On September 23, with the rollout of a brand-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV from the luxury vehicle plant of SAIC General Motors, the Buick MPV family reached yet another milestone: both production and sales have exceeded 2 million units. Meanwhile, the Buick GL8 has become the first model series in the domestic high-end MPV market to achieve this feat, further showcasing its leading position in the industry.
Looking at the recent market performance, the GL8 achieved a terminal sales figure of 9,974 units in August, setting a new single-month sales record for the year and ranking prominently among large MPVs in sales. From January to August, the cumulative terminal sales of the GL8 reached 60,886 units, maintaining its lead in the large MPV segment. As we entered September, market demand for the GL8 remained robust, showing double-digit week-on-week growth for several consecutive weeks, demonstrating its strong market appeal.
The all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV showcases enhanced power and quality, revealing its strong sales potential
In an era that values both existing and incremental growth, the GL8 has become unstoppable in the market, achieving dual improvements in sales and reputation, and has effectively charted a path toward high-quality upward development. This success is attributed not only to the enduring support for the fuel version of the GL8 but also to the steady impact of the brand-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV. Particularly since its delivery began in June, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV has experienced unprecedented demand, with current backorders exceeding 20,000 units. In response, the manufacturer is making every effort to ensure high-quality and orderly deliveries, fully meeting user needs.
Analyzing the user demographics of the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV reveals some positive signals and favorable trends. Recent data shows that nearly 60% of users are private consumers, surpassing business users. Most people opt for the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV as a second family vehicle to complement their existing luxury brand cars, catering to a more diversified set of high-quality travel needs. Additionally, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV has attracted numerous new energy vehicle customers, including Tesla owners, expanding into a broader market space.
In my view, whether it’s the fuel version of the GL8 or the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV, both models effectively showcase the "suitable for business and family" trait, proving to be MPV products that truly understand the needs of Chinese consumers. More importantly, the GL8 has never stopped its evolutionary process, continually expanding into niche markets and enriching the MPV experience to meet the high-quality travel demands of consumers across different eras.
Take the currently popular new energy MPV model — the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV — as an example. It is built on SAIC General Motors' exclusive electric hybrid MPV architecture and features the new generation PHEV intelligent electric hybrid system, effectively addressing the pain points of current hybrid products, such as decreased power when battery is low, inconsistent driving quality, and safety risks related to batteries. In terms of range, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV boasts a comprehensive CLTC range of up to 1,370 kilometers. Its performance has been outstanding in tests conducted by various media and users, easily exceeding 1,000 kilometers on highways. With its powerful efficiency, solid range capability, and ultra-low fuel consumption, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV provides a comprehensive solution for all travel conditions, allowing users to travel with greater ease.
Furthermore, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV features a fresh family design style, creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere. It also includes several premium configurations and high-sensitivity technologies, such as the new feather-like aviation seats, the only dynamic island concierge in its class, and a 15.6-inch smart ceiling screen in the rear cabin, enhancing its premium feel. Whether it’s the high-end materials and craftsmanship, comfort during travel, or user-friendly interactive features, the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV has received widespread appreciation from both the market and customers. The new vehicle is set to undergo large-scale OTA updates, significantly enhancing the smart cabin and driving experience, while higher-spec models will activate the NOP intelligent navigation feature, providing users with a more relaxed and safer first-class travel experience.
Each era is writing a legend for MPVs
Looking back at history, since its rollout in 1999, the GL8 has undergone 25 years and six generations of deep accumulation and innovative evolution, successfully transcending cycles and becoming a phenomenal product in the MPV market. Whether in business receptions, family trips, or social gatherings, the active presence of the GL8 has vividly illustrated its evergreen image in the automotive world.
The GL8 can be seen as a pioneer, leader, and standard-setter in the MPV market. Behind the 2 million units of the Buick GL8 family lie countless travel scenarios and vehicle needs from households and industries across China. “Every advancement of the era is because someone explores new territories and shares it with others.” Upholding this philosophy, Buick aims to share the successful experiences accumulated over 25 years and six generations of GL8's evolution through the “Eight Golden Principles of MPVs,” promoting not only its evolution but also the overall development of the industry.
The eight golden principles cover several core areas, including comfort, spaciousness, intelligent technology, safety quality, and durability. By establishing multi-dimensional standards such as non-rocking comfort during travel, a safety-centric intelligent security architecture, top-tier range efficiency, and comfortable seating for both short and long journeys, these principles serve as an excellent model for the MPV market.
Based on these eight golden principles, Buick will continue to focus on breakthroughs and upgrades in electrification, comfort experiences, and intelligent technologies, covering diverse driving forms including fuel, hybrid, and pure electric, while expanding the range of use scenarios and continuously refreshing the standards for MPV travel in the intelligent electric era.
In conclusion
The Chinese automotive market has seen blockbuster hits or best-sellers at every stage of its development, but products like the Buick GL8 that have consistently delivered stable market performance for over 20 years are quite rare. As a pioneer, leader, and standard-setter among domestic MPV models, the GL8 has not only achieved the legendary status of “defining a market with one model” but also leads in aspects such as ownership, market share, residual value, and reputation within the industry. With the all-new GL8 Landmaster PHEV marking a new height and starting point, Buick GL8 is focusing on market and user needs, as well as industry and technological development trends, making comprehensive advancements in product strength, quality, and experience, and embarking on a new journey towards intelligent electric mobility for MPVs.
