Once, MPVs offered comfort but caused headaches. The comfort is clear. The headache came from limited choices. In the 200,000 to 300,000 range, options were just GL8 and Odyssey. In the 100,000 range, only Wuling and Baojun were available. Today, the entry-level market remains unchanged, but mid to high-end options have expanded. Recently, the Gaoshan family added new members. After the Gaoshan 7, the larger Gaoshan 8 and Gaoshan 9 began pre-sales. When comparing them to the Denza D9, Lantu Dreamer, GL8 Hybrid, and Toyota Sienna, what advantages and disadvantages do the Gaoshan 8 and 9 have? Are they worth choosing?
If you noticed this new car, it must have some appealing advantages. We will discuss those later. First, let’s talk about its shortcomings. In other words, if you can accept these downsides, then the new series from Gaoshan is indeed suitable for you.
The shortcomings mainly revolve around the long-discussed topic of cost-performance ratio. In this regard, the older High Mountain series clearly suffers. The old High Mountain 7, priced from 315,800 yuan (43640$) and just over 5 meters long, faces challenges against competitors like the Tengshi D9. Its size puts it at a disadvantage. The new series aims to address this issue. The starting price of 329,800 yuan (45570$) is not much higher than before. However, the High Mountain 8 measures 5.2 meters, and the High Mountain 9 exceeds 5.4 meters.
In other words, if we discuss the entire Mountain series, we should note that the old models are not worth buying. It’s best to scout the second-hand market. The larger, updated Mountain 8 and 9 have launched. Old owners who didn’t get a discount will face disappointment. We must also pay attention to the resale value of new models.
After discussing the most noticeable drawback of the current Gaoshan series, let’s talk about the improvements in Gaoshan 8 and Gaoshan 9. The new models feature an optimized power system. They now use a 4-speed DHT transmission. The 1.5T engine also sees a slight power increase. The pure electric range improved from 75, 140, and 170 kilometers to 172 and 201 kilometers. Overall, the most significant improvement in power is the increased range.
The new Gaoshan features coffee driving assistance. Both Gaoshan 8 and 9 come with lidar. They offer standard features beyond urban navigation. With a starting price of 329,800 yuan (45570$), they join the ranks of popular driving assistance systems.
The refrigerator, sofa, and TV parts include standard car refrigerators in models 8 and 9. The previous 27-inch screen splits into a 15.6-inch central control screen and a 15.6-inch passenger screen. The seats in the first two rows still offer ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The third row also has heating and ventilation. The sound system changed from Harman Kardon to an unbranded version. However, the number of speakers increased from 20 to 23.
Regarding product appeal, we must discuss aesthetics. Previously, this was not a weakness for Gaoshan, but its plain design led many to choose other popular models. The Gaoshan 8 and 9 now feature a more striking front end. The rear lights are brighter, and the body quality and craftsmanship have improved significantly. However, note that the recent showcase featured display models. The production vehicles may differ in paint quality and craftsmanship. Comparing with many competitors mentioned earlier, the Gaoshan 8 and 9 show significant improvements over the old models. The pre-sale price of 330,000 likely offers better value. In terms of ranking, the Gaoshan has clear advantages over most rivals, including coffee intelligence, new styling, and larger dimensions in higher trims. However, when considering the overall package, the new Gaoshan, despite its improvements, does not reach top-tier standards when compared to the Lantu Dreamer, which features double wishbone suspension, Huawei intelligence, and air springs.
Notably, besides the Gaoshan 8 and 9, the Gaoshan 7 may also launch a new model based on the configuration list. The new Gaoshan has improvements, but it does not fully maximize its product strength. For users who prioritize cost-effectiveness or seek a vehicle around 5 meters, the new Gaoshan 7 deserves attention as an entry-level option. It could significantly impact Gaoshan series sales. After understanding the product’s pros and cons, will you consider the Gaoshan as a new choice in the 300,000 price range?