The Buick GL8 () is a minivan that is produced by SAIC-GM, a joint-venture between Chinese automaker SAIC Motor and American automaker General Motors. It is only sold in China.
Introduced in 1999, the first generation Buick GL8 is similar to the GM-made minivans that are sold in North America which was marketed under many nameplates. Like the North American GM minivans, it is built on GM's U-body platform, which is also used by the Buick Rendezvous and the Pontiac Aztek crossover SUVs.
A revamped edition was released in late 2010/early 2011, featuring 2.4 L and V6 3.0 L engines. It is based on an old minivan platform, with a completely reworked exterior and interior design. The previous generation was available as the GL8 First Land until 2016.
The third-generation model dubbed the GL8 ES and Avenir was launched in 2017, with the second generation still available and updated as the GL8 Legacy. Both the third generation GL8 and GL8 Legacy received a facelift with the third generation GL8 receiving an Avenir luxury variant.
The fourth-generation is marketed simply as Century was launched in 2022, with the GL8 Legacy (second generation) and GL8 ES and Avenir (third generation) models both available and updated to be sold alongside the Century, resulting in a 3-generation lineup with the latter two generations both available with an Avenir luxury trim level. __TOC__
GL8 / GL8 2.5 / GL8 First Land
The GL8 first entered production in China in December 1999. There are five trim levels available, called the LT, CT1, CT2, CT3 and GT (which is only available on the First Land). The regular wheelbase GL8 is known as the GL8 2.5, while the extended wheelbase variant of the GL8 is known as the GL8 First Land (). Pricing ranged between 218,000 and 318,000 yuan (US$31,920 to US$46,570).
Starting from October 2001, the GL8 was exported to the Philippines, where it was rebadged as the Chevrolet Venture and available in a 10-seater configuration until 2005. Although reviews and sales were generally lukewarm, build quality was subpar and parts availability was also a source of persistent frustration for Venture owners in the Philippines. Its local competitors include the Hyundai Starex and the Kia Carnival which had better build quality. The Chevrolet Venture was sold in the Philippine market up until 2006, although some remaining units were sold in dealerships up until 2007.
The Venture is one out of two rebadged Chinese-market Buicks sold in the Philippines, the other being the Buick Regal-based Chevrolet Lumina. Both are sourced from Shanghai GM.
Pre-facelift styling
In 2005, the GL8 underwent a facelift for the 2006 model year, receiving a redesigned front end and simplified cladding. The GL8 First Land was also introduced, with a brand-new front end design and clear taillights. The GL8 was then given a second facelift for the 2010 model year with a design similar to the GL8 First Land.
Production of the first generation GL8 ended in 2016.
Post-facelift styling
Engines: GL8 Business Edition: LE5 2.4 L I4 GL8 2.5: LB8 2.5 L V6 GL8 First Land: LW9 3.0 L V6
Hybrid Prototype In 2001, the Buick GL8 XEA1 or Phoenix was developed as a collaboration between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The Buick GL8 XAE1 is a hybrid vehicle that uses a 35 kW fuel cell and compressed hydrogen gas to deliver its power. The General Motors Phoenix was officially unveiled at the Pan Asia Automotive Technology Center in China in 2001.
GL8 / GL8 Legacy
Introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year, the GL8 II has an all-new appearance inspired by the Buick Business concept car that was shown in 2009, with a drastic dip in the beltline. The wheelbase is the same as for the GL8 First Land, . Developed by the Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), another joint venture of SAIC Motors with General Motors, the vehicle is based on a vehicle architecture of over a decade old.
Initial engine options include a 2.4-liter DVVT Ecotec four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter DOHC SIDI V6, with a six-speed automatic gearbox available for the V6. To differentiate the new GL8 from its predecessor, which remains on sale as the "Business Edition", the second generation was sold as the "Luxury Business Edition" ().
2017 facelift After the third generation GL8 went on sale in November 2016, the second generation GL8 was temporarily discontinued while the first generation continued on sale. In March 2017, the first generation was discontinued and the second generation was relaunched to replace it with updated styling and was marketed as the "Business Traveler" and referred to internally as the "GL8 Legacy" to differentiate it from the newer GL8 ES and Avenir (third generation). It was available solely with a new engine, the LCV 2.5-liter DVVT Ecotec, and the old 3.0-liter V6 was canceled. In late 2018, the 2.0-liter turbocharged LTG was added to the engine lineup and became the sole engine option after the 2.5-liter was discontinued in mid-2019.
2020 facelift This generation GL8 was given a facelift with a new exterior in May 2020 marketed as the "Legacy" or "Land Business Class" () and had a single trim level on offer known as the 652T. The 2.0-litre LSY turbocharged petrol engine is standard paired with the 9-speed Hydramatic automatic gearbox. Twelve models are available and pricing ranges from 232,900 yuan to 529,900 yuan (US$33,320 to US$75,820 - July 2020 exchange rate).
2022 facelift The second generation GL8 or GL8 Legacy received another facelift in 2022 launched alongside the flagship Century MPV and the 2022 facelifted third generation GL8 Avenir and ES Lu Zun. The engine was updated to the LXH model, which is an updated version of the previous 2.0-liter LSY engine with a 48V mild hybrid system and is modified to meet China 6b emissions standards.The second generation GL8 was finally discontinued after 15 years of production in February 2025 with the closure of the SAIC-GM Norsom assembly plant.
GL8 ES Lu Zun/Lu Shang
The third generation GL8 debuted in China in October 2016 and was marketed as the GL8 ES, and GL8 Avenir for the top trim. It was initially sold alongside the first generation model, and soon afterwards was sold alongside the second generation model since 2017.
The Buick GL8 ES and Avenir received a complete exterior overhaul using the newly introduced winged Buick grille treatment, as well as a redesigned roofline. The entire engine lineup was replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing .
The GL8 ES and Avenir is based on an updated version of the same platform, abandoning the previous torsion beam rear suspension in favor of a new independent setup.
2020 facelift Originally revealed as the Buick GL8 Avenir concept during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, the production GL8 ES Lu Zun () and GL8 Avenir () facelift was revealed in March 2020. The GL8 Avenir and ES Lu Zun facelift is available with a four (Avenir only), six (Avenir only) and seven-seat configurations. Technology is a significant focus for the post-facelift GL8, including the 12.3-inch integrated display and Buick's eConnect 3.0 connectivity technology and head-up display. It uses an updated turbocharged 2.0-liter engine now paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and is badged 653T. In mid-2021, the engine was updated to use a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
2022 facelift The GL8 ES and Avenir received another facelift in 2022 launched alongside the Flagship Century (fourth generation) and the 2022 facelifted GL8 Legacy (second generation). The engine was updated to the LXH model, which is an updated version of the previous 2.0-liter LSY mild hybrid engine modified to meet China 6b emissions standards.
GL8 Lu Zun facelift (2024) In April 2024, the GL8 Lu Zun PHEV () was released on "Buick Brand Day" as a refreshed model that replaces the old Avenir trim. It is available with Buick's new Zhenlong plug-in hybrid system, which includes a fully self-developed plug-in hybrid electric drive unit developed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, a 24.4kWh LFP Ultium battery, a hybrid-specific 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine using a deep Miller cycle producing , and a motor driving the front wheels. It has an electric range of on the CLTC cycle, and the comprehensive cruising range reaches . In October 2024, the mild hybrid version of the GL8 ES Lu Zun facelift was launched, using the LXH 2.0-liter engine and 48-volt hybrid system used in previous models. This version also receives a different grille pattern compared to the PHEV variant.
In July 2025, after the launch of the lower priced Lu Shang PHEV, the Lu Zun PHEV had its powertrain upgraded and is referred to as Zhenlong Pro. The battery has been upgraded to a 34.8kWh NMC pack, now providing of CLTC range. Buick says the new battery is capable of 5C peak charging rates, and is capable of charging from 3080% in 15 minutes. Additionally, higher Lu Zun PHEV models started receiving Avenir badging, and received features such as Navigate-On-Pilot (NOP) L2 ADAS system with automatic self-parking and a heads-up display.
GL8 Lu Shang (2025) In March 2025, Buick released preview images of a lower priced version of the Lu Zun plug-in hybrid called the GL8 Lu Shang (). It was launched on April 11, 2025, initially with the PHEV powertrain only, and features minor changes to the exterior styling while most panels stay similar to the original 2016 model, including unified headlight units rather than a split-headlight design and individual taillights rather than a light bar design. The mild hybrid version of the GL8 Lu Shang was launched on June 26, 2025. Due to the discontinuation of the GL8 Legacy in February 2025, the Lu Shang is the new entry point into the GL8 series below the Lu Zun and Century.
At launch, it was available with the same two powertrain options as the GL8 Lu Zun. The GL8 Lu Shang is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system consisting of a two-speed hybrid transmission and two motors powered by a 24.4kWh LFP battery pack providing a CLTC range rating, for a combined range of . The standard version continues to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 48-volt mild hybrid engine. In late 2025, a lower priced variant with the mild hybrid system and several other features removed was introduced.
Century (2022)
In August 2022, SAIC-GM introduced the Buick Century () or Buick GL8 Century. The Century MPV was previewed by the Buick GL8 Flagship Concept. It is the first Buick to adopt the new Pure Design philosophy, which will be seen in next-gen Buick models. the Century was launched in November 2022.
The Century is available in three models: and the top-of-the-line Century Flagship, the mid-range Century Avenir and the base Century. Both the base model and Avenir are available in single-tone paint, while the Flagship is available in two-tone with a special paint treatment. The base model and Avenir come in 7-seat and 6-seat configurations respectively, with the Flagship available with 4-seat configuration.
On the exterior, the front consists of shark-nose-like styling, a large trapezoid grille, and dual-direction headlights with a redesigned light signature. The rear features full width taillights. The base model features slightly different styling from the Avenir and Flagship. The Century is the first production model to wear Buick's new corporate emblem.