SAIC-GM, General Motors’ main joint venture in China, is about to present an electrified version of the most successful luxury MPV in the Chinese market, as the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV will debut soon in the Asian country.
The automaker has just revealed a teaser video of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV on Buick’s social platforms in China, confirming the imminent debut of the previously unreleased plug-in hybrid variant of the new fourth-generation GL8. Although the company has not announced its reveal date, the GL8 PHEV is expected to be officially unveiled next month during the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China).
The official teaser video of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV shows the first preview of the exterior design and some new interior features of the electrified full-size MPV – which will be marketed under the name Next Generation Buick GL8 PHEV. Specifically, the barely five-second video reveals the distinctive front appearance of the GL8 PHEV and a new comfort element for the second row of seats.
The front-end design of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV maintains that of the flagship Buick GL8 Century, with a massive textured grille and a similar headlight arrangement. However, the front image seen in the video shows that the GL8 PHEV will differ from the range-topping variant by adopting an illuminated horizontal line that connects the headlights, which are apparently divided and not in a single module like on the GL8 Century.
Buick GL8 Century
In addition, the new comfort element for the second row of seats that the Buick GL8 PHEV will introduce is a sliding center console, which can move forward or backward, as well as a storage compartment that allows opening from both sides that is expected to have a built-in refrigerator. There are also folding tables on the front seatbacks for rear-seat occupants.
The upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV is expected to officially debut over the next month and be first presented to the public at the 2024 Auto China, which will be held in the city of Beijing from April 25th to May 4th. There is still no information about the powertrain that this unprecedented plug-in hybrid GL8 will use, as SAIC-GM will announce engine and equipment details in the coming weeks.
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Comments
So Buick is joining the generic alphanumeric route for naming its new models? The Buick brand really has no brand left – sad.
The GL8 has existed in China since 1999. Next time do your research lol
Minus the excessive grille this was what I was expecting from the new Enclave. A completely revolutionary look. But as always, China first, then worry about the home market that bailed them out.
Why this ridiculous front end. Top 1/4 is ok but the rest no thank u. Let’s see what the phev stats are.
Sadly, Buick was saved by China, not the other way around. When tines got tough in the US auto industry and GM was dropping divisions (Pontiac, Olds, Saturn, Hummer) like hot potatoes, Buick didn’t get eliminated because of huge sales in China.
Lots of commenters are bemoaning how the beautiful Enclave of 2008 to 2023 is being turned into an ugly Chinese design. As the buyer of a first year Enclave, I agree, but did you know who designed that beautiful first generation Enclave? It was the GM design studio in China. I am an American citizen, born and raised. I hope America wins the economic race with China and any military skirmishes as well, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate Chinese design when it is good. turned to SUV and CUV ugly boxes instead of sleek and beautifull coupes and sedans, the Chinese designed one of the best looking “boxes” out there and named it Enclave.
China is the biggest market for Buicks in the world, so of course they get to go first. At least the profits flow back to the USA.
Add an electric stove and with the refrigerator you have the new “migrant mobile apartment for 8.”
It would be attractive except that stupid front end.