2017 Buick GL8 Minivan. 3rd generation
The Buick GL8 is a minivan produced by General Motors since 2008 for the Chinese market. In 2021, the third generation of the minivan can be found on the market.
The third-generation seven-seater Buick GL8 minivan debuted in China in October 2016, and went into sales in 2017. At the same time, the manufacturer kept on producing the second generation cars, so both generations were sold simultaneously for some time. Therefore, to avoid traditional Chinese confusion, the new GL8 is marked with the ES index.
Fight for market share
The Buick GL8 is a very important car for the brand. It represents the so-called strike marketing force, which is designed to compete in China with such serious models as the Toyota Alphard, Honda Elysion and Nissan Elgrand. The Buick opted for a new design, revamped interior, class-leading size cargo space and a more fuel efficient engine. Moreover, this model was designed with due account for the complaints related to the build quality of the previous generation.
The new Buick GL8 is based on the same platform. To simplify and unify maintenance, the existing SGM258 platform, introduced back in 2010 and proven to be reliable, was adapted for it.
Design and exterior
The 2017/2018 Buick GL8 is quite large. Thus, it can boast an extra-long 3,088-mm wheelbase, whereas the body space with the third row seats unfolded amounts to 1,605 liters. In terms of design, the new GL8 is a heavily redesigned second-generation version, but more ‘global’, similar to other popular Buick models.
The Buick opted for a new design, revamped interior, class-leading size cargo space and a more fuel efficient engine.
The vehicle features a new bumper, which has one long air intake and two additional ones in the corners. The headlights are more angular, comprising two LED lights and clear plastic turn indicators underneath a chrome strip, and L-shaped LED daytime running lights are located at the junction of the hood and fenders.
Redesigned side panels feature a pronounced midline, glass roof and tinted pillars make the GL8 look more modern and even sporty. With the same wheelbase, the overhangs are shorter and the roof is higher.
Engine and chassis
The minivan has acquired a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 253 hp, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox with the start-stop function. The vehicle consumes 8.4 liters per 100 km, which is 16% less than its predecessor. This is made possible by the introduction of fuel efficiency technologies, low rolling resistance tires and an upgraded electric power steering (EPS) system.
The chassis system has also been upgraded. New MacPherson heavy-duty front suspension with a three-way vibration dampening structure, working in conjunction with hydraulic wishbone bushings, improves mobility and damping performance.
Equipment and safety
The 2018/2019 minivan is equipped with an electric anti-pinch sliding door and an electrically operated tailgate, which makes it much easier to load and unload items.
The 2019/2020 Buick GL8 features electrically adjustable front seats and second row multifunction seats, as well as the next generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. The system supports Bluetooth hands-free calling, natural voice recognition and smartphone screen mirroring. A 7-inch color touchscreen on the center console allows users to make phone calls and play music.
The new minivan has acquired the Bosch ESP, which includes a hill-start assist (HSA), low vacuum braking assistance (LVBA), hydraulic brake compensation (HBC) and roll stability control (ROM). A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), cruise control and a rearview camera are optional.
