The American brand has declassified the interior of the serial top-end version of the GL8 monocab. In addition, another new modification has been announced.
The Buick GL8 minivan is available only in China, production is also established there. The model of the current, third, generation debuted there in 2016 (it is exclusively seven-seater), that is, it’s time for restyling. The harbinger of the updated MPV – a four-seater concept – was presented last spring in Shanghai. Then, the Chinese Ministry of Industry revealed the appearance of a product restyled model, and did it twice: in November 2019 they published a photo of the standard GL8, and last month there were pictures of a refreshed luxury version of Avenir.
In February, we learned that a minivan with a passenger compartment for four will become serial. And finally, Buick shared a signature image of the interior of the new top-end option.
So, the most expensive GL8 armchairs got from last year’s concept, and they also retained the blue-beige finish. The front panel is also from the show car – with the integrated virtual “tidy” and touchscreen of the multimedia system, plus an upgraded air conditioning control unit. But from the stand for wine, which the prototype was a continuation of the armrest box located between the front seats, they refused. But between the rear seats appeared a bedside table, it has two compartments at the end and one on top. Each of the passengers of the second row also has their own touch panel – apparently, it controls the “climate”, massager and electric seats. On the tablet, they probably also built it into the backs of the front seats.
And Buick announced a six-seater performance for the GL8 Avenir, but the manufacturer did not provide a photo of such a modification. The seven-seater option should also remain in service.
Thanks to the Chinese Ministry of Industry, we also know that after restyling the length of the minivan (both standard and Avenir) increased by 16 mm to 5219 mm. The wheelbase has not changed – 3088 mm. As before, the MPV is equipped with a 2.0 petrol turbo four, but its output for the whole family was cut from 260 to 230 hp. The box is not indicated in the documents of the Ministry of Industry. Buick pre-styling vans are equipped with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive GL8 in principle not put – only the front.
An updated third-generation model will enter the market in the near future. One of the main competitors of the luxurious GL8 Avenir is the Lexus LM minivan: the Japanese is also available with a four-seater saloon, and such a Lexus has its own “trick” – a partition that separates VIP passengers from the driver.
Meanwhile, in China Buick GL8 of the previous generation is still being sold, and this van is not going to resign – it was also updated. But the “second” GL8 does not have Avenir performance.