Buick GL8 Lushang Test Drive: A New Plug-in Hybrid Solution for Family MPVs

Design: Refined and Practical, Not Over-the-Top

As the first GL8 model explicitly targeting the family-use segment, the 2026 Buick GL8 Lushang adopts a restrained design language — no split headlights or full-width DRLs. Its front fascia retains the classic large grille, delivering a more traditional, understated appearance. This deliberate restraint isn't conservatism — it's a precise response to families' real-world needs: timeless aesthetics, low failure rates, and urban maneuverability.

The vehicle measures 5219 mm × 1878 mm × 1807 mm, with a wheelbase of 3088 mm. Notably, its 1878-mm width falls well short of the near-2-meter 'wide-body' trend seen in some rivals — enabling easy access into narrow alleys of older residential communities, standard parking garages, and multi-level parking spaces with 3.2-meter height limits. Practicality is genuinely prioritized.

Cabin: Details That Matter — A Family-Friendly Upgrade

The interior is where this refresh truly shines. A new Hermès Orange color option joins full-cabin leather wrapping (2.126 m² total) and 20,000-stitch diamond-quilted upholstery — elevating both tactile and visual appeal. High-contact areas — including door panels, speaker grilles, and center armrests — feature metal trim, boosting refinement while enhancing scratch resistance.

Human-centered features abound: an optimized front center armrest improves forearm support; second-row docking stations accommodate tablets and vanity mirrors; small tables now feature narrow grooves and raised edges — keeping phones and water bottles securely in place. Third-row seating sees a major leap: reclining up to 135°, theater-style layout, and class-leading 0.6-meter side windows eliminate the 'bench-seat' stigma. Real-world testing shows that with a 1.8-meter passenger seated normally in row two, row three still offers one fist plus four fingers of legroom — and ample headroom.

Seats use high-breathability burst foam (breathability improved by over 50%) paired with dual-hardness foaming — soft yet supportive. Ventilation and heating are standard across all trims: cabin warms from -20°C to 24°C in just 150 seconds; under 60°C surface heat, interior cools to below 46°C in 240 seconds.

Powertrain & Efficiency: The 'True Dragon' PHEV System — Commuting on Pure EV, Long Trips Without Range Anxiety

The GL8 Lushang mounts the 'True Dragon' plug-in hybrid system — a 1.5T engine paired with an electric drive unit and a two-speed DHT transmission. System output totals 275 kW and 560 N·m. It uses a 24.4-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a CLTC all-electric range of 142 km and a CLTC combined range of 1500 km.

Daily commutes run entirely on EV power — zero fuel consumption. In charge-sustaining mode, fuel consumption drops to 6.35 L/100 km; overall combined fuel consumption is as low as 1.24 L/100 km. Pure EV mode supports both climate control and infotainment while parked — silent and emission-free. Standard 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability powers campsite coffee makers and outdoor projectors — no extra generator needed.

Intelligence & Ride Quality: Comfort First, Library-Quiet Refinement

Tuning is fully oriented toward family life: city driving relies primarily on electric propulsion — smooth, seamless takeoffs, no jerkiness; gentle engine engagement at 120 km/h highway cruising ensures quiet, unobtrusive operation. The chassis pairs front MacPherson struts with a rear multi-link independent suspension. Though it lacks air springs or adaptive dampers, Buick's tuning expertise delivers exceptional results — fine road imperfections vanish, high-speed stability feels rock-solid, making the ride the car's most reassuring attribute.

Quietness remains a core strength: double-glazed laminated glass front and rear effectively suppress wind and powertrain noise — cabin hush approaches 'library-grade' levels.

Pricing & Verdict: A New Benchmark for 250,000-RMB Family MPVs?

With a 1650-L trunk capacity, the GL8 Lushang fits nine 20-inch suitcases — even with seven passengers aboard. During real-world camping tests, gear — including tents, strollers, and foldable chairs — fits effortlessly. It doesn't chase headline-grabbing specs. Instead, it builds upon GL8's proven chassis and packaging, adds a plug-in hybrid system to solve energy-cost pain points, and refines dozens of details — from seats and storage to HMI — to directly answer families' everyday needs.

If you need one vehicle that handles daily EV commuting, carries your entire family cross-city, and preserves the MPV hallmarks — spaciousness and comfort — the GL8 Lushang isn't the only choice. But in 2026, at the 250,000-RMB price point, it's among the most balanced, pragmatic options available.