GAC GS8 HEV

Inside, the GAC GS8 HEV’s cabin comes with a blend of soft-touch panels and premium finishes. Upfront, you are greeted by a 14.6-inch HD LCD touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, in-car monitoring system, and is linked to a premium 10-speaker Alpine sound system, which delivers high-quality acoustics around the cabin. 

Meanwhile, drivers are treated to an advanced cockpit, which offers a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 30-inch TFT heads-up display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls, and a gear lever with a classy geometric pattern. For more convenience and functionality, this SUV also comes with a wireless charger, USB ports, and multiple cubbyholes.

In terms of comfort and practicality, its first and second rows are very roomy, while its third row is more ideal for kids or smaller passengers in general. But, on the plus side, it comes with an expansive, large trunk space at the back. Its first row seats have heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the second row seats come with aviation-style headrests, which deliver first-class-like comfort at all times. Younger-gen drivers and passengers will also enjoy its multi-color ambient lighting system and panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade.

In terms of dimensions, the GAC GS8 HEV measures 5,015 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height. This full-size SUV also comes with a 2,920-mm wheelbase.

The GAC GS8 HEV’s design strikes a balance between elegance and brashness. It has an assertive glare courtesy of its “Eye of the Conqueror” sequential LED headlights, which display a T-like shape. It also comes with LED DRLs for enhanced illumination. Additionally, its “Victory” chrome grille, which resembles a dragon’s scales, give it a unique, bold-looking facade on the road.

Furthermore, this SUV features a robust-looking side profile, accentuated by classy chrome accents. It runs on a set of 20-inch wheels and gets power, auto-folding side mirrors with intelligent memory and reversing auto flip functions. 

Similar to the front end, its rugged yet elegant personality carries over to its rear. It features distinct-looking LED taillights with fog lights for increased visibility at all times. For easier loading and unloading of cargo, this SUV also comes with a power tailgate. And, to complete its overall look, it gets double chrome exhaust pipes. Overall, the GS8 HEV presents a rugged take on GAC’s “Star Diamond” design concept. 

The GAC GS8 HEV comes with a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Multi-Link independent-type at the rear. This SUV eats up bumps and other road imperfections effortlessly. It can deliver a plush and comfortable riding experience for everyone on board on different kinds of terrain. However, its suspension can get a bit too soft, especially at higher speeds. That said, it would be advisable to hit very sharp turns or corners with extra precaution when you are using this SUV.

The GAC GS8 HEV runs on the brand’s 2.0T Mega Wave Powertrain, which is paired with a fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The 2.0T engine delivers 140 kW (188 hp) and 320 Nm of torque. Its front motor generates 134 kW (180 hp) and 270 Nm of torque, while its rear motor produces 40 kW (54 hp) and 121 Nm of torque. Its hybrid powertrain comes mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) system and boasts an outstanding fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km. This SUV utilizes an all-wheel drivetrain.

Taking all of these into account, this SUV is impressively quick and smooth off the line. It can overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing highways with ease. Thanks to its very efficient hybrid powertrain, it is both a reliable daily city commuter and a capable long-distance tourer on the weekend. This SUV is also equipped with four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Off-road.

In terms of safety, the GAC GS8 HEV is equipped with the brand’s latest ADAS suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 540-degree HD surround vision parking system.

Additionally, its braking setup is also supported by a hydraulic brake assist, electronic stability program, electronic parking brake with autohold, hill-start hold control, and hill-descent control. 

The GAC GS8 HEV appears to be a game-changer in the local full-size SUV segment. It is very well-rounded, feature-packed, and priced competitively. It is definitely worth the try if you are looking for an SUV that can deliver a respectable performance out on the open road, yet remains very efficient and usable inside the city.