CHINA'S 2026 GS8 STAKES ITS CLAIM

SUV combines bold design, premium features, and impressive value

- BY SONY THOMAS

There was a time when the suggestion of a Chinese SUV stepping into the Dh150,000 bracket would have triggered sceptical smiles and polite shrugs.

That time is over. If you've been tracking the evolution of Chinese cars, even superficially, you'll know that the tide has turned. What were once budget-friendly curiosities have transformed into well-engineered, technologically advanced vehicles that can go toe-to-toe with Korean and Japanese rivals. The 2026 GS8 exemplifies this leap with a package that balances visual sophistication, generous equipment, and family-oriented practicality.

With prices starting from Dh148,900, the GS8 is taking on seasoned competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Nissan Pathfinder. Yet it differentiates itself by offering features that often appear only in top-tier trims in cars at a higher price range. Think expansive 14.6-inch centre display, 12.3-inch digital driver cluster, a crisp head-up display, 540-degree holographic projection surround camera system, automatic parking, 27 active safety systems, and premium touches like tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated massage seats, and even a welcome carpet light.