The GAC Trumpchi GS8 is a mid-size D-segment SUV under GAC Motor's Trumpchi brand, serving as the marque's flagship offering to spearhead its push into the premium market. First launched in 2016, the original GS8 swiftly established itself as a benchmark among Chinese mid-size SUVs, courtesy of its commanding styling and class-transcending specifications. The core lineup currently on sale is the 2025 Pilot Series of the second-generation model (introduced in 2021), offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations with a choice of 5-, 6-, and 7-seater layouts. The 2025 5-seater Luxury Edition carries an official retail price of RM159,800, whilst the 4WD Edition is priced at RM172,800, with showroom discounts hovering around RM15,000. Positioned above the Trumpchi GS4, the GS8 previously broke the monopoly of non-national joint-venture brands in the mid-size SUV segment on the strength of solid market reputation, clinching first place in three-year residual value among Chinese domestic mid-size SUVs for four consecutive years.
The GS8 embraces the "Star Diamond Rhombus Shadow" design language, anchored on the aesthetic philosophy of "rugged on the outside, refined on the inside". The range offers two distinctive front grille designs: the "Soaring Wing" features an octagonal waterfall chrome grille that exudes an understated, stately presence tailored for the Pilot Series; the Dual Engine hybrid gets the exclusive "Dragon Scale Wing" with a radiating diamond matrix layout for a significantly more aggressive and dynamic look. The world-first "Conquering Eye" headlamp assembly features an opening and closing cover mechanism housing eight LED light units, delivering exceptional visual signature at night. Down the flanks, the profile is clean yet muscular, highlighted by a floating roof design, crisp waistlines, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the vertically stacked crystal diamond LED taillight clusters mirror the bold front lighting signature. Dimension-wise, the GS8 measures 4,980 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a generous 2,920 mm wheelbase—representing a substantial increase of 145 mm in length and 120 mm in wheelbase over its predecessor. Inside, the cabin adopts a "Luxury Tech Cabin" layout, generously appointed with soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and brushed metallic trim. The exquisitely crafted crystal electronic gear selector stands out prominently, while the newly introduced Stardew Brown interior colour scheme delivers a noticeable uplift in cabin ambience and perceived quality.
The GS8 is available in both pure petrol and hybrid powertrains. The 2025 Pilot Series is powered by GAC's proprietary Mega Waves Power 2.0T GDI high-output four-cylinder turbocharged engine, equipped with high-pressure direct injection technology. It churns out a maximum output of 185 kW (252 PS) and a peak torque of 400 Nm across a broad torque band from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm, delivering punchy throttle response. This unit is paired with an Aisin third-generation 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission (8AT), offering seamless gear shifts, relaxed low-rpm cruising capability, and a commendable balance between spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Top speed is rated at 210 km/h. Meanwhile, the Dual Engine Hybrid version utilizes Toyota's fourth-generation THS hybrid architecture, pairing a 2.0T engine (190 PS) with an electric motor to achieve an impressive fuel economy rating of 5.31 L/100 km under NEDC testing and 5.93 L/100 km under WLTC cycles.
Underpinning the GS8 is GAC's GPMA modular architecture (L platform), engineered to accommodate petrol, HEV, and PHEV powertrains. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut setup and a rear multi-link independent suspension. Equipped with dual hydraulic subframe mounts and high-performance shock absorber valving, body roll is effectively reined in, yielding an overall 24% improvement in ride comfort over the previous generation—effortlessly soaking up minor road vibrations whilst managing major undulations with poise and composure. The electric power steering works in tandem with the AVDC Shadow Driver adaptive dynamics system, which bundles up to 16 driving programmes to automatically read road conditions and modulate power delivery, effectively mitigating any unwieldy feel from its nearly five-metre body. Higher-spec 4WD variants come equipped with BorgWarner's sixth-generation on-demand 4WD system alongside a torque management unit, featuring dedicated selectable drive modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Snow, and Mud.
In terms of in-cabin digital tech, the GS8 comes standard across the range with a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chip to ensure slick, lag-free operation. The system runs the ADiGO 4.0 intelligent connectivity ecosystem, supporting AutoNavi connected navigation, intelligent voice control, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and mobile app remote telematics (enabling remote engine start, cabin pre-cooling, door unlock, and more). Audiophiles can also opt for an Alpine premium audio system upgrade for RM3,000. On the comfort front, higher-tier variants feature ventilated and heated front seats, reclining rear seatbacks, a panoramic glass sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel; the optional luxury seating package further adds massage functions for the front occupants, heated second-row seats, and a front-passenger "boss button" switch. Practicality-wise, a 7-seater configuration (2+3+2) comes standard, with the second row offering extensive fore-and-aft sliding and backrest angle adjustment. The 5-seater variant provides an expansive 930 mm of rear legroom, a 863-litre standard boot volume, and up to 1,859 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded flat.
The GS8 is equipped with the ADiGO Pilot advanced driver assistance suite, delivering full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Standard driver aids across the lineup encompass Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW). The full-speed ACC delivers smooth, progressive acceleration and braking during convoy driving and reacts decisively to sudden cut-ins; its multi-sensor fusion architecture also enhances object detection within blind spots. Parking convenience is bolstered by front and rear parking sensors alongside a 540° panoramic surround-view camera system with an underbody "see-through" chassis function. On the passive safety front, the GS8 utilizes a high-strength five-ring cage body construction boasting a torsional rigidity of 28,000 Nm/deg, complemented by seven standard airbags across the range, earning a full five-star C-NCAP crash rating and top "Good" scores across all C-IASI assessment categories.
The GS8 enjoyed strong momentum following its initial market entry, with the first-generation model achieving cumulative sales of over 230,000 units, whilst the second-generation model racked up more than 20,000 bookings within just 18 days of launch. However, recent sales performance has seen some fluctuation: recording 3,434 units in January 2026, 3,023 units in March, and tapering to 1,384 units in April, bringing total sales between January and April to 8,489 units. The Dual Engine hybrid variant has averaged only around a hundred units monthly—a stark contrast to its launch-phase buzz backed by Toyota's THS technology—accumulating roughly 9,873 units over more than a year. User sentiment remains broadly positive regarding its commodious interior, generous kit count, plush ride quality, and compelling value-for-money proposition, with buyers frequently noting that "for the price of a non-national compact C-segment SUV, the GS8 offers full-fledged D-segment SUV proportions". On the flip side, owner grievances predominantly point to the petrol variant's real-world fuel economy—despite an official WLTC rating of 8.6 L/100 km, urban stop-and-go driving often yields 10 to 11 L/100 km, compounded by the requirement for minimum RON 95 petrol which drives up running costs. Other minor complaints include a slightly sluggish infotainment boot-up time, lingering new-car cabin odour, and a softly-sprung suspension setup that exhibits noticeable body roll when cornering enthusiastically.
In summary, the GAC Trumpchi GS8 stands as a pivotal flagship for Chinese domestic automakers looking to challenge the premium mid-size SUV segment. Offering high benchmarks across dimensions, powertrain specs, and onboard creature comforts, it has carved out a distinct competitive edge in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 petrol SUV space on the strength of its "abundant space, rich specifications, and proven mechanicals" formula. Amid the rapid penetration of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intensifying market competition, maintaining this product momentum will serve as an enduring test for the GS8 in its category.
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