Buick continues to expand its presence in China’s competitive minivan market with the refreshed GL8 Land Business Class, a model that combines affordability with a touch of luxury. Positioned at the entry level of the GL8 lineup, the updated variant comes with a starting price of ¥229,900 ($32,073). Despite being the most accessible model in the range, the GL8 Land Business Class is far from basic—it has been upgraded in several key areas to provide a more premium experience for both drivers and passengers.
Visually, the 2024 GL8 adopts Buick’s latest "Pure" design language, giving it a cleaner and more contemporary look. The front end has been completely redesigned and now features a bold, wide grille flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the minivan a more upscale presence. Additional exterior highlights include a power-operated sliding side door for easier passenger entry and exit, rear privacy glass, a sunroof, and stylish 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. These features elevate the van’s curb appeal and reinforce its premium aspirations.
Inside, the changes are even more significant. The cabin has been modernized with a newly designed dashboard that incorporates a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays—one for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment. The center stack has also been reworked to appear cleaner and more intuitive, while the gear shifter has been relocated to the steering column to free up space and enhance ergonomics. A redesigned steering wheel complements the fresh look of the interior. Perhaps the biggest comfort enhancement can be found in the second row, where VIP-style seats offer flip-up armrests, a reclining function, and an innovative "anti-sickness damper" to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness for passengers.
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Technological upgrades extend to features like an advanced voice recognition system and remote climate control, allowing passengers to adjust interior temperatures from a distance. Safety has also been improved with the addition of larger side-curtain airbags that offer expanded coverage, and Buick has taken steps to ensure a quieter ride by using double-layer acoustic glass and improved sound insulation materials. Other creature comforts include power-adjustable front seats, rear climate controls, and an eight-speaker audio system. Storage capacity is generous, ranging from 521 liters to 1,650 liters depending on seat configuration.
Under the skin, one of the most important changes is the adoption of a new rear suspension system. Buick has ditched the older torsion beam setup in favor of a more advanced four-link independent rear suspension, which significantly enhances ride comfort and handling dynamics. Powering the GL8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 233 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While acceleration isn’t particularly fast—0 to 100 km/h takes about 9.2 seconds—the focus is clearly on comfort, refinement, and practicality, making the new GL8 Land Business Class a well-rounded option for families and business users alike.