GAC Trumpchi GS8 is the flagship mid-size SUV from GAC Motor's Trumpchi brand. Built on the GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA), it first hit the market in 2016 and quickly disrupted the joint-venture brands' monopoly in the mid-size SUV segment with its imposing original styling and seven-seater layout. The model has now entered its second generation, currently led by the 2025 Pilot series, powered by the Mega Wave Power 2.0T engine paired with an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT), bringing high-end specifications down to the RM150,000 bracket under the ethos of "democratising technology".
The GS8 is positioned as a mid-size family SUV, offering both five-seater and seven-seater layouts across the line-up, with an official recommended retail price range of RM159,800 to RM205,800. For 2025, the range has been streamlined into four variants (five-seater/seven-seater × 2WD/4WD). With showroom cash rebates reaching up to RM40,000, the entry-level bare car price drops to around RM120,000, bringing the on-the-road (OTR) price to approximately RM135,000. Targeted at family buyers seeking ample space, robust performance, and value-packed specifications, its key rivals include established joint-venture mid-size SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge L, and Volkswagen Tiguan L.
In terms of powertrain options, the GS8 is available in petrol (2.0T+8AT) and Dual-Engine Hybrid (2.0TM + Toyota THS hybrid system) guises. The hybrid variant features the Toyota-licensed THS series-parallel hybrid system—a conventional self-charging hybrid (HEV) that requires no plug-in charging while delivering impressive fuel efficiency. As of May 2026, the core model on sale is the 2025 Pilot series petrol variant, with only limited dealer stock remaining for the hybrid series.
The GS8 is offered with two prominent front grille designs: "Spreading Wings" or "Dragon Scale Wings", featuring metallic-cut chrome trim pieces resembling scale armour for commanding road presence. The matrix LED headlights feature a sculpted, geometric cut with intricate internal detailing, offering high visual distinction at night. Along the flanks, crisp character lines and blacked-out B-, C-, and D-pillars create a floating roof effect, complemented by 20-inch dual-tone multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the rear, the vertical tail lamps echo the front lighting signature, while the rear bumper integrates a large black skid plate and dual exhaust tips to reinforce its sporty stance. The 2025 model year introduces a new Traveler Edition featuring an external utility box on the tailgate for added practicality. Dimensionally, the SUV measures 4,980 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, and 1,780 mm tall with a 2,920 mm wheelbase, with range-topping variants riding on 255/50 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres.
The cabin is styled around a "luxury tech cockpit" design philosophy. A 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen form the core dual-screen interface, paired with a crystal-crafted electronic gear selector to elevate the flagship cabin ambience. High-touch areas across the dashboard and door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, accented with brushed metallic trim on the centre console. Premium variants further benefit from 32-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass sunroof. That said, some owners have noted that the silver chrome trim on the centre console can cause glare under harsh sunlight, and overall fit-and-finish still has slight room for refinement.
The petrol-powered GS8 is driven by GAC’s proprietary Mega Wave Power 2.0TGDI direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine (engine code 4B20J1), featuring a 350-bar direct injection system and Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT). It churns out 185 kW (approx. 252 PS / 248 hp) and 400 Nm of peak torque, with maximum torque available from just 1,750 rpm for prompt low-end response. Power is sent through an Aisin third-generation 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (8AT), delivering smooth, well-timed gear shifts with negligible shift shock. Top speed is officially rated at 210 km/h, running on a minimum of RON 95 petrol. On the fuel consumption front, the 2WD model registers a WLTC combined figure of 8.6 L/100 km, rising to 9.2 L/100 km on 4WD variants.
The Dual-Engine Hybrid variant combines a 2.0TM engine with Toyota's THS hybrid system (self-charging HEV), producing a total system output of approximately 237 PS in front-wheel-drive guise, while the all-wheel-drive model adds an electric motor to the rear axle, paired with an E-CVT. The internal combustion engine alone outputs 140 kW (190 PS), delivering noticeably superior fuel economy compared to the pure petrol version.
Under the skin, the suspension utilizes front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup, supported by hydraulic bushings and a reinforced subframe. Tuned under GAC's Mega Star chassis philosophy, it effectively irons out road imperfections and tackles speed humps with composure. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system tuned on the lighter side, ensuring effortless city manoeuvrability alongside precise directional control.
The 4WD variants feature a BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent on-demand 4WD system with selectable drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Snow, and Mud, intelligently shifting torque between axles as conditions dictate. Furthermore, the GS8 comes equipped with the AVDC Shadow Driver adaptive vehicle dynamic control system, incorporating 16 driving modes and terrain-adaptive algorithms that subtly regulate power delivery on the fly, curbing the cumbersome feel typical of large SUVs while preserving a planted, confidence-inspiring ride.
The interior is available in five-seater and seven-seater layouts, with the latter adopting a 2+3+2 configuration. Thanks to the 2,920 mm wheelbase and 1,950 mm wide body, passenger room in the rear is generous, complemented by a completely flat second-row floor that does not compromise middle-seat foot space. Front seats come standard with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with extended side bolsters for better lateral support. The second-row seatbacks offer multi-angle recline adjustment up to a semi-reclined angle, while the front seats can be folded completely flat to create an expansive lounge-like resting space.
On the infotainment and connectivity front, the central screen runs the ADiGO 4.0 Intelligent Connected System powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, ensuring boot and response times under two seconds while supporting voice, gesture, and facial recognition. The voice assistant provides prompt responses with support for continuous dialogue. Key features include cloud-based navigation, telematics/connected services, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, 4G connectivity, and continuous voice command recognition. In terms of audio, an 8-speaker system comes standard, while higher-spec trims upgrade to an Alpine premium audio system. Other convenience amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and power-folding heated wing mirrors.
In terms of safety, the GS8 earned the "Top 10 Car Bodies in China" accolade and achieved top "Good" (G) ratings across all evaluated categories in the C-IASI (China Insurance Automotive Safety Index) crash tests. The structure incorporates high-strength steel built to top-tier safety standards, supported by 22 driving assistance sensors and 27 active safety features across four main domains.
For driver assistance, all petrol variants come standard with Level 2 ADAS under the ADiGO Pilot banner. Key features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop-and-go (offering smooth distance management and enhanced recognition of cut-in vehicles), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (operational up to 120 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), 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). A 540° HD surround-view camera with a transparent chassis view is standard across the board, working alongside front and rear parking sensors to minimise blind-spot scrapes during tight manoeuvres and parking.
As a frontrunner among Chinese domestic marques venturing into the premium SUV domain, the first-generation GS8 notched monthly sales above 10,000 units during its early run, breaking the foreign joint-venture stranglehold on the mid-size SUV segment. However, amid evolving market dynamics and rapid product cycles, GS8 sales have fluctuated in recent years. Industry data shows that in July 2025, the GS8 achieved monthly deliveries of 2,052 units, ranking 55th on the petrol SUV sales chart, with volume steadily rebounding from 1,078 units in February to 2,052 units in July. Notably, the GS8 has held the number one spot in three-year residual value among Chinese domestic mid-size SUVs for four consecutive years. Even so, GAC Trumpchi's total annual volume in 2025 (319,000 units) contracted by 23% year-on-year, reflecting broader market headwinds for the brand.
In owner feedback, praise predominantly highlights its commanding exterior styling, generous passenger room, robust powertrain reserves, and comprehensive equipment list. On the flip side, some owners cite relatively firm seat cushioning, noticeable new-car plastic/leather cabin odour, and chrome trim reflections on the dashboard under bright daylight. Furthermore, while early production years saw complaints regarding cylinder head gasket design, transmission oil cooler reliability, and infotainment sluggishness, these issues have been addressed and revised on the 2025 model.
On the whole, powered by the proven Mega Wave Power 2.0T + Aisin 8AT powertrain, a generous 2,920 mm wheelbase, full-range Level 2 ADAS, and a Snapdragon 8155-driven digital cockpit, the GS8 delivers strong value in the RM120,000 to RM180,000 segment. Despite increasing competition from rapid new energy vehicle (NEV) adoption and price cuts from joint-venture competitors, the GS8 remains a formidable benchmark in the Chinese domestic large petrol SUV segment thanks to its well-engineered mechanical fundamentals and flagship-level cabin space.
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