Latest news with #GACGS8
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
Gargash Motors Launches 2026 GAC GS8 Hybrid and Traveler at Dubai Autodrome Experience
Gargash Motors, one of the UAE's most prominent automotive distributors, hosted an exclusive media and influencer event to unveil the highly anticipated 2026 GAC GS8 Hybrid and Traveler editions. The showcase brought to life the model's refined power, intelligent features, and uncompromising comfort in an immersive on and off road experience at the Dubai Autodrome. Set against the dynamic backdrop of one of the region's premier driving venues, the event gave guests the opportunity to explore the GS8's versatility across contrasting terrains. The day began with an off-road session, where the all-new GS8 Traveller edition tackled a purpose-built course with ease, showcasing its rugged engineering and all-terrain capability. This was followed by an on-track performance test of the Petrol and Hybrid editions, where attendees experienced firsthand the SUV's precise handling, responsive acceleration, and advanced driver-assist technologies. The 2026 GS8 introduces three distinctive trims—Petrol, Hybrid, and Traveller—each crafted to meet the evolving lifestyles of today's drivers. The Petrol and Hybrid models debut with a refreshed exterior featuring an extended grille and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Traveller edition, designed for adventure, distinguishes itself with bold off-road styling, a chrome-accented grille, and a functional rear utility box. Under the hood, the Petrol and Traveller variants are powered by a 2.0TGDI engine delivering 248 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. The Hybrid model features GAC Motor's next-generation 2.0TM Mega Wave THS System, delivering the same performance output while offering exceptional fuel efficiency. Multiple drive modes—including ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road—ensure optimized performance across varied terrain with intelligent adaptability. Inside, the GS8 offers a spacious and technology-rich seven-seat cabin, crafted for refined comfort. Premium features include tri-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats with memory and massage functions (in the Hybrid edition), and an integrated fragrance system with ambient lighting—elements typically reserved for luxury flagship SUVs. Safety remains a top priority, with a full airbag system and advanced ESP technology for enhanced peace of mind. Technology takes center stage with a 14.6-inch HD touchscreen offering seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, supported by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An Alpine premium sound system and wireless charging pad cater to the connectivity and entertainment needs of the modern driver. The 2026 GS8 range offers unmatched value within the premium SUV segment. The Traveller edition is priced from AED 139,900, the Petrol variant from AED 149,900, and the Hybrid from AED 169,900. Each model is backed by a comprehensive 10-year warranty and is available in a range of striking exterior colours—Black, White, Dark Green, Silver, and Grey—complemented by interior options in Camel, White, or Black. Morgan Sunderland, General Manager of Gargash Motors GAC, commented: With the launch of the new 2026 GS8, we are proud to introduce, for the first time, three distinct variants—each crafted to deliver luxury and performance tailored to different lifestyles. The Traveller is designed for adventure seekers who demand capability without compromising on comfort. The Hybrid combines intelligent innovation with exceptional fuel efficiency and sustainability for the forward-thinking driver. And the petrol variant offers refined power and everyday versatility. This immersive experience was created to showcase the GS8's full potential across urban roads, highways, and rugged terrains—bringing to life the spirit of exploration and elevated driving at the heart of the GAC Motor brand. Mark Zhang, General Manager of GAC Motor International Middle East added, The Middle East remains a strategic market for GAC Motor, and the launch of the new GS8 underscores our commitment to delivering premium SUVs that align with the region's evolving lifestyle and mobility needs. The GS8 blends bold design with intelligent features and practical versatility, making it a strong fit for drivers across the UAE. News Source: Buz Marketing Agency
The National
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
GAC GS8 review: Affordable Chinese SUV has plenty of bells and whistles
Japanese and Korean car brands have been cashing in on booming demand for SUVs in the Middle East for two decades, but in recent years Chinese newcomers have been eating into their market share. One of the recent Chinese incumbents is the second-generation GAC GS8, which competes in the popular seven-seat all-terrainer segment against the likes of the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Although it looks like a shrunken Cadillac Escalade, the GS8 is much more affordable, with the entry-level front-wheel-drive model starting at Dh149,900. My test vehicle was the 4WD GX range-topper, which is priced from AED169,900, with the added spend bringing a swag of mod-cons and safety kit as standard. As per the rivals mentioned above, the GAC is underpinned by a monocoque chassis – rather than a rugged body-on-frame structure, as is the case with the Toyota Prado and Nissan Patrol. This is in line with the GS8's orientation as more urban warrior than hardcore dune basher and mud mauler. Despite its girth (the full-spec 4WD model I tested weighs 2,030kg), the only power-train offered in the GS8 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor that ekes out 248hp and 400Nm, with drive sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The centrepiece of the range-topping GS8 GX's cabin is an expansive 14.6-inch infotainment system, while facing the driver is a seven-inch digitised instrument cluster. Both these interfaces are clearly laid out and generally intuitive to use. A head-up display enables me to keep eyes glued to the road, while the ultra-high-resolution surround-view display makes slotting into tight parking spots a breeze. Other standard goodies include a wireless charging pad; three-zone climate control; a panoramic sunroof; and multicolour intelligent ambient lighting which pulses in tandem with the infotainment system. The GAC GS8 isn't lacking in bells and whistles, but it's let down by interior trim materials that are a bit low rent in appearance and feel. Ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat means I can easily conjure up a comfortable position behind the wheel, while the relatively large and upright glasshouse makes for good visibility in all directions. Occupants of the first and second-row seats have little to complain about, but the pair of third-row pews are of the kiddies-only variety as simply accessing these is an exercise in callisthenics. Although the GAC GS8 falls slightly short in terms of its cabin ambience and a 2.0-litre motor that feels overworked in hauling around the two-tonne SUV, the rest of the package is pretty good. Drive around in Comfort mode and most road-surface imperfections are comfortably ironed out. Ambient noise is also well suppressed, with only a trace of wind rustle from around windscreen pillars at motorway speeds permeating into the cabin. As for handling dynamics, the big SUV feels a bit roly-poly and flaccid in Comfort mode but switching to Dynamic via a switch on the centre console yields a sharp contrast. The steering becomes weightier and crisper, the suspension firms up, and throttle/transmission response also sharpens significantly. All told, the GS8 serves up a more sophisticated ride than I might have expected and it can hold its own against other offerings in its segment. Although the GS8 has Sand, Mud and Snow drive modes, it's more a light-duty all-terrainer than a bona fide dune tamer. The fact it's equipped as standard with road-biased low-profile tyres wrapped around 20-inch rims says it all – it's conceived more for urban schlepping than rugged outback adventures. Muddy swamps and towering dunes might be beyond its brief, but moderate off-road terrain – rutted gravel tracks, hard-packed sand and water crossings up to half-a-metre deep – is within its capabilities. Visually, the GS8 certainly has presence, with its Cadillac Escalade-inspired styling setting it apart from the horde. With its large chrome-laden grille, angular headlamps and sharp-edged proportions, the GAC won't be mistaken for any of its Japanese or Korean rivals. The GAC GS8 is not without its merits, and it stands up as a credible alternative to other seven-seat SUV offerings priced in the circa-Dh150k bracket. GAC has nailed most of the key criteria with the GS8, and if the mid-cycle update or next-gen model were to address the slightly cheap-feeling interior and undernourished power-train, the result would be an even better-rounded SUV.
