Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version is three years behind, can it counterattack Denza D9?
In recent years, the new energy vehicle market has been surging, and major car companies have joined the new energy camp. In the MPV segment, independent brands have taken the lead in launching a variety of new energy models, such as the Denza D9 and the VOYAH Dreamer, to seize the opportunity. The joint venture brand Buick launched a plug-in hybrid version of the GL8, although it was unveiled late, but with the Buick brand influence and the space advantage of medium and large MPVs, it may be able to occupy a place in this market segment.
The development of the new energy vehicle market is inseparable from the strong support of policies. In recent years, the state has introduced a series of favorable policies such as purchase tax reduction and exemption and subsidy policies, which have greatly promoted the popularization of new energy vehicles. In such an environment, major car companies have joined the new energy camp and launched various new energy models to seize market share.
In the MPV segment, domestic brands are the first to enter the market. DENZA Auto launched the D9, which is positioned as a high-end new energy MPV, with a price of 349,800-660,000 yuan. The car adopts pure electric drive, accelerates to 100 kilometers in only 4.9 seconds, and the cruising range is up to 600 kilometers, with excellent power output and driving performance. The D9 also offers two seating layouts, 7 and 9 seats, with spacious space to meet the needs of different users.
In addition to the Denza D9, VOYAH also launched the Dreamer new energy MPV. The car adopts a plug-in hybrid system, with a pure electric range of 120 kilometers and a fuel consumption of only 1.3L/100km under comprehensive working conditions, which can meet the needs of daily commuting and short-distance travel. The design style of the Dreamer is young and fashionable, and it is positioned as an urban new energy family MPV, with a price range of 20-300,000 yuan, which is more affordable than the Denza D9.
In addition to its own brands, joint venture brands have also joined the battle of new energy MPVs. For example, Buick launched the GL8 plug-in hybrid version, although it was unveiled late, but with the Buick brand influence and the space advantage of medium and large MPVs, it may be able to occupy a place in this market segment.
The positioning of the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version may be different from that of high-end new energy MPVs such as the Denza D9. The Denza D9 is positioned as a high-end product, with a price of 349,800-660,000 yuan, while the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version is expected to have a starting price of 200,000 yuan, and the top model may exceed 300,000 yuan, but the mainstream model is still around 200,000 yuan, which is similar to the price range of the fuel version of the Buick GL8. The price positioning of the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version may be lower than that of high-end new energy MPVs such as the Denza D9.
Although the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version was launched late, as a medium and large MPV, it may have certain advantages in terms of riding space and practicality. The advantages of new energy MPVs lie in abundant power, long mileage, and environmental protection. If the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version performs well in these aspects, combined with the Buick brand influence, it may be able to occupy a place in the medium and large new energy MPV market.
When it comes to the product strength of the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version, we have to mention its space advantage as a medium and large MPV. Compared with small models, medium and large MPVs have obvious advantages in ride space and trunk space, which can meet the needs of large families or long-distance travel.
In addition to being spacious, mid-to-large MPVs are also more flexible in terms of seat layout. For example, the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version is expected to provide 6/7/8 seat layout options, and the row and third row seats can be adjusted to move forward or fold down, which greatly improves the utilization of space. Medium and large MPVs are usually equipped with independent suspension for better ride comfort.
As a new energy model, the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version must also have excellent performance in terms of power output and mileage. At present, most of the new energy MPVs on the market adopt pure electric or plug-in hybrid drive mode, and the acceleration of 100 kilometers is mostly about 5-7 seconds, and the mileage under comprehensive working conditions is between 400-600 kilometers.
Taking the DENZA D9 as an example, it is equipped with a three-motor four-wheel drive system, with a maximum power of 405kW, an acceleration of 100 kilometers in only 4.9 seconds, and a range of up to 600 kilometers. Although the VOYAH Dreamer uses a plug-in hybrid system, its all-electric range has reached 120 kilometers, which can meet the needs of daily commuting and short-distance travel.
If the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version wants to occupy a place in the medium and large new energy MPV market, the performance of power output and mileage is very important. If it can be equal to or even better than models such as the Denza D9 and the VOYAH Dreamer, combined with the Buick brand influence and the space advantage of medium and large MPVs, I believe it will definitely win the favor of consumers.
In addition to power and aviation, intelligent configuration is also a major selling point of new energy models. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, various intelligent assisted driving systems, voice control systems, and in-vehicle entertainment systems have emerged, which have greatly improved the driving experience.
Taking the DENZA D9 as an example, it is equipped with the ADiGO 4.0 intelligent driving system, including intelligent navigation, intelligent voice control, intelligent in-vehicle entertainment and other functions, which can realize gesture control, voice control and other operations, which greatly improves the driving convenience. The D9 is also equipped with a 5G in-vehicle communication system, which can realize functions such as remote control and OTA upgrades.
It remains to be seen whether the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version can compete with models such as the Denza D9 in terms of intelligent configuration. As a medium and large MPV, the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version may be able to make a breakthrough in the in-car entertainment system and provide passengers with a richer entertainment experience.
For example, it can be equipped with a large LCD TV screen, surround sound system, game console, etc., so that long journeys are no longer boring. The Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version can also provide intelligent seat ventilation and heating, air purification and other configurations to improve ride comfort.
The intelligent driving assistance system is also an indispensable part of the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, etc., all help to improve driving safety and reduce the operating burden on the driver.
Although the Buick GL8 plug-in hybrid version was launched late, it still has a certain chance of winning in the medium and large new energy MPV market by virtue of the space advantage of medium and large MPVs, Buick brand influence and reasonable price positioning. It needs to have excellent performance in terms of power output, mileage, intelligent configuration, etc., in order to win the favor of consumers and compete with high-end new energy MPVs such as Denza D9.