When it comes to the world of SUVs, the GAC GS8 from the Chinese automaker GAC Motor is a formidable contender that should be taken seriously. As we got behind the wheel of the 2024 GAC GS8 for the first time, it became evident that this SUV is not just about size; it's about style, comfort, and advanced technology.
GAC took us out on a glamping trip to Tanay in order to showcase what the GS8 offers to the market, and this isn’t just an excellent SUV for the price point. It truly is a great SUV overall that commands your respect and attention.
Exterior
The 2024 GAC GS8 boasts an imposing road presence that cannot be ignored. Its large size contributes significantly to its commanding presence on the road, but it's the attention to detail in its design that truly sets it apart. The front fascia is dominated by a massive grille flanked by distinctive T-shaped LED headlamps, creating an aggressive and stylish look. The intricate design of the LED front foglamp surrounds adds a touch of elegance to the front end. From the side, the GS8 opts for clean lines and tasteful chrome accents, maintaining a balanced and visually appealing profile. GAC says that the GS8 has what they call a “strong and robust” design language, but from our perspective, it's more elegant and powerful than the latter.
Moving to the rear, the design takes a slightly more subdued approach, with rectangular LED taillights with a sort of 3D spatial design and dual exhaust tips that add a touch of sportiness without being overbearing. Notably, the exhaust tips are functional, avoiding the common trend of fake vents seen in many vehicles. It's refreshing to see a design that combines aesthetics with functionality.
Another practical touch is the addition of roof rails, enhancing the GS8's cargo-carrying capacity. The default cargo volume at the rear is generous, and the availability of cargo pods and racks, such as the Thule Cargo box and bike rack featured with the lead GS8 during the media drive, makes this SUV even more versatile for various adventures.
Interior
Stepping inside the 2024 GAC GS8, you're greeted by an interior that mirrors the elegance of the exterior. The choice of materials, including supple leather, exudes a premium feel. The cabin space is enormous, ensuring that passengers, even those in the rear, have plenty of room for long road trips.
In the front cabin, a spacious center console provides ample storage and doubles as an armrest. The 4WD variant features a cooled glovebox, while the 2WD variant makes up for it with the GS8's overall spaciousness. The gear shifter, driving-related controls, and the push-to-start button are conveniently located on the center console, with a unique and aesthetically pleasing clear plastic decoration on the shifter.
Storage options abound in the GS8, with a cubby hole functioning as a wireless smartphone charging pad and additional storage bins below. The front seats, despite their generous proportions, offer electronic adjustability, ensuring that drivers of all sizes can find their ideal driving position. This is in addition to the ventilated seats up front, making this a great vehicle to have for those scorching hot days.
Moving to the second row, passengers are treated to an abundance of legroom and elbow room. Three adults can comfortably occupy this area, complete with air-conditioning vents, dedicated controls, and charging ports. If only two passengers are present, a plush center armrest with cup holders provides additional comfort.
The third-row seats offer ample space for two passengers, but it's worth noting that thigh support is limited due to the low seat position. However, the clever design allows for easy access to the third row by sliding the second-row seat forward.
One standout feature is the massive sunroof that extends to the second row, flooding the cabin with natural light and providing a sense of airiness, perfect for long road trips.
Overall, the interior of the 2024 GAC GS8 impresses not only with its looks but also with its quality and build. The materials used throughout the cabin contribute to the SUV's premium appeal, and the fit and finish are impeccable. During our time with the GS8, there were no squeaks or rattles, a testament to the attention to detail in its construction.
Technology and connectivity
The centerpiece of the GS8's interior is the massive 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The display offers sharp graphics and responsive controls, making it easy to navigate through menus and access various functions. The 360-degree view camera's video feed is notably precise and aids in parking and maneuvering.
However, a notable drawback is the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Instead, the GS8 relies on a lesser-known smartphone mirroring app, which may not be as user-friendly or intuitive for some. In an era where seamless smartphone integration is expected, this omission could be a significant consideration for potential buyers. We also found it quite odd since the GS8 is GAC’s flagship vehicle locally, but their other vehicles, such as the EMPOW, have Apple CarPlay at the very least.
On the audio front, the 4WD variant boasts a 10-speaker Alpine sound system with impressive bass and mids, while the 2WD variant features an eight-speaker setup that still delivers great sound quality. The inclusion of a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports ensures that passengers can keep their devices powered up.
The seven-inch driver display provides clear and legible information, although some might find the color schemes a bit too vibrant. Nevertheless, it serves its purpose effectively. However, we would appreciate it if they went for the larger and more extensive driver display offerings found in China to make the GS8 flagship genuinely worthy and also to fill up those bezels.
Climate control settings are exclusively managed through the touchscreen, which can be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer physical knobs and buttons, especially for frequently adjusted features like the blower speed, but at least you can turn on the aircon quickly with a physical Auto button.
The GS8 offers customizable driving experiences with adjustable steering feel and accelerator sensitivity settings. These features allow drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences, making it a standout feature for driving enthusiasts. You get the standard, eco, comfort, and sport modes, but the 4WD variant gets additional sand, mud, and snow for those sticky situations.
Voice command functionality is present and surprisingly functional, offering hands-free control of various vehicle functions. The advanced driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist, are also managed through the touchscreen. The 3D 360-degree view feature, utilizing exterior cameras, provides a clear view of the surroundings and aids in parking and tight maneuvers.
Performance and handling
Powering the GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine capable of producing up to 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The engine's torque delivery is particularly impressive, with peak torque available at a low 1,700 rpm, providing responsive acceleration, especially for overtaking maneuvers and hill climbs. However, we did feel that better transmission tuning was needed in order to truly utilize the power, as there were occasional delays and jerkiness felt while driving. This is, of course, mitigated by adjusting the throttle response to its maximum setting, but it was still apparent.
On straight roads, the GS8 maintains stability and composure even under moderate acceleration. However, it's essential to note that the suspension is tuned for comfort, resulting in some body roll when tackling sharp corners. The GS8 prioritizes a comfortable and smooth ride, effectively absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces.
The unibody platform contributes to the GS8's car-like ride quality, emphasizing comfort over ruggedness. The cabin effectively isolates occupants from exterior noise, providing a quiet and serene driving experience. This is a testament to GAC's commitment to enhancing comfort levels.
Where the 4WD differs from the 2WD variant is how it moves exiting a corner. You can feel the added traction and rotation with the 4WD variant, which makes it quite a bit more fun and dynamic to drive, especially in the twisties of Tanay.
We also had a brief stint on the trails nearby to get a feel of the GS8 and how its 4WD system would work. Suffice to say, the intelligent 4WD system, along with its various off-road drive modes, worked flawlessly and could easily detect which wheel to send power to.
Verdict
The 2024 GAC GS8 is a significant step forward for Chinese automaker GAC Motor. It offers a compelling package with a smooth and comfortable ride, excellent build quality, and a wealth of advanced driver-assist features. The spacious and luxurious interior, coupled with the impressive 3D 360-degree view system, make it a practical choice for families and long road trips.
However, the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which are now expected in modern vehicles, could be a deal-breaker for some potential buyers. Additionally, the lack of physical controls for the air-conditioning system may inconvenience those who prefer tactile adjustments.
With a starting price of P2,398,000 for the 2WD variant and P2,548,000 for the 4WD variant, the GAC GS8 represents a competitive option in its segment, offering a more affordable alternative to vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade. Ultimately, the 2024 GAC GS8 is a worthy contender in the SUV market, showcasing the brand's commitment to improvement and innovation.
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