The Buick GL8 is a Chinese MPV that proves the people carrier format is not dead

The MPVs seem to be doomed to disappear. At least, as far as the European market is concerned. In Asia it remains a type of vehicle that is very well received, and more and more models of this type keep appearing so that enthusiasts of family vehicles can count on a minivan that lets them enjoy family trips.

Buick has just unveiled the new GL8, an MPV that strengthens the presence of these vehicles in the Chinese market. Under the new Buick badge, the recently launched GL8 aims to keep the spirit of the previous version and at the same time chart a new design path that offers a renewed and more contemporary look.

Even so, the changes are visible from the front design. The lighting units feature a new design, split in two, while the front grille has a trapezoidal shape that tops an aerodynamic bonnet bearing the Buick badge. The rest of the bodywork is very streamlined, with the door handles concealed within the doors to improve aerodynamics.

The trim is chrome-plated, while the pillars have been darkened. At the rear, the changes compared with the previous model are more restrained, with reworked lights and a chrome decorative element bearing the BUICK inscription, placed above the brand logo.

Not only will the standard version be available, but a higher-spec version, called Avenir, will also be found on the market. It is not yet known what changes it will have over the standard model, but it is expected to feature a new mesh grille and larger air intakes. It will have larger wheels and the Avenir logo, which sets the variants apart.

For the moment, we know that the dimensions of the Buick GL8 are a length of 5,219 mm, a width of 1,878 mm and a height of 1,807 mm. The wheelbase is 3,088 mm, so these dimensions promise interior space for comfortable and pleasant journeys.

Propulsion is provided by a hybrid system made up of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. There are not many more details, but we know it delivers 208 CV and a top speed of 180 km/h. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to follow later. Both versions will be shown at Auto China, the event taking place at the end of April. These models could make Europe look at MPVs again and see them back on our roads.