Buick Facelifts GL8 Minivan With 392-HP PHEV Powertrain, VIP Seating, and Minor Exterior Upgrades

Buick has unveiled the updated GL8 minivan at the Beijing Auto Show with new styling, new interior touches, and the addition of a hybrid powertrain. Unlike the pre-facelift model, which featured a 233-liter 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the PHEV entered the fray with a healthy combined output of 392 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of an electric motor and turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. Mind you, the GL8 is a big brute, so acceleration isn’t particularly quick, but 62 mph coming in 7.8 seconds isn’t difficult.

The company hasn’t said how big the battery is but claims the compact car can travel 86 miles on battery power. Reports from China indicate that the GL8 PHEV has a combined range of 851 miles. While impressive, both of these figures should be taken with a grain of salt, as they are calculated on CLTC’s optimistic cycle.

Wildcat-Inspired Outdoor Fashion

The updated GL8 also benefits from numerous cosmetic upgrades. The front gets new headlamps, while the L-shaped pillars give way to more stylish split headlamps, and slim DRLs are placed above the headlamps. Wildcat EV traces are visible on the fascia, and overall, the GL8 is now more in line with other Buick lineups, such as the new Envision. The lower parts of the front bumper have more chrome, while the radiator grille is more prominent than before.

There’s not much designers can do with the car’s side profile, but Buick has made some changes, with new 18-inch wheels and a lovely hockey-like chrome trim. This is the same trim on the pre-facelift 7th generation G11 Series. At the rear, the light bar has also been updated with an additional chrome look thrown in for good measure.

The cabin is more luxurious than ever

The most significant changes have been made to the cabin, which is undoubtedly the flagship of the GL8. The driver and front row passenger benefit from a 30-inch curved display, similar to the screens found in premium GM products available in the states. Buick has also simplified the vents, opting for a recessed design that doesn’t do away with the regular vents. The overall effect is positive, and the dashboard looks more elegant and classy as a result. Occupants can sit back and enjoy Nappa leather upholstery, but only the front row seats are heated and ventilated (depending on configuration). An eight-speaker audio system is standard, but a more powerful 14-speaker configuration is also available.

The 128-color interior lighting will keep the kids in awe, which will hopefully distract them from fiddling with the smart controls on the door cards. Luxury cars are big business in China, so don’t think of this as a rival to the Odyssey or Sienna. VIPs often choose sedans because of the interior space, so Buick has responded by adding VIP and Aviation seats to the second row. This provides heating and cooling for those seated in the middle row. Specifying Air seats of the net passenger function of massage and power adjustment.

VIP Seating Package Transforms GL8 From Plush Kid Hauler To Limo

With VIP seating, second-row passengers receive a 15.6-inch entertainment screen and folding picnic tables. The screen is smartphone compatible, meaning occupants can stream content wirelessly from their mobile devices. There is also a center console with a wireless charger and a fridge. Buick’s VIP package sounds like something you’d find in a $100,000 car, and Chinese customers want it.

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As standard, the GL8 receives bench seats in the very back row, but customers can opt to have VIP captain’s seats instead. Although this reduces seating to six, it adds heating/ventilation and power adjustments for all passengers. Again, ultimate space and comfort are key to this market.

Amazing Price

On the safety front, GL8 fleets feature autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, and more. Despite all these features, the GL8 has an attractive price tag, with the base model starting at CN¥359,900 ($49,700) and going up to CN¥419,900 ($58,000).

That’s not easy, but when you consider the luxury and capabilities on offer, the GL8 looks like a bargain. It’s also a cut-price alternative to the recently revealed Zeekr 009 Grand, an EV that costs twice as much but gets higher-end features and interior finishes, including marble.