Auto review: GAC raises style quotient with new 'budget-Bentley'

A new wave of Chinese vehicles keeps hitting Middle Eastern shores every now and then. They are finding sales success mainly because they are cheaper than comparable models from incumbent segment leaders i.e. Japanese and Korean brands. They are feature-laden, and more importantly, ready stock is available at their dealers. But what happens when they go beyond utility when they breach the boundaries of the luxury segment?

This week we review the second generation GAC GS8 GX 4WD to answer that. For those who missed “Season One” or shall I say the first generation, know that the GS8 is a near-full-size SUV from the Chinese brand GAC, which stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.

Fun Fact

The GAC brand operates as Trumpchi in the Chinese domestic market.

Design and aesthetics

If you’re looking to purchase a family SUV that is big, chunky, and has a certain amount of bling, the GAC GS8 just maybe it. Don’t want to take my word for it? Have a look at the pictures for yourself. With a stature as imposing as a Toyota Land Cruiser (4,980mm l x 1950mm h x 1780mm w) and oodles of style to complement its size, the GS8 isn’t something you can ignore. The body panels are very slab-like but somehow, they come together very elegantly, and the chrome-enriched details help keep its distinction from its peers and those a few price brackets above it. It has a sizeable grille decorated with a V-motif (created by strips of chrome) and the LED lamps that GAC called ‘Eyes of the Conqueror’ sit in the clear housing like precious gems in a showcase. Even the rear is capable of drawing attention with its H-shaped LED lamp clusters. Then there’s the floating roof effect up top and the sophisticated 20-inch multi-spoke wheel design down below to complete the look. There isn’t much you can hate about the GS8, except maybe the faux trapezoidal exhaust tips, which I admit is nitpicking. Just based on looks, this is a vehicle that many people would like to own whether it serves as a family vehicle or for business. Kudos to GAC for raising the style quotient in the segment!

It’s not just big on the outside; this is a proper seven-seater SUV! The two front rows can easily accommodate six-footers and the third row can easily fit two kids. Big families are welcome. You can even make front seat adjustments from the second row to create airliner seating accommodation – like in a proper luxury saloon.

And I’ll guarantee you that you will love the interior. It is a big jump from the last generation, which in terms of aesthetics was chic, but conventional. This though, is modern, sophisticated, and very tastefully executed. If I were to pick out my favourite features, I’d start with the two-tone upholstery. The black quilted leather of the seats has so much detail, it feels artisanal (although it’s made in a factory) and it combines with the green upholstery on the door trims and centre console and the satin finish trims to create a rich ambience. It truly feels like a bargain Bentley in here. Then there’s the gigantic 14.6-inch infotainment screen which is colourful and has good resolution. The digital buttons did work fine, but they could have included a few physical buttons too. Ironically the instrument screen is only a seven-inch size, which has been cleverly disguised as a much larger screen.

And one can’t ignore the chunky 3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather and the large toggling shift lever that comes with almost a sparkling effect. They look good to the eye and feel good to the hand.

Specifications

Body type: 7-seater; 5-door mid-size SUV

Engine: Front-engine; turbocharged 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder; all-wheel drive

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Peak output: 248 PS@5,250 rpm - 400 Nm@1,750 – 4,000 rpm

0 to 100kmph: 8 seconds (estimated)

Top speed: 180kmph (drag limited; estimated)

Fuel economy: 12.5kmpl (claimed)

Price: Dh169,900

Powertrain and performance

Expectedly, like almost all other Chinese vehicles, this too comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. On paper, the 248 PS of peak power and 400 Nm of top torque (a 10 Nm bump over the previous generation) feel adequate. On the road, the GS8 came across as responsive both on the speedy highways and in the start-stop traffic of the city streets. While cruising, there is some delay in the kick down from the Aisin 8-speed auto, but once it does, the acceleration feels lively. It doesn’t seem fair to quote 0 to 100 sprint times for such a vehicle, but I’d say it's around eight seconds, give or take. If you’re looking for a bigger engine, know that there isn’t a V8 or V6 option here and that’s acceptable when you take into consideration the kind of purpose it was designed for, which is family and luggage hauling.

With the use of independent McPherson Type suspension up front and the multi-link beam arrangement at the rear, ride comfort is kept compliant with luxury vehicle standards. The GS8 easily coasts over road imperfections and speed humps too. The cabin remained quiet allowing for casual conversations without having to scream over the other - many thanks to the insulated glass in the windshield and front windows. Also helping with the ride is the rather long 2,920mm wheelbase. This also allows it to retain composure along long sweeping corners. However, the chassis is not tuned for quick directional changes usually involved in sprinted drives.

As for the process of speed retardation, the GS8 does come to a stop with sure-footedness and linearity, courtesy of the stopping power of disc brakes all around. But I suspect that with the SUV loaded up with all seven passengers and their luggage, more braking power may be desired.

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