With the 2024 Chengdu Auto Show recently kicking off, this annual automotive extravaganza has once again captured the attention of various industries. This year's exhibition features several new car debuts, giving attendees the chance to experience the vehicles up close. I noticed that the Buick brand from SAIC General Motors showcased several key models, attracting a large crowd, particularly the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV, one of the hot-selling items in the MPV market. Numerous car enthusiasts queued to experience it firsthand, and many new and returning customers placed orders on the spot.
Notably, Buick's booth at this auto show featured some creative displays, such as a simulated luxury business class experience centered around the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV, allowing attendees to enjoy dedicated reception services with “pilot” and “cabin crew” roles, as well as an “immersive” scene explanation. Furthermore, they could participate in an outdoor trial ride with an "aviation theme." In short, users were not merely passing through to glance at the cars but were able to intuitively feel the exhilarating power and comfortable driving experience offered by the electrified GL8.
The GL8 Shines with Positive Market Feedback
From the beginning, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV garnered significant attention, with numerous customers making blind orders and surpassing 10,000 orders within 72 hours of its launch. After starting deliveries, it received unanimous praise from owners and continued to attract a steady stream of orders. This auto show further showcased its impressive presence. Data indicates that in its first complete sales month in July, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV delivered strong market performance, helping the GL8 family rank at the top of large MPV sales lists.
Reports suggest that there are approximately 20,000 outstanding orders for the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV. The SAIC General Motors Pudong Jinqiao luxury car factory is ramping up production to shorten customer wait times while ensuring high-quality manufacturing, ensuring an orderly delivery of the new vehicle. With continuous order releases and the accumulation of favorable reviews, the sales of the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV are expected to keep climbing, effectively propelling the GL8 family into a stable growth trajectory.
Analyzing the order data reveals that 65% of the customers placing orders for the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV are private users, who tend to be younger males. The primary user group consists of small and medium-sized business owners, mid-to-senior management from large firms, and affluent families. Additionally, existing GL8 owners represent a significant source of customers upgrading their vehicles.
Looking at the distribution of orders, the majority are trade-ins, with over 60% of additional purchasing customers coming from luxury brand owners, indicating a trend toward a higher-end user demographic. Additionally, 53% of the customers represent new clientele, effectively attracting fresh interest in the brand.
Rich Benefits for First-time Buyers and Extra Trade-in Subsidies for Existing Owners
Currently, customers purchasing the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV can enjoy numerous valuable benefits. First-time buyers can take advantage of perks such as a maximum of 30,000 RMB exemption on purchase tax, a “cabin upgrade gift” worth up to 30,000 RMB, and lifetime warranty on the powertrain system for the first non-operational vehicle owner. Moreover, starting from the second year after the purchase, if they trade in the vehicle within five years, they could receive a 30,000 RMB residual value subsidy. Altogether, the first-time owners' benefits can add up to nearly 90,000 RMB. For existing GL8 owners, the incentives for trading in are equally substantial. In addition to receiving the same purchase tax exemption of 30,000 RMB and the lifetime powertrain warranty, they also qualify for the 30,000 RMB residual value subsidy when trading within the specified time frame, plus an additional 30,000 RMB upgrade allowance.
The new GL8 Land尊 PHEV's appeal in the market is due partly to its attractive purchasing policies and also to the recognition from both old GL8 owners and potential new buyers who appreciate the model's excellent product strength, outstanding quality, and exceptional reputation. In a time when every cent matters, these are the critical factors that resonate with customers.
Commercial and Family Uses Further Highlighted
The reason the GL8 remains ever popular, even leading to a winner-takes-all situation in the MPV market, is because it understands market demand well, knowing exactly what users want—whether for business receptions or family travel, the GL8 satisfies both needs seamlessly. The new GL8 Land尊 PHEV highlights the dual-use characteristic for commercial and family purposes in an even more pronounced manner.
In terms of dimensions, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV adheres to the principle of "user first," with its impressive dimensions of 5219 x 1878 x 1807 mm, ensuring a grand appearance while also matching national parking standards, aiming to provide the optimal solution for urban users.
The exterior design of the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV emphasizes a visual experience tailored for business use without being ostentatious for private owners. By integrating the essence of Eastern landscape aesthetics, modern aesthetics, and digital technology, it creates a design that is rich in character, depth, and layers. In terms of details, the new vehicle retains the consistent premium feel of the GL8 series, with the flush hidden door handles automatically popping out when users approach, balancing a sense of ceremony with visual appeal.
For passenger comfort, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV has once again raised the bar for MPV comfort. It features feather-light aviation seats with fully upgraded frame, materials, and functions, with a newly thickened backrest that conforms almost 90% to the human body; the class-leading Surflex slow-rebound comfort layer provides both support and a plush feel; the 5mm silk wool and 8mm breathable foam composite layer enhances breathability and skin-friendliness. Additionally, the seats support six-way adjustable aviation headrests, four-way powered lumbar support, powered leg rests, three-stage heating and ventilation, and eight-point massage adjustable in three settings to make every journey more comfortable.
Moreover, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV incorporates a rarely seen executive folding island table that includes a temperature-controlled compartment, cup holders, and wireless charging, with a maximum sliding distance of 260mm to facilitate access for rear passengers while maximizing the aisle space in the front. The overhead-design 15.6-inch smart monitor in the rear compartment supports manual adjustments from 0 to 135 degrees and five levels of powered adjustment, offering multiple control modes including touch, Bluetooth, and remote control, transforming it into a mobile video conference room and car cinema.
In a time when consumers are especially concerned about intelligence and technology, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV also keeps pace with the times, equipped with a fully upgraded VCS intelligent cockpit that can upgrade the AI voice assistant through OTA. The system can accurately respond to user needs and, combined with an extensive digital content ecosystem, delivers an enhanced smart interaction experience. Soon, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV will undergo extensive OTA updates, further enhancing the intelligent cabin and driving experience, while high-end models will introduce the NOP smart piloting feature for Level 2+ intelligent driving assistance, offering users a more relaxed and safer premium travel experience.
Power and endurance are the standout features of the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV. It features a next-generation PHEV intelligent hybrid system from SAIC General Motors, encompassing a 1.5T hybrid engine, an all-new self-developed hybrid electric drive unit from Pan-Asia Automotive Technology Center, and a new generation of hybrid batteries from Aultner, utilizing industry-leading triple AI smart control algorithms. This ensures excellent performance in terms of acceleration, driving quality, and battery safety across all scenarios and lifecycles, achieving true "all-condition streamlined performance." In terms of parameters, the vehicle boasts an impressive 292 kW combined power and 580 N·m combined torque, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds and 80-120 km/h overtake acceleration in 5.2 seconds, showcasing strong power. Simultaneously, the CLTC working condition combined driving range reaches up to 1,370 km, effectively alleviating users' range anxiety regarding new energy MPV models.
In Closing
As a rare “evergreen” model in the Chinese automotive market, the Buick GL8 has undergone five generations of development over 20 years, earning the trust and recognition of over 1.8 million users. Meanwhile, the GL8 remains closely aligned with the era’s background, firmly focusing on user needs while continually raising the standards of luxury and comfort in MPVs. In this new era of electrification and intelligent connectivity, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV has emerged to further enhance noble comfort genes, elevating product strength and quality and establishing a new benchmark for MPVs. Together with the times, leading the market forward, the new GL8 Land尊 PHEV is once again writing a legendary narrative in the MPV market with its profound heritage and formidable competitiveness, setting the stage for a new “phenomenal” masterpiece.