Only a few weeks after its official debut late last month, General Motors has launched the new 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir family in China. As we’ve already reported, the top trim level of Buick’s full-size MPV is now offered with three distinct interiors, including a standard seven-seat layout, a variant with six captain’s seats as well as a new four-seat flagship version.
Thanks to a mid-cycle refresh, the all-new 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir gets notable changes to its exterior design, a completely revamped interior and the adoption of a next-generation powertrain. All these new features, along with a higher level of refinement, make it the most luxurious and advanced GL8 in the history of the nameplate – which is unique to the Chinese market.
“Over the past 22 years through several generations, the GL8 has defined China’s MPV segment,” said Executive Director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM, Molly Peck, in an official press release. “With its blend of styling, comfort and performance, the all-new GL8 Avenir family takes the nameplate and segment to a more premium level,” she added.
Aside from the aesthetic aspects we’ve covered before, the 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir’s primary focus is to offer a refined and exquisite cabin to further establish itself as China’s best-selling MPV. For this, the three Avenir variants include top-quality materials, such as the suede roofliner and deep-pile carpeting to cut down noise, as well as new technology with an enormous dual 12.3-inch screen setup.
2020 Buick GL8 Avenir Flagship
The interior of the flagship variant inherits the opulence of the Buick GL8 Avenir Concept, with four first-class seats that raise the level of luxury and comfort. Second-row seats have heating, ventilation, and 10-point massage functionality. Meanwhile, the surround sound system, independent touchscreens, wireless charging and flexible storage locations guarantee a pleasant experience.
All versions of the 2020 GL8 Avenir are equipped with GM’s turbocharged 2.0L LSY engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. Producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, this powertrain combination improves fuel economy compared to its predecessor and enables the GL8 to meet the latest China 6B emissions standard.
The 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir is now available for sale in the Chinese market, just as the country begins to gradually resume commercial activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The MPV includes an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty on all major engine and transmission parts, at the following prices:
- GL8 Avenir (seven seats): 459,900 CNY (about $65,300 USD at the current exchange rate)
- GL8 Avenir (six seats): 465,900 CNY ($66,150 USD)
- GL8 Avenir (four-seat flagship): 529,900 CNY ($75,200 USD)
Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Buick GL8 news, Buick news and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
One thing about a minivan design is the comfort of captain’s chairs for all the vehicle’s occupants especially getting in and out is a lot easier than a Cadillac Escalade ESV; but one thing about the 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir is that the engineers weren’t very creative as one could imagine getting the mechanicals from their Buick Velite (Chevy Volt) or simply the guts of the Chevrolet Bolt to create a larger EV.
What is the likelihood that GM will offer the Buick GL8 in the USA? Or is it a vehicle, like the Buick LaCrosse, that is now and will in the future stay a China-only product? I guess if the GL8 has been sold only in China for the past 22 years, I think I know the answer.
In my opinion, I hope GM/Buick does not import this homely looking mini-van (GL8). Chrysler (a.k.a. FCA) at least has a reasonably attractive minivan with the Pacifica – which I would personally would not consider because it is designed and assembled by FCA! Buick rebadged the Chevy minivan and it was a flop! I do hope it works well for the Chinese market.
Buick has done very well with Enclave – probably saved Buick from the chopping block when GM was swinging the axe.