Minivan from Shanghai. Luxury and disappointment
The Buick GL8 is a minivan manufactured since 2000 by Shanghai GM (SAIC Motor + General Motors), which is the US-China joint venture. Designed for the Chinese automotive market, the vehicle is also exported to other countries in Southeast Asia. The ‘luxury’ concept lied at the heart of the GL8 marketing campaign in China. In fact, this is a rather mediocre minivan, greatly criticized by the owners. The manufacturer has tried to eliminate shortcomings with mixed success.
The first generation
It was produced from 2000 to 2016 in China. The first Buick GL8 is built on GM’s U-body platform for minivans and midsize SUVs. In general terms, the model is similar to other GM minivans produced in the United States (Chevrolet Uplander and Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport and Saturn RELAY).
The Chinese GL8 minivan was quite large and spacious. It was 5,256 mm long, 1,878 mm wide and 1,800 mm high, and had a wheelbase of 3,088 mm. The engines and chassis of the first generation were the reliable American units represented by a 3-liter 6-cylinder engine or an advanced Ecotec engine. As standard, the minivan was equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, large tires and disc brakes.
The first generation Buick GL8 was largely criticized for the quality of the Chinese assembly and an insufficient number of spare parts. Therefore, overall, the minivan disappointed its owners, especially in export markets.
The minivan looked quite modern, featuring decorative metal strips, a classic grille and chrome elements. The passenger compartment was equipped with quite ergonomic seats, a panoramic sunroof, an anti-pinch electric sliding door, power rear doors, a 5.1-channel Bose audio system with 10 speakers, and a touchscreen control. The first generation had five trim levels: LT, CT1, CT2, CT3 and GT, which differed in the quality of the interior design.
The first generation Buick GL8 sold well, but the quality of the Chinese assembly was largely criticized for the quality of the Chinese assembly and an insufficient number of spare parts. Therefore, overall, the minivan disappointed its owners, especially in export markets.
The second generation
It was introduced in 2011 and produced until 2017. Despite the fact that the Pan-Asian Technical Automobile Center (PATAC) undertook to save the reputation of the minivan, no significant changes were made to the design of the second generation. The second Buick GL8 featured just over 25 innovations compared to the first generation, including decorative changes. PATAC was primarily focused on improving the build quality and was successful at that, reducing the number of complaints.
PATAC was primarily focused on improving the build quality and was successful at that, reducing the number of complaints.
The new model was designed in accordance with the 2009 Buick Business Concept. The second GL8 almost completely repeated it. The wheelbase grew to 3,099 mm, and the vehicle became even more spacious. The interior underwent minor changes, acquiring an unusual electroluminescent dashboard and a lot of LED lamps.
The minivan was standardly equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DVVT Ecotec engine, while the more powerful version was a 3-liter V6 unit with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The third generation
It has been produced from 2017 to the present (as of 2021). The third generation GL8 has become more ‘American’ than ‘Chinese’. The controversial minivan has been globalized. The manufacturers have decided to minimize ‘Chinese luxury’. A longer air intake was integrated into the bumper, the headlights became less beautiful, but more efficient. The vehicle features the same wheelbase, shorter overhangs and a higher roof.
The standard engine is a 2-liter 4-cylinder unit with 253 hp, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with Start-Stop technology. A significant step forward was the reduction in fuel consumption to 8.4 liters per 100 km, which is 16% lower compared to the second generation.
Improvements have been made to the chassis system. New heavy-duty MacPherson strut-type front suspension with a three-way vibration dampening structure, working in conjunction with hydraulic wishbone bushings, improves handling and damping performance.
The new Buick GL8 features electrically adjustable front seats and multifunction second-row seats, as well as the next generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system.
The practice of constant improvements to the Buick models continues. Thus, we should expect the new upgrades.
In terms of safety, the new 2017/2018 GL8 minivan has received a new Bosch ESP, which includes a hill-start assist (HSA), low vacuum braking assistance (LVBA), hydraulic brake compensation (HBC) and rollover management system (ROM). Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), cruise control and a rearview camera come as an option.
The third generation can finally boast a tolerable build quality, since it was simply impossible to compete with such monsters as the Toyota Alphard and Honda Elysion with the same quality, even at the expense of lower prices. The practice of constant improvements to the Buick models continues. Thus, we should expect the new upgrades.
