Always imitated and never surpassed, it is GL8

When it comes to the establishment of MPVs in China, the greatest contributor, aside from the GL8, seems to be no other "vehicle." In the past, in people's eyes, only the GL8 was considered for transporting people, while others were merely vans with the additional function of carrying passengers. The reason is quite simple: the GL8 has always been "comfortable" and "luxurious."

Since the implementation of China's two-child policy, MPVs have truly begun to enter the homes of ordinary people. With a wife, children, in-laws, and one's own parents, the composition of a 21st-century Chinese family is seven people. Faced with the need for a vehicle that can accommodate seven passengers at once, comfortable MPVs naturally align with this requirement.

As the market grows, competition is inevitable. Imitation is often the fastest route to commercial success. Just as in the MPV market, with the GL8 ushering in the golden age of MPVs, major car manufacturers have begun to replicate the Buick GL8, creating countless products that are very similar to the GL8.

However, originality always remains original, and the leader is still the leader. Throughout this year, the GL8 has essentially led the MPV market from start to finish. Despite various MPVs being updated and new models emerging in the past two years, and even some hot-selling models adopting a twin-car policy, the GL8 continues to lead the way.

Please remember that the GL8 is positioned as a mid-to-high-end MPV model. Although there are strong competitors like the Denza D9 and Toyota Sienna, the GL8's performance this year remains unquestionable.

The GL8's ability to remain unshaken this year, amidst a proliferation of MPVs, is inseparable from its years of good reputation and user base. Such a solid foundation originates from more than 20 years of accumulation and cultivation. The history of Buick GL8 in China began in 1999 when it introduced the MPV concept to the country. Up to now, the GL8 has a market presence of over 1.7 million units in China, firmly establishing itself as the big brother of the MPV market.Not only that, the GL8 has also been a perennial favorite in the second-hand car market, with countless dealers specializing in GL8 sales. The reasons are quite straightforward: first, the GL8 has a high residual value because it is widely recognized by the public. Second, it is suitable for both family and business use. I believe everyone has heard the joke, "On the highway, no car can outrun a GL8 fetching an official seal," right? Behind the meme, it reflects the excellent chassis tuning and abundant power of the GL8.

However, relying solely on its past successes is not enough. In this era where MPVs are generally becoming more competitive, the GL8, as the elder statesman, has also stepped up its game. From the former "chubby fish" to the current "Lu Zun" and even the high-end "Avenir" models, the GL8 has been continuously upgrading and changing. It is visibly evident that the overall design has become more and more elegant and luxurious, with fuel consumption decreasing and power increasing. The range of models has also become more diverse to meet the needs of different target groups.

It's not just the increasingly luxurious exterior design; the space inside has become more and more user-friendly. The perfectly positioned floor height allows the elderly to get in and out with ease, and the Yue version even features semi-enclosed, independently designed aviation seats specifically for placing child car seats. It belongs to families, so the GL8 tries to cater to the needs of both the elderly and children.

The GL8 is also a business vehicle of choice, not only selected by various enterprises and companies, but also frequently serving as the "designated VIP vehicle" at important events such as the Boao Forum for Asia and other significant conferences. This not only proves the high level of comfort the GL8 offers but also shows that it has established a fixed position in people's minds as the vanguard of high-end business reception.

When it comes to business administration, the seats are definitely the secret weapon of this vehicle. The seats currently used in the GL8 have been developed over four years and have passed as many as 101 rigorous tests. They feature a double-layer foaming process that provides ample support for the waist, shoulders, and hips. The perfect ergonomic design makes the journey a pleasure, completely eliminating the problem of back pain from long rides. At the same time, all three rows of seats in the GL8 are made from full-grain cowhide, crafted through 38 processes, which not only feels delicate and comfortable but also has a high durability. The GL8's seats also come with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making the ride even more comfortable and enjoyable. The second-row seats are particularly comprehensive, with both fully enclosed and semi-enclosed luxury VIP seat configurations available in different models to meet the needs of various users.

Do you remember when it was very popular among office workers to modify the GL8's seats into office chairs? This also indirectly proves how comfortable the GL8's seats are.In today's era where domestic manufacturers are making cars increasingly larger, the Buick GL8 has not blindly followed suit in terms of size, but rather has struck a perfect balance. It is not excessively large, which would make driving cumbersome and parking a hassle. Within its current dimensions, the GL8 has nearly maximized space and practicality, offering comfortable long-distance travel for seven people. The vehicle boasts as many as 37 storage compartments, a yacht-style center armrest box with a volume of 10.5 liters, and a trunk capacity of 521 liters, capable of holding three 20-inch and two 24-inch carry-on suitcases. If the third row is folded down, the volume expands to 1650 liters, more than sufficient for moving house.

Due to work, I often attend events hosted by car manufacturers, and even they choose the GL8 as the vehicle for airport pick-ups. As a result, I frequently travel between hotels and airports in this car. I once asked the driver why they chose the Buick GL8 for business接待, and whether other MPVs were considered. Their answer is always the same: Only the GL8 can represent the term "business reception," none of the other models measure up!

In summary: High resale value, large market presence, ample space, and comfortable seats all contribute to the Buick GL8's appeal. There is a GL8 in everyone's heart; it can be your family companion or your work partner. However, whenever one thinks of an MPV, the name GL8 automatically comes to mind. In today's MPV market, there are many that claim to be suitable for both business and family use, and many that boast of spacious interiors and comfortable seats. Yet, the benchmark for an MPV in the hearts of every passenger will always be the GL8.