The GAC Trumpchi GS5 (known globally as the GAC Motor GS5 in export markets) stands as a revered trailblazer for GAC Motor in the mid-size urban SUV arena. Launched in 2012 as the brand’s maiden SUV offering to kickstart its passenger vehicle offensive, the GS5’s defining attribute is its genuine European driving dynamics—having adopted and thoroughly re-engineered the chassis architecture of the Alfa Romeo 166. Spanning two generations, the GS5 leveraged its class-leading four-wheel independent suspension, expansive 5-seater cabin, and the proven Aisin 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox to build a formidable reputation in China. Beyond its domestic market, it carved out a strong presence as a refined C-SUV across key export destinations, including the Middle East, Latin America, Russia, and Africa. In markets such as Mexico, it even formed the basis of strategic badge-engineering partnerships—retailed as the Dodge Journey under the storied American nameplate—showcasing the global competence and endurance of Chinese-engineered core running gear.
Positioned as a premium urban 5-seater SUV, the GAC Trumpchi GS5 petrol variants historically and globally retail in the bracket of RM109,800 to RM169,800 (competing in the mid-to-high-tier crossover segment overseas). Its primary USP lies in its mechanical pedigree: delivering an exceptionally spacious, flat-floored 5-seater cabin on a 2,710 mm wheelbase at an accessible price point, complemented by a European-tuned independent suspension setup featuring front double wishbones (or MacPherson struts in later iterations) and a rear multi-link arrangement. Foregoing an overly cramped three-row layout, the GS5 precisely caters to discerning urban professionals and road-trip enthusiasts who demand refined daily driving manners, proven mechanical reliability, and generous boot space.
From its debut on an Italian-derived sports chassis to adopting GAC's signature styling with an Aisin powertrain, and ultimately transitioning into the GS4 Plus alongside tailored export iterations, the GS5 has undergone a remarkable technical evolution:
Alfa Romeo Pedigree and the GS5 Super Era (2012–2017): Debuting in 2012, the original GS5 turned heads with its sophisticated Alfa Romeo 166-derived underpinnings, with early range-topping powertrains developed with technical input from FCA. The subsequent mid-lifecycle update—badged as the GS5 Super—introduced an in-house developed 1.8-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), alongside an on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Second-Generation Dynamic Styling and the Aisin 6AT Powertrain (2018–2021): The second-generation GS5 underwent a major design and engineering overhaul, featuring an imposing chrome-slatted grille, triple-lens matrix LED headlamps, and a broadened width of 1,885 mm. Under the bonnet, it received an updated Trumpchi 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection (235T/270T) four-cylinder engine. Crucially, the DCT was replaced by the globally renowned Aisin 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (6AT), delivering seamless shift quality and bulletproof long-term reliability.
Domestic Transition to GS4 Plus and Sustained Global Export Success (2021 to Present): To streamline its model hierarchy, GAC facelifted and repositioned the second-generation GS5 in China as the Trumpchi GS4 Plus, headlined by a potent Mega Wave Power 2.0T engine producing up to 252 PS. Concurrently, the GS5 moniker soldiered on in international markets. In the current 2025–2026 model cycle, the export-spec 2026 GAC GS5 (available in GE and GL variants) remains a sales anchor across the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE) and Latin America. Furthermore, its continued deployment as the rebadged Dodge Journey in Mexico reinforces the strength and cost-efficiency of GAC’s vehicle platforms on the global stage.
The GAC Trumpchi GS5 is widely regarded as a driver's SUV celebrated for its mechanical robustness. In China, its chassis architecture and tooling laid the engineering bedrock for subsequent bestsellers like the GS4 and GS8. Globally, the GS5 demonstrated remarkable versatility across diverse markets. In Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, its heavy-duty dual-zone automatic climate control and planted European ride quality resonated with families embarking on demanding long-distance highway journeys. In Mexico, the GAC-manufactured Dodge Journey enjoyed robust sales through established dealer networks, driven by its solid crash safety credentials and sleek floating infotainment screen, effectively showcasing Chinese manufacturing prowess to North American buyers.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the export-spec 2026 GS5 sits squarely in the practical 5-seater C/D-segment crossover category, measuring 4,695 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,726 mm in height, with a well-proportioned 2,710 mm wheelbase. Its generous 1,885 mm width provides a planted stance on the road while affording impressive shoulder room across both rows.
Its core powertrain, chassis, and practical cargo specifications are as follows:
High-Efficiency Direct-Injection Engine & Proven Aisin Drivetrain (FWD):
1.5T Mega Wave Direct-Injection Engine: Export variants are powered by GAC's 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four petrol engine, delivering 124 kW (approx. 169 PS / 166 PS depending on regional homologation) and a peak torque of 265 Nm accessible from low revs.
Transmission: Mated across the range to an imported Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT). Renowned for its fuss-free durability and smooth shift mapping, this setup delivers a manufacturer-claimed combined fuel economy of 7.1 to 7.5 litres per 100 km, offering exceptional mechanical longevity for high-mileage usage.
European-Inspired Re-engineered Chassis:
The suspension layout comprises front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup, refined with GAC R&D’s Italian-derived dynamic tuning. Utilising high-rigidity lower control arms and high-damping rubber bushings at the rear, the GS5 maintains superb body control and high-speed stability during abrupt lane changes at 120 km/h or through twisty trunk roads, while effectively soaking up road imperfections with a plush, well-damped ride.
Spacious Flat-Floor 5-Seater Cabin (Core Practicality):
Rejecting a compromised 7-seat layout in favour of a generous 5-seater configuration, the GS5 features a completely flat rear floor for fatigue-free long-distance journeys. The 60:40 split-folding rear backrests drop flat to expand luggage capacity from a standard 480 litres to a cavernous 1,350 litres.
The cabin adopts an upscale, family-focused design language, featuring soft-touch leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch high-definition floating central touchscreen. The infotainment system integrates smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for overseas units), complemented by ambient lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Safety and equipment levels are comprehensive: standard features include keyless entry with push-start button, a front wireless smartphone charger, and multi-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents and cabin filtration. Passive safety is anchored by a high-strength steel safety cage and 6 SRS airbags, backed by an active safety suite comprising ABS, EBD, ESP, and Traction Control (TCS). Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are fully accounted for, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and a 360-degree surround-view camera. With its robust powertrain and spacious 5-seater packaging, the GAC Trumpchi GS5 delivers dependable, comfortable motoring for families worldwide.
In line with GAC Group's electrification roadmap and global export strategy, the GS5’s established market foothold is paving the way for next-generation green powertrains. Over the coming years, as GAC continues to expand its completely knocked-down (CKD) assembly operations in Southeast Asia (including its Malaysian manufacturing hub), the Middle East, and Latin America, the model's manufacturing footprint will integrate GAC’s latest Mega Wave Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platforms (exemplified by the Trumpchi E8, GS8 New Energy range, and AION global models). Backed by intelligent cockpit technologies and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, the engineering legacy forged by the GS5 will continue driving GAC's overseas market expansion in the competitive SUV landscape.
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