Is GAC Philippines launching another GS8?

GAC Philippines opened the New Year with a bang after it launched not one but two brand-new vehicles in the country. One of those vehicles is the all-new GS8 crossover SUV.

Serving as the brand's flagship offering, the 7-seater GS8 GT offers a luxurious and well-appointed cabin, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 252 PS with 400 Nm of torque, a soft & plush ride, and a price to beat at PHP 2.398 million. Its closest competitors are already over the PHP 3 million price bracket.

However, the GS8 the automaker revealed earlier this year is only available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. In other markets, the GS8 is available with 4WD which will allow it to take on uneven terrain with ease. With customers still looking for a 4WD option for the GS8, perhaps GAC can tap into this market by bringing it here.

Well, we might get to see (and drive) it after all. GAC Philippines recently announced that it will be holding a Discovery Drive Fest from August 25 to 27, 2023, at the Palm Drive Activity Area in Glorietta 2 in Makati. There, the automaker will showcase its latest models and offerings to the public.

More importantly, though, the automaker will launch its newest vehicle which will soon join GAC's local lineup on the first day of the festival, August 25. No specifics were mentioned although our best guess is that it might be the 4WD version of the GS8.

In other markets, the 4WD GS8 gets the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 252 PS and 400 Nm of torque. However, it also comes with new drive modes specifically made for off-roading – Sand, Mud, and Snow. As far as features are concerned, it gets the same level of equipment as the 2WD version which includes; full leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 10-speaker system, power-adjustable front seats, and many more.

Do you think we'll see the 4WD variant of the GS8 later this month at GAC's Discovery Drive Fest in Glorietta? Let us know in the comments what you think.