Refreshed 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir Debuts In China
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Almost a year after being presented in concept form, and having been fully leaked months later, the refreshed 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir finally makes its official debut in China. General Motors has just released more information and an official set of images for Buick’s revamped full-size MPV, which now features an unprecedented new four-seat version.
The company also announced that it began accepting orders for the updated Buick GL8 Avenir. Interested customers can now pre-order the GL8 through Buick’s Tmall online store and the newly launched, official eBuick digital store. Dealership sales are expected to start in the second quarter of the year.
“The GL8 has been meeting customer expectations since the nameplate’s launch in 1999, with over 1 million units sold through five generations,” said Executive Director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM, Molly Peck, in a press release. “The all-new GL8 Avenir family carries on the tradition, setting a new benchmark for China’s luxury MPV segment,” she added.
The updated 2020 GL8 Avenir’s design remains fairly true to the Buick GL8 Avenir Concept’s, with front and rear fascia styling revisions. The new winged grille stands out with a more elegant finish, while completely redesigned headlights include Matrix LED lighting technology. The hatch and taillights have also been updated.
Meanwhile, the interior of the 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir was completely redesigned with a greater focus on comfort and technology. The main change to the dashboard is the adoption of a huge, dual 12.3-inch screen setup, one for the driver instrument panel and one for the infotainment system. In addition, the MPV now offers a wide range of advanced driver assistance technologies, with up to 20 available features.
Another major novelty in the 2020 GL8 Avenir is the addition of two new seating configurations. The traditional seven-seater variant is joined by one with six captain’s chairs, and a flagship four-seat version that redefines the concept of luxury MPVs. This configuration offers unprecedented spaciousness and comfort in the segment, with first-class rear seats and special convenience features.
On the mechanical side of things, the new 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir incorporates a new powertrain combination. This full-size MPV now features the turbocharged 2.0-liter LSY engine that produces 227 horsepower, mated to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission.
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Is this still being built on some evolution of the old U-body platform?
Other than the substantial interior redesign, the exterior appears to be mostly the same from the A-pillar back.
So, it appears this is still based on the U platform.
I dare someone to try and freight those back seats back here and put them on a Relay or a Montana SV6.
I really like everything about this vehicle OTHER than the strange drop at the back edge of the rear side door. They have that little chrome piece that just gets bigger in that same spot. My opinion, they should have brought the top edge of the rear door straight back and kept a clean line running from the front to back. Otherwise, really nice looking van.
Buick’s GL8 Avenir potentially can find a home in the United States especially if Buick were to offer a model for the family and a model as a luxury commuter with 6 captains chairs.
Potentially yes but not if it doesn’t offer IRS to be able to fold third row seats completely flat and into the floor.
Great looking interior though. Would sell great here in that Niche Market.
I have to admit, this van looks pretty nice, and in the US it might probably get the 3.6 V6. Sadly, Americans don’t like to buy minivans and go to SUV’s instead. But minivans are still quite popular among Asian families in America.
Gee! No knee-blocking console?!? Who messed up? That must be corrected!
Why do they keep ramming these photos for us to look at if they are only Chinese models, and NOT made in the USA and available to Americans ..
They do show some things GM will probably send back here. The Cadillac-esque (but cheaper) dual display dash is probably headed to premium Buicks and uplevel Chevys in the future.