Three generations Buick GL8 MPV in one shot, seen the Second Ring Road in Beijing. From left to right: third generation, second, and first.
The Buick GL8 is one of the greatest successes for General Motors in China. It was launched in 1999, made in China by the Shanghai-GM joint venture, known today as SAIC GM.
The first generation Buick GL8 was based on the GMT200 platform, powered by 2.5 and 3.0 V6 engines. The second generation Buick GL8 arrived in 2011, called the GL8 Luxury Business Edition. It had a totally fresh design but continued to use the same platform with the same wheelbase. Power came from an upgraded variant of the 3.0 V6.
At the same time, the ‘old’ GL8 was upgraded and continued alongside the new one, a very common practice in China. The old GL8 was renamed GL8 Business Edition and it was fitted with a new 2.4 liter four-cylinder. The gray first generation GL8 on the photo is one of those continuation cars, recognizable by the round rear lights.
The third generation Buick GL8 arrived in 2016, based on a new platform and with an all-new design. It was once again called the GL8 Luxury Business Edition. Power comes from a 2.0 turbo. At the same time, the second generation GL8 was updated and continued, selling alongside the third generation GL8, and it was renamed GL8 Business Edition.
Production of the original first generation GL8 was finally discontinued soon after the third generation was launched. Yes, for a short while there were three generations Buick GL8 on sale in China at the same time!
As of today, production of the second generation and third generation continues. The Buick GL8 it seems, it here to stay. For more on the history of the Buick GL8 in China, please see this article from my good friend Sam Faulkner.