In the MPV market, the Buick GL8 holds a key position. Many consumers choose it for business or family use. Now, the all-new GL8 Lushang brings new energy to this classic series. Recently, I had the chance to test drive the Buick GL8 Lushang. Here, I will share its performance.
The Buick GL8陆尚 follows the family’s classic Pure Design language. It showcases unique charm. The front features a winged design. The grille uses a golden ratio, creating a balanced aesthetic. It looks grand and stable at first glance. The wing-style LED headlights combine sequential turn signals with dual high-low beam lenses. They provide excellent illumination and enhance the vehicle’s recognition.
From the side, the car measures less than 1.9 meters wide and 1.8 meters high. Its length exceeds 5.2 meters, creating a balanced proportion. The top features a recognizable wave trim that adds liveliness. Compared to some mainstream new energy MPVs that are nearly 2 meters wide, the GL8 Luxurious shows greater agility in tight parking garages and narrow roads.
The rear features LED taillights with a continuous style. The central part includes a Buick letter panel. This unique design shines brightly at night, ensuring high visibility. A chrome strip runs across the back, blending sharpness and softness. It holds 214 LED taillights with a 633nm wavelength of ultra-red light. Even in rain, snow, fog, or frost, it remains clear and striking, enhancing driving safety.
Inside the GL8陆尚, the interior feels warm and tech-savvy. The front cabin design resembles the 陆尊. The center console features two 12.3-inch LCD screens. They display clearly and operate smoothly. The built-in Baidu voice assistant recognizes commands quickly. It executes various tasks, like setting navigation and playing music, offering great convenience to the driver. The low island design opens up the central corridor. It allows easy movement for passengers and provides clear visibility for those in the back.
The middle row focuses on the GL8陆尚. The independent seats feature electric leg rests and ventilation/heating functions. They use a damping design to reduce bumps and minimize motion sickness. The seats consist of three layers: comfort foam, composite sponge, and regular sponge. This design offers excellent support and comfort, ensuring passengers do not feel tired during long trips. The area also includes small tables and a 15.6-inch rear screen, perfect for work or entertainment.
The third row performs well. The seats and backs are wide, fitting the body shape of Chinese consumers. The design matches the height of the second row, giving third-row passengers a good view without feeling cramped. Additionally, the side windows and front windshield use double-layer soundproof glass. The engine’s side front area includes sound-absorbing materials, creating an excellent quiet environment inside the car. During driving, noise from city roads and wind or tire noise at high speeds stays outside. Passengers can enjoy a quiet and comfortable journey.
The trunk easily holds multiple suitcases in regular use. It meets daily travel and family trip needs. When loading larger items, you can fold the third-row seats down in a 4:6 split. The interior space becomes more flexible. You can even fit two 26-inch bicycles inside.
In terms of power, the Buick GL8 LuShang features the “Zhenlong” plug-in hybrid system across all models. It includes a 1.5T hybrid engine. This system consists of the 1.5T engine, dual motors P1 and P3, and a two-speed DHT gearbox. It delivers a total power of 292 kW and a peak torque of 580 Nm. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 7.7 seconds. This performance is close to that of traditional fuel MPVs equipped with V6 engines.
This car has a 24-degree battery pack. Its CLTC pure electric range reaches 142 kilometers, meeting daily urban commuting needs. In pure electric mode, the Buick’s 160 kW front permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers smooth power. The response feels balanced, not too light, yet provides solid acceleration. When the battery level drops, the engine starts. The transition between the engine and motor is seamless, with minimal noticeable lag. The fuel consumption in WLTC conditions is 6.68 liters per 100 kilometers. This performance is excellent for a mid-to-large MPV. The vehicle offers a total range of 1,420 kilometers, eliminating range anxiety. It ensures peace of mind for both long trips and daily use.
Driving the GL8陆尚 feels comfortable and smooth. The chassis lacks high-end features like air suspension and variable damping. However, Buick tunes the MacPherson and multi-link suspension well. It handles various road surfaces, from highways to country roads, asphalt to concrete. The tires and damping absorb most high-frequency and minor vibrations. This gives the chassis a smooth, fluid feel.
In cornering performance, the MPV, measuring over 5.2 meters and weighing nearly 2.3 tons, should appear honest and straightforward. However, Buick gives it unexpected vitality. The vehicle exhibits slight oversteer, but this feeling is not dangerous. It maintains enough margin, and grip does not drop sharply as body roll increases. This allows for gradual exploration. The larger steering wheel provides decent feedback, giving the GL8 Landmaster some handling fun in corners. If we ignore the rear passengers’ comfort, it can indeed offer the driver enjoyment not typically found in an MPV.
Summary: The Buick GL8 impressed me during the test drive. Its design is elegant and dynamic. The interior blends comfort and technology seamlessly. The flexible space meets diverse needs. The features prioritize safety and comfort. The performance excels, offering a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Its “True Dragon” hybrid system provides long range, low fuel consumption, and strong power, making it highly competitive in its class. Whether for business or family trips, the GL8 performs well. If you seek a mid-to-large MPV, the GL8 deserves your attention and a test drive.