Speaking of one of the most popular independent SUV models in recent years, I believe that GAC Trumpchi GS8 must bear the brunt of it, since the first generation of models was launched in 2017, it has led the market trend of medium-sized SUVs with continuous monthly sales of more than 10,000. In addition, as a model that Trumpchi opened up to the high domestic end market, the first generation of GS8 was also exported to Russia, the Middle East and other regions in the following time, and was deeply trusted and affirmed by consumers at home and abroad.
However, the success of a model will certainly bring higher requirements to the design and development of the next generation of products. But for GAC Trumpchi, this is both a challenge and a legacy.
In October this year, the second generation of the new GS8 officially ushered in pre-sale, and within 12 days of announcing the pre-sale price, it created more than 5,000 orders, and its strength should not be underestimated. The small editor test drive is the two-wheel drive premium version (7-seater) model, the official guidance price of 205,800. So, can this new GS8, which was once known as gaga Trumpchi's "god-sealing" work, be expected? We'll find out for you next.
Appearance: majestic atmosphere, high-end design language has become a freeze frame
In the past, the ancients often used "blue out of blue is better than blue" to describe the improvement of realm and ability, and this is also true for Trumpchi GS8. While the exterior design of the previous generation was enough to amaze the world, as its successor, the new GS8 is more like a gentleman in a tuxedo, which is fascinating.
From the appearance point of view, the new car still continues the boxy design tone of the previous generation, and the tough appearance highlights a strong "hormone" atmosphere. It is worth noting that the body size of the new GS8 has reached 4980mm*1950mm*1780mm, which is a circle larger than the Toyota Highlander.
As we all know, the second generation of GS8 launched two sets of front face shapes for the fuel version and the hybrid version at the time of release, and the two-wheel drive premium version of the test drive adopted the "spread wing" grille specially created for the fuel version, elegant and stylish. Armor-like chrome trim stretches to the sides around the logo, while the slightly upward bulging hood makes the new GS8 look more powerful.
On both sides of the "Spread Wings" grille, is the new Trumpchi GS8 "Eye of Conquest" headlights, four matrix LED lights neatly arranged inside the light cavity, even in the daytime, the visual effect is also very shocking. And the four LED light sources are equipped with chrome covers, which will slowly open when unlocking the vehicle, just like a newly awakened "giant" opening his eyes, which is endlessly evocative.
It is worth mentioning that in order to further open up the young market, the new GS8 test drive is also equipped with a lamp language function. After nightfall, just control it through the large central control screen in the car, and the two headlights can follow the dynamic music rhythm flickering, so that you can also feel the fun of "bungee" when you are gathering with friends outdoors.
Compared with the image of the first generation of models with some "rough big man", the new GS8 is obviously much more exquisite in the treatment of the side face. The flat and stable design is just right, and the addition of a large number of geometric straight elements further highlights the luxurious aura of the new GS8, which gives people a "Land Rover" flavor from a distance.
A large number of chrome trims have also been added to the rearview mirrors, waistline and under the doors, as well as the privacy glass of the rear. It can be seen that the new GS8 no longer pursues a hard-core style, but integrates refinement and luxury into the exterior design, effectively improving the sense of product exclusivity.
At the rear of the vehicle, the changes of the new GS8 are not too big, and largely retain the calm design style of the current model. Inside the vertical taillights, the new car adopts an "H-type" light source design, with a more three-dimensional geometric lampshade, which effectively improves the recognition of the vehicle at night.
Interior: The collision of luxury and technology is endlessly evocative
In the past, we have witnessed the luxury and style of Mercedes-Benz, and also witnessed Audi's high-tech cockpit design. So, what should luxury that belongs to its own brand look like? Perhaps the new GS8 has already given the answer.
Inside the car, the through-the-wall center console design makes the cockpit of the new GS8 look more simple, while the addition of a large number of silver brushed panels and black piano paint allows technology and luxury to blend, like the intersection of modern and future time and space.
In terms of materials, the appearance of a large number of high-grade leather materials can immediately attract your attention, and at the same time, at the door panel and the central armrest box, a dark green match similar to the appearance is adopted, which effectively highlights the sense of grade.
Luxury is because every detail can bring surprises. When night falls, the multi-colored mood light hidden in the center console will automatically light up, and the exclusive logo of "GS8" will also appear on the piano paint panel of the co-pilot, which is more pleasing to the eye against the neon lights.
In this era of rapid development of networking, the center console of the new GS8 adopts more "de-key" design elements, and a 14.6-inch large LCD screen integrates voice assistant, multimedia and navigation and other functional controls. Built-in ADiOG intelligent IoT system, and also support the late OTA upgrade, so that vehicle-related functions to achieve "common and constantly new", to further improve the playability of the car.
In the actual experience, the operation logic of this central screen is also worthy of recognition, the secondary page has been further simplified, and it is basically not difficult to get started. But the fly in the ointment is that too large screens are also easy to leave fingerprints and need to be cleaned frequently, which is also a common problem for many of today's car screens.
The 12.3-inch LCD meter is also different from the old mechanical dashboard, and the display effect is very delicate, even comparable to the current mainstream car-making new forces such as Weilai and Ideal. In addition to being able to project conventional driving information, it also provides a variety of display themes, and drivers can switch between different modes according to their own needs.
The HUD head-up shows that it is not a new configuration for domestic cars of this level. However, the new GS8 adds a 3D augmented reality stereoscopic display function similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on the basis of the conventional head-up display, which is what we call the naked-eye 3D effect. This display effect can be activated in the case of navigation, lane departure, etc., providing the driver with a more accurate hint of road information.
In addition, the new Trumpchi GS8 is also equipped with the unique Alpine sound system of the same class, and the whole car is equipped with 10 stereo speakers, bringing more powerful surround sound. However, for the Chinese, the brand of Alpe may be very unfamiliar, but as a representative of japanese high-end audio, Alpine audio has been widely used in brands such as Acura and Chrysler in the past, which can be said to be a very competitive configuration.
The design of the vehicle seats is inspired by the armor of ancient generals, and the diamond-shaped stitch pattern once again enhances the luxurious aura. The large, soft design of the sofa envelops you, ergonomically and comfortably. On the side of the passenger seat, the new GS8 is also equipped with an exclusive boss button, which fully takes care of the feelings of the rear passengers.
In the past, for a 7-seater model, the comfort of the third row of seats was often the focus of attention. Thanks to the 4980mm length and 2920mm wheelbase, the leg space of the third row of the new GS8 is not cramped, although the sitting posture is slightly stiff, but after actual experience, the 172-tall Xiaobian can still sit in the third row very calmly.
Power: More stable output tuning
In the power part, the new GS8 brings a total of fuel and hybrid drive methods. The hybrid version adopts a combination of 2.0TM + Toyota THS electric drive system, while the fuel version of the test drive is equipped with a Julang power 2.0 DGI turbocharged engine that can be called "the strongest 2.0T in China".
According to the book data, the Julang 2.0DGI engine has an output of 252 hp, a maximum power of 185 kW, and a peak torque of up to 400 Nm, which is much higher than the highlander, which is much higher than the same competitor Highlander. Matched with this is a Aisin 8AT gearbox.
At the beginning of the acceleration, the new GS8 gave a very calm response and a gentle throttle tuning, making it difficult for you to guess that this is a 252-horsepower "suit thug". At the same time, in order to take care of the driving habits of female owners, the new GS8 is also equipped with 5 levels of adjustable throttle, the first level is the softest (sluggish), the sensitivity is increased in turn, and the fifth level is the lightest option. However, according to the field experience, even if the throttle response is adjusted to the highest level, the acceleration of the new GS8 is still linear and will not give you too much driving experience.
As the speed increases, the characteristics of the new GS8's high horsepower will slowly appear. This 2.0 GDI engine can continuously provide the driver with abundant power, while the 8AT transmission also greatly improves the smoothness of the new GS8, and the right time to change gears makes every acceleration seem calm.
In addition, in terms of sound insulation, the new GS8 has also been greatly improved. When the speed exceeds 80 km / h, the interior of the car can still maintain a high level of quietness, engine noise, tire noise and wind noise do not have much impact on comfort, so people can also feel very comfortable when cruising at high speeds.
Auto network review: GS8 fills the gap of 200,000 domestic high-end SUVs
In the past, the high-end medium and large SUV market has always been the world of joint venture brands, and models such as Toyota Highlander and Honda Guandao have long formed a "monopoly" trend. But the general selling price of more than 300,000 also limits the audience rate of medium and large SUVs. Obviously, at this time, a model with unique cost performance and appearance is what the market really needs.
The second-generation Trumpchi GS8 is also at this outlet. Judging from the situation of this test drive, the new GS8 has well captured people's needs for appearance, while the unique interior design has also allowed the luxury gene to be inherited, and in terms of price, it has formed a sharp contrast with the joint venture brand.
But then again, as a medium-sized SUV with both luxury and technology, can the new GS8 become a hit among independent brands in the future? Everyone is welcome to leave their opinions in the comments section.