New GAC GS8 Hybrid & Petrol SUVs Launched In The UAE: Prices Start At AED 149,900

Chinese car brand GAC, in association with Gargash Motors, continues its slew of launches in 2025. This time around, it is the new 2026 GAC GS8 Hybrid, ICE, and GS8 Traveller flagship SUVs from the brand.

The glitzy launch event and the drive experience of all-new SUVs were held at the Dubai Autodrome. In this article, we will concentrate on the hybrid and petrol-only versions, the new GS8 launched in the UAE. Click on this linked article to read about the 2026 GAC GS8 Traveller.

New 2026 GS8 Hybrid Price, Variants & Colours

The GAC GS8 Hybrid is offered in a single full-loaded variant priced at AED 169,900. While the non-hybrid petrol-only variant is also available in a single trim priced at AED 149,900. Compared to the Traveller, both these SUVs come with more tech on the inside.

Customers can choose from five different exterior colours and a couple of interior colours, depending on the model. Bookings for the new GS8 Hybrid are now being accepted on the brand’s official website, with deliveries reportedly underway.

Exterior Design

The 2026 GAC GS8 features a bold, upright exterior design emphasising practicality and spaciousness. Its front end sports a large rectangular grille with a mesh pattern, flanked by vertical LED headlamps. A slim LED light strip connects the headlights above the grille, giving it a distinctive face. The vehicle’s boxy shape continues along the sides, where pronounced wheel arches and 20-inch alloy wheels reinforce its robust, squared-off stance.

At the rear, the nearly vertical window and vertical taillights mirror the front’s style, with a subtle integrated spoiler and a tailgate-mounted storage box on the “Traveller” edition for a rugged touch. Chrome accents outline the windows and grille edges sparingly, while the flat roofline with roof rails and a panoramic sunroof adds practicality and a touch of modern flair.

Dimensions Check

• Length: 5,015mm
• Width: 1,950mm
• Height: 1,780mm
• Wheelbase: 2,920mm
• Ground Clearance: 200mm(190mm hybrid)
• Boot Space: 450L
• Fuel Tank: 65L (58L Hybrid)
• Water Wading: Approx. 500mm
• Towing: 2,000kg

Interior

The interior of the 2026 GAC GS8 is designed to maximise comfort and practicality. It features a spacious layout with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second row can be configured with either a bench seat or captain’s chairs, enhancing flexibility for passengers and cargo. High-quality materials like soft-touch leather and carefully finished trim contribute to a refined feel throughout the cabin.

Ambient LED lighting with 32 colour options provides a subtle, customizable atmosphere, while a panoramic sunroof enhances the airy, open sensation. The seats offer both heating and ventilation functions, ensuring passenger comfort in varying climates. Ample legroom and headroom across all rows, combined with thoughtful storage solutions, create a balanced and versatile interior that prioritises practicality without sacrificing style.

Technology, Features & Safety

Being the full-loaded top-spec variant,  GS8 Traveller comes loaded with a ton of features:

• 12.3-inch Instrument Cluster
• 14.6-inch Infotainment
• 30-inch Head-up Display (HUD)
• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Phone Chargers Pads
• Tri-zone Climate Control
• Powered & Ventilated Front Seats
• Rear Reclining Seats
• 8-speaker Alpine Premium Audio
• Level 2 ADAS Safety Feature
• 360-degree Camera
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Automatic Parking Assist
• 11 Airbags

Engine & Transmission Options

The new hybrid SUV is powered by a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic. This setup is complemented by a 1.6 kWh battery pack and dual motors to support AWD configuration. Here are the performance figures:

Driving the GAC GS8 Hybrid on the Dubai Autodrome track highlighted its refined powertrain and balanced ride. The hybrid system pairs a turbocharged 2.0L engine with electric assistance, offering strong low-end torque and smooth acceleration. 

While it’s not a track-focused SUV, its predictable handling, light but accurate steering, and well-tuned suspension delivered a composed and comfortable experience on corners and straights. Braking performance was solid, with a seamless regenerative system, and the AWD setup ensured stable corner exits.

New GAC GS8 Hybrid In The UAE

The new GAC GS8 Hybrid rivals the likes of the Jetour T2, Toyota Prado, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Tank 500, Jetour X90 Plus, Kaiyi X7, Exeed VX, Haval H9, Geely Okavango, BAIC BJ80, and more.

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