags Dual front-side airbags Side curtain airbags Electronic stability control Hill-start hold control Hill descent control Tire pressure monitoring ISOFIX child seat anchors
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P2.398 million	P2.648 million

 

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