Shanghai 2023: GAC Van Life looks like a lunar module

The top tier of the van segment has luxurious people movers loaded with all manner of creature comforts, modern technology, and the latest connectivity options available. GAC looked at all of them and said, “Hold my drink.”

Launched at the ongoing 2023 Auto Shanghai, GAC Van Life is the Chinese automaker’s second concept model designed at their R&D center in Europe and takes the van segment to a whole new level.

This go-anywhere van uses one-box proportions to form its boxy body. It has suicide doors, full-width LEDs in front, enormous all-terrain wheels with retractable flaps for higher traction, and considerable ground clearance. It appears odd that the side windows extend to half of the body, but it makes up for it with a large rear window and a panoramic sunroof.

As a self-driving vehicle, it has four LIDAS sensors on the roof that reads the position of the stars instead of using GPS (global positioning system) to help it navigate.

The cabin and other lightweight components use recycled waste, including plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint. It has only two seats. The remaining space is the cargo/sleeping area. The orbital frame around the interior allows passengers to hang devices, bags, and various items. The surface of the dashboard is flat and is covered with panels that harness solar energy. Fold-out chairs that extend the living space outdoors when the vehicle is parked increase its versatility.

“This concept highlights what is great about being able to go wherever you want to. We believe that cars are not just objects that move people from A to B, but also machines that create good memories,” said Stéphane Janin, Director of GAC Advanced Design Milan.

If this model wows you, do not hold your breath for a production version. Per the automaker, the GAC Van Life is purely a design study to let designers flex their imagination and skills. Still, we would like to see some of its styling elements (as well as its technologies) be used in production vehicles soon.