A few weeks after General Motors revealed a teaser video of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV, images of Buick’s electrified MPV have just been fully leaked in China.
The Asian country’s authorities have published the official SAIC-GM future product statement corresponding to the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV, leaking the first images and relevant information from the technical sheet of the new plug-in hybrid version of Buick’s minivan in China. Once again, the Chinese government got ahead of GM’s main joint venture by revealing a future vehicle before its official unveiling.
In particular, leaked images of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV reveal that this new version of the MPV is inspired by the all-new top-of-the-line Buick GL8 Century – which debuted the brand’s new Pure Design language in the Chinese market. However, it is noted that the GL8 PHEV is not a direct derivative of the fourth-generation GL8 Century, but represents a deeply redesigned version of the standard GL8 with the previous platform and body structure.
As usual, the leak only includes images of the upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV’s exterior design, which features its own interpretation of Buick’s new front styling with a massive grille embedded in the fascia, two-tier lighting and the characteristic shark nose shape. Although it maintains exactly the same structure as the third-generation GL8, the side body panels and rear section of the GL8 PHEV are completely new – including the flush-mounted door handles.
The upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV measures 205.5 inches long, 74 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, riding on a 121.6-inch wheelbase – identical to the previous GL8. The GL8 PHEV will be offered in ES and Avenir trim levels, powered by a “P1+P3” plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a 132 kW or 177-horsepower turbocharged 1.5L engine and an electric motor with a yet-undisclosed output.
The upcoming Buick GL8 PHEV will officially debut later this month and go on sale shortly after in China, the only country in the world where GM manufactures and markets Buick’s successful full-size MPV. This new version of the Buick GL8 will also be offered with a hybrid propulsion system that combines a turbocharged 2.0L engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 155 kW or 208 horsepower.
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Comments
Been buying and leasing Buicks since 1980. Done with that until they get over this hideous front end treatment
Honestly Dennis Buick wants new customers who like new designs Toyota/Lexus have giant grills similar to this and they sell well…part of the reason why Buick years and years ago in this country went down hill is because the styling had to keep catering to an aging demographic that young people including myself 20-25 years ago didn’t want waterfall grills, blunt bumpers, portholes, and headlights that look like they belong on a Chevy! My wife’s current 2019 enclave is a good looking vehicle but the grill is still huge that’s just the in thing right now and it also helps with cooling a turbo hybrid engines that need extra cooling. As for I like the new design I saw it in person and the encore finally looks like a luxury vehicle instead of a gussied up Chevy Trax like the previous generation.
That whole vehicle is ugly!
I want a Buick GL8 Van! I have driven many GM Vans and Mini Vans and miss them. Why should only China have access? I am currently driving a Buick Enclave but would really like the van.
Toyota/Lexus much?
Well if you can’t beat em 🤷
Long Live the Uplander!