The fierce competition in the new energy market has rapidly spread from the traditional sedan and SUV to other markets, and MPV, especially the mid-to-high-end MPV, is a new focus of competition among car companies in recent years. From the original Buick GL8, which was only a standout, to the influx of a large number of new players such as the hybrid Denza D9, VOYAH Dreamer, and Wei brand Gaoshan, and then to the pure electric Xpeng X9, Ideal MEGA, and ZEEKR 009, the degree of involution is also increasing. Among them, the oldest Buick GL8 is finally about to step into the battlefield of new energy.
The GL8 Luzun PHEV version, which landed at the Beijing Auto Show, is also the first shot shot of the transformation of mainstream models to plug-in hybrids by the entire Buick brand and even the entire GM Group. According to Buick's latest official guide price, the price range of 359,900 yuan to 419,900 yuan has been-for-tat with domestic competitors of the same level such as Denza D9 and VOYAH Dreamer. In the face of many domestic new energy MPV products, how competitive is it? Today, let's take a look.
The plug-in hybrid system equipped with this new GL8 can be said to be the key to everyone's attention. According to the official data, this system is self-developed by SAIC-GM in the full stack, using its own signature Ecotec 1.5T engine with Miller cycle technology, and the structure will adopt a very classic P1+P3 dual-motor series-parallel scheme, and is equipped with a plug-in hybrid special battery supported by its own well-known Autoneng platform. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been increased by 15% to around 8.5 seconds. The combined power of the system will reach 292kW, the fuel consumption of the feed will reach the level of 6.97L/100km, and the CLTC comprehensive range will reach 1370km, which is also its biggest selling point. On the whole, its parameters on paper are still quite competitive.
However, GL8's current transformation has not been smooth sailing. Jiang Ge believes that there are two main problems that the new GL8 needs to overcome:
First, the market persuasion of the general plug-in hybrid system
The Autoneng platform is already a business card of General Motors, but the three-electric technology of the Autoneng platform is basically concentrated on Buick E4/E5 and Cadillac IQ series models. In the plug-in hybrid market, which is closer to gasoline vehicles, GM has been absent in the mainstream market for a long time.
However, in fact, GM is not uninvolved in the plug-in hybrid market. On the contrary, GM is a player that has been involved in the new energy market for a long time. Those who are more familiar with GM may have heard of a model called the VELITE 5, or its sibling, the Chevrolet Volt. As GM's earliest plug-in hybrid model, this car used to have a high reputation in the industry. However, this car was born at the wrong time, coupled with the limitations of its own product positioning, it failed to further help GM open up its popularity in the new energy market.
After the discontinuation of the VELITE 5, GM experienced a long period of gap, resulting in today's GL8 PHEV having to re-prove itself in the plug-in hybrid market that has been occupied.
Second, the absolute market position of GL8 itself is being leveraged
Today's MPV market is no longer a market that can be easily dominated by simply changing the powertrain and taking the new energy route. After the influx of many domestic new cars, the competition of configuration and price has become white-hot. In addition to the powertrain with low fuel consumption and high endurance, the competition in driving assistance, intelligent cockpit and chassis technologies is also constantly escalating, such as the DM-i technology of the Denza D9, the intelligent driving ability of the Xpeng X9, the CDC electronic vibration reduction of the VOYAH Dreamer, and the intelligent cockpit and 5C battery of the Ideal MEGA, all of which are constantly refreshing the original consumer group's perception of MPV.
GL8's market share is being eaten away by them little by little. Among them, competing products such as the Denza D9 with strong brand endorsements have even achieved annual sales of more than 100,000 at the same level as GL8. On the other hand, GL8, taking last year's performance as an example, has an annual sales volume of about 140,000 units, of which the high-end Century series accounts for only about 20,000 units, and its own market level has been very violently impacted.
Therefore, GL8's once absolute dominant position has now been impacted by the joint impact of many independent brand new cars. Of course, the price of the new car has made enough sincerity, coupled with the reputation left by the previous years of deep cultivation in the commercial market, if it can retain those interested buyers who are considering switching from traditional fuel vehicles to new energy, GL8 will still maintain a strong fighting force. Do you think the GL8 will be able to maintain its status in the future? Welcome to pay attention to "Boundless Car Domain" and actively leave a message to share your views.