GAC GN8 2.0T Luxury
Easily one of the most sought-after modes of transport of late is the luxury minivan. It’s evident with the frequent presence of examples like the Toyota Alphard, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, or Lexus LM on the road.
It’s not surprising why many well-to-do owners have opted for this over the SUV. The minivan offers a more comfortable ride, unparalleled legroom, even more space, and captain chairs that would be impossible to fit in an SUV. What better way to spend the time stuck in traffic?
Chances are, many buyers will opt for the models from Toyota, Lexus, or Mercedes-Benz. Yet this example from GAC makes a much more compelling case.
GAC is certainly up to date when it comes to style. The GN8 boasts of a massive grille, large LED headlights, distinct LED daytime running lamps, and even a sporty body kit. Along the side, are distinct character lines, large windows, and even the rail of the sliding door has been carefully hidden. Behind is a full-width LED taillight. The sporty bodykit is also continued with vertical wings that creep up the rear bumper.
The same bold styling carried over inside the cabin. The GN8 features power sliding doors on both sides. They also have power windows on each door. As expected in this level of minivan, the second row features captain’s seats. The third row features a broad bench for three passengers.
The captain’s seats feature a wide variety of functions like sliding fore and aft, a reclining backrest and even ottoman. These are all adjusted with controls hidden into the armrest. There’s also a moon roof just above this row to let more light in. These are easily the best seats in the vehicle, making those seated here truly feel like kings.
Those in the third row will find wide bench seat that can seat three adults in a pinch. There are padded armrests built into the side of the cabin. This bench also has a 60-40 split fold function if more cargo space is needed.
While it may seem the car was designed for the second row passengers, the driver’s seat isn’t quite so bad either. This seat provides a commanding view of the road and is quite comfortable on long rides. Ahead of the driver is a twin dial setup with a digital display in the center. Both sliding doors and tailgate can be operated from the front, freeing the passengers of that responsibility. Much of the center console’s controls are quite easy to understand and intuitive to use unlike many of the more modern competitors that bury the functions in touchscreen menus. Still, the center gets a large touchscreen entertainment system that can pipe in music from a variety of sources.
Its size may make it seem daunting to drive, but it actually takes just a light touch. The various automatic functions are to thank for that, such as power seat adjustment, automatic headlights and wiper, and entertainment controls on the steering wheel. At night and in inclement weather, the very bright headlights, large windshield, and great visibility make it a delight to drive.
On the road, its steering is very light, making drives easier. Despite having just a 2.0-liter turbo for an engine, it’s more than adequate, even with a full load of passengers. It picks up speed quickly and maintains it with little effort. That’s because the engine produces 199-PS and 320- Nm torque. It’s then paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s even a manual mode via buttons on the gear stick.
The GN8 is also surprisingly efficient. It can manage between 8 km/l in the city and 13-14 km/L on the highway.
Priced at P2,958,000, the GN8 is a van that has presence, and offers comparable luxury features and just as comfortable a ride as its more upscale competitors. It’s truly a surprise why there aren’t more of these on the road. The competition should certainly be worried.