GAC GS8 Review, Specs and Features in UAE

Big, bold, and built with families in mind, the GAC GS8 brings premium presence to the UAE SUV market. For growing families who have outgrown a smaller car, this full-size, three-row car combines striking styling with substantial cabin space, smart safety systems, and plenty of power. For school runs through Dubai, daily drives around Abu Dhabi, or long-distance road trips across the Emirates, the GS8 is designed to keep seven passengers comfortable and connected.

In this GAC GS8 review UAE guide, we break down what drivers can expect from the model, from its engine and equipment to its space, safety, and everyday usability. We’ll also look at how its seven-seat setup suit families and established UAE professionals looking for more from their next SUV. If its blend of size and sophistication suits your lifestyle, you can also explore available vehicles with MOOV by Al-Futtaim and compare your car subscription choices.

GAC GS8 at a Glance

The GAC GS8 in the UAE is a full-size, seven-seat SUV from GAC, a major automotive brand from China, joining several other top car brands in the UAE gaining ground in the local market. With competitive pricing and a packed list of practical standard features, it carves out a compelling position in a crowded segment of established family SUVs.

The petrol powertrain pairs a punchy 2.0-liter turbo engine with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque, it provides plenty of power for daily drives and longer journeys. Depending on the trim, buyers can choose between front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, while fuel economy ranges from approximately 12.5 to 13.2 km/L based on the drivetrain.

GAC GS8 Specifications

Here is a quick figure-by-figure view of key GS8 specifications for the UAE:

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Official Middle East specifications list the GS8 at 4,980 mm long and 1,950 mm wide, giving the vehicle the sizeable stance and spacious proportions expected from this segment.

Bold Build and Road-Ready Presence

Broad, boxy, and beautifully bold, the GS8 makes its size clear from the start. Its large chrome-laden grille, angular LED headlights, and substantial SUV proportions create a strong road presence, with styling that may remind some people of larger luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade. You can see how the GAC logo and brand identity fits into the wider car-badge landscape in our guide to car logos and names.

Large alloy wheels add another polished detail, while the panoramic sunroof brings light into the cabin. The overall design is pretty imposing without making family practicality an afterthought.

For UAE drivers who like a car that looks commanding in the parking lot and confident on the road, the GS8 certainly makes its mark.

Interior Design and Cabin Comfort

Step inside the all-new GAC GS8 and you will find a cabin built around family-friendly flexibility and everyday functionality. Depending on the model and trim, soft leather seating pairs with multi-color mood lighting, three-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. It is a nice mix of premium touches and practical features, with the wide glass roof bringing more light into an already spacious setting.

For the driver, selected versions feature up to ten-way power seat adjustment, helping you find a comfortable position for quick commutes. Flexible folding rear seats also make it easier to switch between people and possessions, giving families more freedom when shopping bags, suitcases, or sports gear need extra space.

One thing worth knowing is that the third row works better for smaller passengers. A trade-off worth weighing against other best 7-seater SUVs in the UAE if maximum legroom for adults is a priority. When tested with taller adults, legroom can feel limited on longer trips, so these seats are generally better suited to children or shorter passengers. 

You may have been told that seven seats automatically mean plenty of space for seven people and their suitcases, but that is not always the case. With every seat in use, the luggage room becomes more limited. Still, the flexible folding layout makes it fairly easy to balance bags and passengers based on what the day demands.

In-Seat Driver Experience: Comfort and Driving Confidence

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The all-new GS8 makes daily driving feel light and laid-back. The GS8 offers ten-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, while the high seating position provides a clear, confident view ahead. Electric power steering keeps steering smooth and simple, particularly when parking or passing through tighter streets.

Digital displays keep driving details clear, while the available head-up display puts key information directly in view. The central screen manages most operating functions and, although screen-based settings can seem annoying at first, they soon become familiar and fine to use.

On the road, Comfort mode pairs smooth steering with steady responses, creating a calm, controlled character for UAE commutes.

In-Seat Passenger Experience: Spacious and Family-Friendly

The GS8 gives families plenty of space to spread out, with roomy first and second rows and rear climate control helping everyone stay cool during hot UAE summers. The GS8's cabin has a blacked-out theme with soft leather seats, adding a polished, premium feel to the practical layout.

Flexible second-row seating makes third-row access quicker and easier, while solid sound insulation keeps highway drives quieter and calmer. For families, this balance of spacious seating, soft surfaces, and seven-seat flexibility makes the GS8 a practical pick for daily drives and longer trips.

Performance, Engine, and Driving Experience

The GAC GS8 engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 248 hp and pairs its power with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It generates 400 Nm of torque between 1,750–4,000 rpm, providing a progressive pull when passing traffic or picking up pace on UAE highways.

The GS8 weighs over two tonnes, affecting performance, so the focus is less on sporty speed and more on smooth, steady power. Even with its size, there are no major issues getting up to speed for everyday driving.

The GS8 offers three drive modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport, while selected 4WD versions add Sand, Mud, and Snow modes. Sand mode provides some added support on softer surfaces, but the GS8 is still better suited to family trips than serious sand sessions.

Technology and Infotainment Features

Technology takes a front seat in the GS8, with big screens bringing key controls and connected features together. The GAC GS8 features a 14.6-inch infotainment system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Depending on the variant, the interior features wireless charging, USB ports, and a premium Alpine audio system. The 14.6-inch infotainment system keeps plenty of controls in one central spot, and while it may take some time to learn the layout, the large, legible display makes daily use easier.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a strong selling point for the GS8, with plenty of practical protection built around everyday family driving. Depending on the specification, features include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors, and surround-view parking assistance. It also includes lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist systems to provide added support on longer drives.

The GAC GS8 has dual front, side, and curtain airbags, while the flagship GX model includes a driver knee airbag for further protection. ISOFIX points also make fitting child seats simpler and safer for families.

For added reassurance, the previous GS8 model earned a five-star C-NCAP rating. Current UAE models build on that safety focus with a broader blend of parking protection, collision-avoidance technology, and driver-assistance systems.

Practicality for Everyday UAE Driving

From school runs and shopping stops to longer Sheikh Zayed Road stretches, the GS8 suits the way many UAE families live. Seven seats provide plenty of passenger space, while folding rear rows make more room for luggage, sports gear, or shopping bags.

Its larger size can make tight parking spaces a little difficult, but cameras, sensors, and available automatic parking assistance help make maneuvering much more manageable.

For families moving between busy city streets and broad UAE highways, the GS8 brings together spacious seating, smart support, and practical flexibility, much like the picks in our guide to the best family car in the UAE.

GAC GS8 Pros

The biggest benefits of the GS8 include:

• Spacious, substantial seating: Three rows accommodate up to seven people.
• Powerful, progressive performance: The turbo engine provides 248 hp and 400 Nm.
• Feature-filled finish: Ambient lighting, large displays, and available premium audio add appeal.
• Safety-focused support: ADAS technology adds extra driver confidence.
• Competitive cost: The GS8 packs a lot of equipment into its price range.
• Refined ride: Smooth highway manners make longer journeys more comfortable.

GAC GS8 Price and Variants in the UAE

The GAC GS8 starts at AED 149,900 in the UAE, while the top variant of the GAC GS8 is priced at AED 169,900. This means buyers get a generous mix of space, specifications, and standard features at a competitive price point.

The GAC GS8’s price positions it against the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade, putting it in a busy segment where value and versatility matter. For established UAE professionals, that means looking beyond the badge and considering how much space, technology, comfort, and capability the price provides. If you would rather keep your savings available than place a significant amount into a depreciating vehicle, the way you access the GS8 matters just as much as its purchase price.

Prices, specifications, service center support, and insurance terms can change, so check the latest UAE details before buying.

Is the GAC GS8 Worth Buying?

At the end of this GAC GS8 review, it is easy to see why the SUV stands out for families seeking serious space and solid specifications without a premium price. The punchy powertrain, smooth-shifting transmission, and strong technology package give it plenty of practical appeal.

No SUV is perfect for every family or every guy, and taller adults may find the third row less roomy on longer rides. Read through the features, hear what current drivers have to say, and take a test drive to experience it for yourself. With plenty of practical perks to appreciate and little to complain about, the GS8 makes a compelling case in the family SUV segment.

Explore the GAC GS8 and More SUVs at MOOV by Al-Futtaim

Need more room for a growing family but not ready to commit to buying your next SUV? Browse the latest and pre-owned vehicle choices from MOOV by Al-Futtaim and compare models, monthly plans, and packages that match the way you drive.

A car subscription can give families the flexibility to move into a larger vehicle as their needs change, without committing to a bigger car for years. For established professionals, it also provides another way to drive the car they need without tying a substantial amount of savings to a depreciating asset.

MOOV car subscriptions include servicing, standard insurance, and maintenance included in the subscription model. That means less time managing motoring admin and more time enjoying your drive.

Find a vehicle that fits your family, finances, and everyday routine, contact us for friendly support, or start your car subscription and move into an SUV that suits what you need now, with flexibility for what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are GAC cars reliable in the UAE?

GAC cars are a competitive choice in the UAE, combining modern mechanics, smart systems, and solid local after-sales support. Reliability can vary by model and year, as well as maintenance, so scheduled servicing at an authorized service center can help keep your car performing properly for longer.

2. Is the GAC GS8 a good family SUV?

The GAC GS8 is a strong family SUV, pairing three-row flexibility with a roomy cabin, smart safety systems, and seating for up to seven. The spacious second row gives passengers plenty of room, while the third row provides practical flexibility for children.

3. How fuel efficient is the GAC GS8?

GAC GS8 fuel efficiency ranges from approximately 12.5 to 13.2 km/L for the petrol powertrain, depending on the drivetrain configuration. Real-world results can vary with traffic, throttle input, terrain, travel conditions, and driving style, so smoother throttle control and steady driving can help support better fuel efficiency.

4. Is the GAC GS8 comfortable for long-distance driving?

The GAC GS8 is comfortable for long-distance driving thanks to its spacious first and second rows, supportive seating, smooth transmission, climate control, and refined highway ride. Comfort mode, driver assistance technology, and adaptive cruise control can also help make longer UAE highway journeys feel less tiring.

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