The GAC GS8 is the brand's mid-sized SUV capable of catering to up to seven passengers including the driver. Its exterior design is quite intricately clean. It comes with a boxy design with the accompaniment of several distinctive design cues, such as 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 with its boxy exterior design is a roomy cabin, accentuated with a luxuriously presented interior, with its leather upholstered seats and the huge 14.6-inch HD LCD 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 248 hp and 400 Nm 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. These safety features are available on both the two-wheel drive GT as well as the range-topping four-wheel-drive GS8.
Launch
The GAC GS8 was launched along with its other stablemates last October 2018 as part of the brand's entry into the Philippine market. Initially, its first generation was available in three variants, namely, the 2.0 4x2 GE, 2.0 4x2 GL, and 2.0 4x4 GL.
In January of 2023, the second generation of the GS8 was launched, alongside the sporty Empow sedan. The second-generation GS8 is only available with one variant at the time of its launch, the 2.0-liter turbocharged GT.
Several months later, GAC brought the GS8 4WD on August 25, 2023, at the GAC Discovery Drive Festival. This variant introduces four-wheel drive to the GS8 with all the trim and equipment available on the two-wheel drive GT version. This variant came with an introductory price tag of P2,548,000.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The GAC GS8 sits on the GPMA-L platform and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission. This pairing is able to produce 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The GAC GS8 GT's engine sends power to the front wheels while the GS8 4WD sends power to all four with multiple drive options at the driver’s disposal. The addition of four-wheel drive gives the GS8 the ability to traverse much rougher terrain than the GT.
In terms of suspension components, at the front, the crossover gets a MacPherson-type independent suspension while the rear gets a multi-link beam independent suspension. Braking power for the huge crossover is provided by disc brakes on all four wheels.
The GAC GS8 GT and the GS8 4WD come equipped with a large 14.6-inch infotainment system. Creature comforts include a wireless charging pad, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and multi-color intelligent ambient lighting which pulses in tandem with the infotainment system. The GS8 also benefits from Bluetooth hands-free functionality, USB ports, steering wheel-mounted controls, a push-start button along with a smart key, cruise control, eco mode, a tire pressure monitor, an HD surround vision parking system, and all-around parking sensors.
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. The GS8 is an imposing figure on the road standing tall with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Interior
The interior of the GS8 is luxurious, generously appointed with gadgets and dark leather. Unlike the previous generation, the interior of the new GS8 is futuristic. 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 driver aids such as, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR), Full Speed Range Adaptive Cruise, Control (ISL-ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA) front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera that's available on select variants.
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On this Behind the Wheel review, we have the GAC GS8 a model that's been around for quite a bit and updated for the 2023 year model. The fabled GS8 is a model that we're very keen on talking about thanks to its design, its size, and its looks. In this review, come with us as we discover the ins and outs of this midsize seven-seat crossover which is in the best shape that its ever been.
Dealer satisfaction score during the first 6 months of car ownership.
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
60%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
3/5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
2/5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
4/5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
3/5
Quality of work performed
3/5
Was it completed on time?
3/5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
3/5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
3/5
Car Satisfaction
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
Yes
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
3/5
Overall value for money
3/5
Would you recommend this car?
No
Recent Owner Reviews
GAC GS8 2.0 GT 4WD AT
GAC Motor, General Santos
4.8/5
Albert Paul Fetalino · Aug 10, 2024
Improved text:
While fuel economy could be improved, this car excels in other areas. The interior is exceptionally luxurious and guaranteed to turn heads. It's a real shame that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard features.
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
Yes
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
3
Overall value for money
3
Would you recommend this car?
No
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
60.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
3
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
2
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
4
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
3
Quality of work performed
3
Was it completed on time?
3
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
3
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
3
GAC GS8 2.0 GT 2WD AT
GAC Motor, Alabang
4.7/5
Anonymous · Jun 14, 2023
Really the only negative is the lack of Apple/android car play but I don't really use those features. Fuel economy is acceptable considering the size of the car. Cabin size is superior to other SUVs in the market, which also goes for the third row. The interior feels and looks premium. The driving experience is superb. The suspension feels great—no issues with acceleration and braking. Driving the car just feels good. The 360 camera is also noteworthy, making not only parking easy but also turns and tight roads. Really the only legitimate gripe you can have against the 2023 GS8 is its lack of Apple car play and android auto but if these are not dealbreakers then this is the car for you
Improved text:
While fuel economy could be improved, this car excels in other areas. The interior is exceptionally luxurious and guaranteed to turn heads. It's a real shame that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard features.
Really the only negative is the lack of Apple/android car play but I don't really use those features. Fuel economy is acceptable considering the size of the car. Cabin size is superior to other SUVs in the market, which also goes for the third row. The interior feels and looks premium. The driving experience is superb. The suspension feels great—no issues with acceleration and braking. Driving the car just feels good. The 360 camera is also noteworthy, making not only parking easy but also turns and tight roads. Really the only legitimate gripe you can have against the 2023 GS8 is its lack of Apple car play and android auto but if these are not dealbreakers then this is the car for you
