GAC GS8 2019-2020 Review - Specifications and Photos

The development and popularity of crossovers is clearly increasing every year. Chinese manufacturers keep up with fashion and are quite persistently entering the markets of Europe and neighboring countries. One such example is GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group), which may soon appear in Russia and Europe, presenting the new GS8, also known at home as the Trumpchi GS8.

The novelty was officially presented at the end of April 2016, at the 14th Beijing Auto Show. In the Celestial Empire, the novelty almost immediately went on sale. Now the manufacturer has reached the European market and neighboring countries. Technical characteristics are not diverse, a gasoline turbocharged engine with a volume of 2.0 liters paired with a 6 tbsp. Automatic transmission and all-wheel drive i-4WD. Inside, the new crossover will surprise you with a rich functional set and comfort, no worse than European counterparts.

GAC GS8 2019-2020 Competitors

• Kia Mohave 2020
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota Highlander
• Hyundai palisade
• Haval H8

Exterior of the new crossover

For the first time, the Trumpchi GS8 crossover, presented in 2016, attracted quite a lot of attention from both fans of massive SUVs and the company's competitors. The front of the novelty was distinguished by a large radiator grille with horizontal chrome lines, large LED optics with tightened features on the front fenders. In general, the front of the novelty looks a little rough, which is what the Chinese designers tried to achieve.

It is worth noting that the front optics of the Full-LED crossover, divided into 4 separate lenses in each and complemented by C-shaped daytime running lights. Only in the basic configuration do they offer halogen or xenon front optics. The front bumper looks no less effective, the central part was taken under an additional radiator grill, and horizontal LED fog lights on the sides. An interesting point is that the new Kia Mohave 2020, presented only a month to that, is somewhat reminiscent of a Chinese crossover, so the question arises who borrowed the design from whom.

The side of the Chinese crossover GAC GS8 looks more like a Toyota Land Cruiser. Rough features of the body, a minimum of bends and lines, as well as plastic protection around the perimeter of the lower part. If you look closely, you can see that large additional windows are installed at the back, respectively, the crossover is designed for three rows of seats.

The decorative details of the new GAC GS8 include an additional insert in the lower part of the doors, a chrome surround around the windows and a small chrome molding. The manufacturer decided to maintain the rigor of the crossover by placing the side mirrors in the corner of the front windows, and not on the door panel, as is customary for many modern manufacturers. From the functional set, the mirrors received LED turn signal repeaters, an electric adjustment drive and an automatic folding.

In terms of color, the new GAC GS8 is offered in seasoned strict shades:

• black;
• White;
• silver;
• maroon;
• blue.

With a high probability, the same shades will get to the territory of Russia and European countries, since in another version the car does not look. The basis for the crossover GAC GS8 served as 18 ″ alloy wheels, optionally offer to install 19 ″ with tires 235/60 and 245/55, respectively.

If the front and side of the GAC GS8 resembles the already known models, then the back it also did not become unique. Many people talk about a refined Land Rover design, with soft corners and lines. The rear pillars were made in black, the trunk lid received a slight slope, and the feet were copied from the Rover in a full sense. The end part of the trunk was highlighted with a small protrusion, an emblem in the center and an overlay for easy loading.

Another point that the GAC GS8 manufacturer did not cheat was the exhaust system. At the bottom of the rear bumper are two exhaust tips, one on each side. The nice thing is that this is not a fake, but real nozzles, rectangular in shape. The central part of the bumper was occupied by a chrome diffuser, and LED fog lights were added on the sides. The manufacturer equipped the GAC GS8 with an electric boot lid, and the top versions received a contactless opening system.

Finally, from the exterior of the Trumpchi GS8, we still have the roof. The crossover will not stand out with a special design or color. As standard, side rails are installed for attaching an additional trunk, an electric sunroof is added in front (there is no information about the panoramic roof yet), the rear is decorated with stiffeners and a small antenna in the form of a shark fin.

Well, as for me, the appearance of the new Chinese crossover GAC GS8 looks modern and outstripped its competitors for several years ahead. The designers managed to combine modern technologies, while leaving the overall attractive, classic version of the car. Now the main question remains, who borrowed the design from whom, because this model was presented before the same Kia Mohave.

The interior of the new crossover

Following the eye-catching appearance, the interior of the new GAC GS8 will not upset motorists. As they said, the novelty is designed for 7 seats, including the driver's seat. It is possible that a 5-seater crossover may arrive in Russia, because there is not always an urgent need for a third row of seats.

The front panel of the crossover turned out to be very modern. In contrast to the exterior, the interior of the GAC GS8 has become more original, in the center is a 10.1 ″ display of the multimedia system. According to the manufacturer, it was based on the Android Auto platform with many additional functions (Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, 4G LTE mobile communication). The sides of the display were embellished with two air ducts, and the end part of the panel itself was decorated with a glossy plastic cover.

The manufacturer did not save on the management of functions either; instead of touch displays, time-tested buttons are installed. From top to bottom placed the audio system panel, then the climate control panel and a small recess for charging gadgets (USB port, 12V socket and wireless charging). Most likely, such a design will live for more than one year, unlike those options where large touchscreen displays are installed.

The center tunnel of the new GAC GS8 looks pretty good. In addition to the massive automatic transmission lever, there is also an electromechanical handbrake, buttons for heating and blowing the seats and buttons for security systems. A spacious armrest completes this whole set. On the reverse side, it was diversified with a USB connector and a 12V outlet for recharging. If necessary, you can add an audio output and a climate control panel.

Now let's look at the interior of the GAC GS8 as a whole. The crossover has a 2 + 3 + 2 seating formula, the first row of seats looks luxurious, massive lateral support, high backrest and 10-way electric adjustment. The second row of seats is able to accommodate three passengers, with a folding ratio of 60/40, which is not very convenient in the case of boarding / disembarking passengers of the 3rd row. If necessary, the second row seats can be adjusted for reach and backrest tilt.

The third row of seats, according to the standard, is designed for seating two adult passengers, of course there is not as much free space as in the 2nd row, but the knees will not rest against the back, and there is plenty of space above your head. As befits an expensive crossover, the new Trumpchi GS8 has leather interior upholstery and inserts made from real materials (quality fabric, leather and fabric / leather combination). Yes, you can find natural wood or polished aluminum inserts on the center tunnel and door trims. The question remains why there is a plastic insert on the front panel on the passenger side.

By color, the GAC GS8 salon is offered in:

• black;
• Brown;
• beige;
• grey;
• black-brown;
• burgundy.

It is possible that at the request of the buyer and for a separate surcharge, the GAC GS8 salon can be decorated in an individual style. In the Middle Kingdom, the manufacturer proposes adding embossed or embroidered patterns to the front seat headrests. You can also choose the color of the stitching and the presence of perforated inserts. Whether such a set of opportunities will reach Russia remains a question.

Finally, let's take a look at the 2019 GAC GS8 driver's seat. Unfortunately, a fully digital dashboard should not be expected, as this would raise the crossover price higher than planned. The gadget itself consists of two analog devices (speedometer and tachometer), as well as a color 8 ″ in the center. In the basic configuration, the display is monochrome 5 ″, however, it is quite enough to display the most necessary information.

Next to the dashboard, the GAC GS8 steering wheel stands out. High quality leather braid, 4 spokes and many functional buttons. In addition to the side spokes, additional buttons are located between the spokes themselves. For greater convenience behind the wheel of the crossover, the gearshift paddles, control levers for the GAC GS8 systems and, most importantly, the ability to adjust the steering wheel in height and depth were placed. Such a set is not always possible even in well-known European manufacturers.

Judging from this set and the manufacturer's promises of a low price, the new GAC GS8 crossover will take root in Russia and neighboring countries. High-quality interior trim, the ability to seat 7 passengers, as well as a rich set of functions will delight the most demanding customers. The question remains, what configurations the manufacturer will offer to buyers in Russia.

GAC GS8 2019-2020 Specifications

Despite the fact that the Trumpchi GS8 crossover is made in China, the manufacturer equipped it with all-wheel drive, although the production of a front-wheel drive version is not excluded. Nevertheless, the variety of technical characteristics is not the greatest. Under the hood can only be a turbocharged gasoline engine with a volume of 2.0 liters, paired with an automatic transmission.

Chinese manufacturers have recently begun to massively introduce an all-wheel drive system into their crossovers, which was not the case before. This approach made it possible to compete with other manufacturers. The all-wheel drive of the new GAC GS8 is based on a multi-plate clutch with automatic connection.

The platform of the Chinese novelty is based on the CPMA (Cross Platform Modular Architecture) architecture, which has been modified and strengthened for the needs of the novelty. Previously, this platform was used for a Fiat pickup. The suspension of the new GAC GS8 crossover is completely independent. The engineers installed the familiar MacPherson struts in the front, multi-link in the back.

Following the suspension of the GAC GS8, the crossover braking system has been modified. Ventilated disc brakes are installed at the front, ventilated at the rear. As for the handbrake, it is electromechanical. As already mentioned, the crossover is based on 18 ″ alloy wheels with 235/60 tires, optionally or for top trim levels 19 ″ with 245/55 tires are available. The crossover reserve is full-sized, and not a stowaway, as is customary. Rumor has it that it is likely that this model may eventually receive a hybrid installation, but what will happen under the hood of such a crossover has not yet been specified.

Safety and comfort systems

The new Trumpchi GS8 crossover is made in China, but in terms of the list of safety and comfort systems it can be compared with competitors. The list of top-end configuration includes:

• separate climate control;
• central locking;
• immobilizer;
• remote control of locks;
• keyless engine start;
• keyless access to the salon;
• Cruise control;
• electric boot lid;
• Hands-free trunk opening;
• parking sensors;
• all-round visibility system;
• Rear View Camera;
• tire pressure monitoring;
• ABS, ESP;
• distribution of braking forces;
• traction control;
• active braking system;
• ascent / descent assistance system;
• blind spot monitoring;
• light sensor;
• front optics adjustment;
• Daytime Running Lights;
• LED interior lighting;
• GPS navigation;
• multimedia system;
• Bluetooth;
• mobile connection;
• front and side airbags;
• safety curtains;
• a pillow in the area of ​​the driver's knees;
• mount ISOFIX;
• children's lock;
• heated and ventilated front seats;
• front seat memory;
• electric sunroof;
• Rain sensor;
• rear window tinting.

It would be nice to add more active security systems, which today are beginning to be included in the standard list of European counterparts. According to the manufacturer, with the arrival of new technologies, they will be urgently introduced into top-end configurations.

Price and configurations GAC GS8 2019-2020

In all likelihood, and according to the manufacturer, the first copies of the new GAC GS8 crossover will arrive in Russia in early 2020. It is possible that the new product may already appear at the end of November 2019. The list of configurations and prices has not yet been disclosed, but will become known at the time of the official show in the Russian Federation.

However, in the Middle Kingdom, sales of the new GAC GS8 are in full swing. The all-wheel drive version of the crossover will cost from 23,144 thousand dollars. As for a crossover with such a filling, this is quite an affordable price, but if we talk about the front-wheel drive version of the GAC GS8, then it will obviously be several thousand cheaper. We can say that the appearance of such a crossover on the Russian market will compete with European counterparts. It remains to wait for the official appearance of new items in order to fully understand the capabilities of the GAC GS8 and how much it can compete with other cars.

Other photos of GAC GS8 2019-2020:

|| list |

• Competitors
• Appearance
• Crossover salon
• Specifications
• Security systems
• Price and configuration

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