Buick GL8

Buick GL8
2023 Buick Century
Overview
Manufacturer	SAIC-GM
Production	1999–present
Body and chassis
Class	Minivan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive
Platform	GM U platform

The Buick GL8 (Chinese: 别克GL8; pinyin: Biékè 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.[1] 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.[2]

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.

GL8 / GL8 2.5 / GL8 First Land
Buick GL8 (second facelift)
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Venture (Philippines; 2001–2006)
Production	1999–2016 (GL8) 2005–2010 (GL8 First Land)
Assembly	Shanghai, China (SAIC-GM; 1999-2004) Shenyang, Liaoning, China (SAIC-GM Norsom Motors; 2004-2016)
Designer	James C. Shyr (2005; GL8 First Land)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Platform	GMT200 platform (2000–2010) GMT201 platform (2005–2016)
Related	Chevrolet Venture Oldsmobile Silhouette Pontiac Montana Pontiac Trans Sport Opel/Vauxhall Sintra
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L LE5 I4 2.5 L LB8 V6 3.0 L LW9 V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,845 mm (112 in) (2.5) 3,099 mm (122 in) (First Land)
Length	4,757 mm (187.3 in) (2.5) 5,113 mm (201.3 in) (First Land)
Width	1,847 mm (72.7 in)
Height	1,712 mm (67.4 in) (2.5) 1,730 mm (68.1 in) (First Land)
Curb weight	1,692 kg (3,730 lb) (2.5) 1,788 kg (3,942 lb) (First Land)

The GL8 first entered production in China in December 1999.[1][3] 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 (Chinese: GL8陆尊). Pricing ranged between 218,000 and 318,000 yuan[4] (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.[5] 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

• 
  Buick GL8 (1999–2005) front.
• 
  Buick GL8 (1999–2005) rear.

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.[6] 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

• 
  Buick GL8 First Land (2005–2010) front.
• 
  Buick GL8 First Land (2005–2010) rear.
• 
  Buick GL8 2.5 (2005–2010) front.
• 
  Buick GL8 2.5 (2005–2010) rear.
• 
  Buick GL8 (2010–2016) front.
• 
  Buick GL8 (2010–2016) rear.
• 
  Buick GL8 first facelift (left) and second facelift (right) rear comparison.

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

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
Buick GL8 II Legacy facelift
Overview
Production	2010–2025
Assembly	Shenyang, Liaoning, China (SAIC-GM Norsom Motors)
Designer	James C. Shyr
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Platform	SGM258 platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L LTG turbo I4 (2019) 2.0 L LSY turbo I4 (China 652T; 2020–2023) 2.0 L LXH turbo I4 (China; 2023-2025) 2.4 L LE5 I4 (2010–2016) 2.5 L LCV I4 (2017) 3.0 L LFW V6 (2010–2016)
Transmission	6-speed DSS automatic (2010–2019) 9-speed 9T50 Hydramatic automatic (China; 652T 2020–2025)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,088 mm (121.6 in)
Length	5,256 mm (206.9 in)
Width	1,878 mm (73.9 in)
Height	1,800 mm (70.9 in)

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, 3,099 mm (122 in). 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.[7]

Engines include a 2.4-liter DVVT Ecotec four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter DOHC SIDI V6, with an available six-speed automatic gearbox for the V6.[1] To differentiate the new GL8 from its predecessor which remains on sale as a "Business Edition", the new one is sold as the "Luxury Business Edition" (Chinese: GL8豪华商务车).

After the third generation GL8 went on sale, to differentiate the new GL8 ES and Avenir (third generation) from its predecessor which remains on sale as a "Business Edition", the new one is sold as the "Luxury Business Edition". And it has a new engine called LCV, a 2.5-liter DVVT Ecotec. But the old 3.0-liter V6 was canceled.

Pre-facelift styling

• 
  Buick GL8 II
  (pre-facelift; 2010–2014) front view
• 
  Rear view

2014 facelift styling

• 
  Buick GL8 II
  (2014–2016) front view
• 
  Rear view

2017 facelift styling

• 
  GL8 II Legacy
  (2017–2019) front view
• 
  Rear view

This generation GL8 was given a facelift in May 2020 with a new exterior known as the "Legacy" or "Land Business Edition" (Chinese: GL8陆上公务舱) and had a single trim level on offer known as the 652T. The 2 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).[8][9]

2020 facelift styling

• 
  Buick GL8 II Legacy facelift front.
• 
  Rear view.

The second generation GL8 or GL8 Legacy received another facelift in 2022 launched alongside the flagship Century MPV and the 2022 facelifted GL8 Avenir and ES Lu Zun (third generation).

2022 facelift styling

• 
  Buick GL8 II Legacy 2022MY front.
• 
  Rear view.
• 
  interior.

GL8 ES Lu Zun / GL8 Avenir / GL8 Lu Shang / GL8 Onshore Business
Buick GL8 ES
Overview
Production	2016–present
Assembly	China: Jinqiao, Shanghai (SAIC-GM)
Designer	Nicolas Huet
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Platform	SGM358 platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L LTG turbo I4 (2017–2019) 2.0 L LSY turbo I4 (China 652T; 2020–2023) 2.0 L LXH turbo I4 (China; 2023-present)
Transmission	6-speed DSS automatic (2017–2019) 9-speed 9T50 Hydramatic automatic (2020–present)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,088 mm (121.6 in)
Length	5,203–5,256 mm (204.8–206.9 in)
Width	1,878 mm (73.9 in)
Height	1,776 mm (69.9 in)–1,811 mm (71.3 in)

The third generation GL8 debuted in China in October 2016; dubbed the GL8 ES/Avenir and was sold alongside the second generation model.

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 253 hp (189 kW; 257 PS).

The GL8 ES and Avenir is based on an updated version of the same platform, abandoning the current torsion beam rear suspension in favor of a new independent setup. while previous generation was sold as 25S with a 2.5-liter inline-four in the new base model.[10][11]

• 
  Buick GL8 ES (rear)
• 
  Buick GL8 Avenir

Originally revealed as the Buick GL8 Avenir concept during the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, the production GL8 ES Lu Zun (Chinese: 别克GL8 ES陆尊) and GL8 Avenir (Chinese: 别克GL8艾维亚) 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.[12]

• 
  Buick GL8 Avenir facelift
• 
  Buick GL8 ES Lu Zun facelift
• 
  Buick GL8 Avenir 4 seats interior

The GL8 Avenir and ES Lu Zun received another facelift in 2022 launched alongside the Flagship Century (fourth generation) and the 2022 facelifted GL8 Legacy (second generation).

• 
  2022 Buick GL8 ES Lu Zun
• 
  2022 Buick GL8 ES Lu Zun
• 
  2022 Buick GL8 Avenir
• 
  Interior

In April 2024, the GL8 Lu Zun PHEV was released on "Buick Brand Day" as a refreshed model. It is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, which includes a fully self-developed plug-in hybrid electric drive unit by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, a battery of the same standard of Ultium, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine using a deep Miller cycle. The CLTC comprehensive cruising range reaches 1,370 km (850 mi).[13] On October 2024, the GL8 ES Lu Zun facelift was launched.[14]

• 
  2024 Buick GL8 Lu Zun PHEV
• 
  Rear view
• 
  2024 Buick GL8 Lu Zun PHEV Interior

• 
  2024 Buick GL8 ES Lu Zun
• 
  Rear view

In March 2025, Buick released preview images of a Plug-in Hybrid lower priced version called the GL8 Lu Shang (Chinese: GL8陆尚; pinyin: GL8 lùshàng).[15] It was launched on April 11, 2025 initially with the PHEV powertrain only, and features minor changes to the exterior styling, including unified headlight units rather than a split-headlight design and individual taillights rather than a light bar design.[16]

It is available with the same two powertrain options as the existing GL8 Land Business edition, The GL8 Lu Shang is powered by a 392 hp (292 kW; 397 PS) 1.5-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system consisting of a two-speed hybrid transmission and two motors powered by a 24.4 kWh LFP battery pack providing a 110-kilometre (68 mi) CLTC range rating, for a combined range of 1,420 km (880 mi). while GL8 Onshore Business is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 48-volt mild hybrid engine.[16] On June 2025, the GL8 Onshore Business was launched on June 26, 2025.[17]

• 
  2025 Buick GL8 Lu Shang
• 
  Rear view

• 
  2025 Buick GL8 Onshore Business
• 
  Rear view

Century
Overview
Also called	Buick GL8 Century[18]
Production	2022–present
Assembly	China: Jinqiao, Shanghai (SAIC-GM)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Platform	GM VSS-F (SGM458)
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L LSV turbo Mild Hybrid 48V I4
Transmission	9-speed 9T50 Hydramatic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,130 mm (123.2 in)
Length	5,230 mm (205.9 in)
Width	1,980 mm (78.0 in)
Height	1,867 mm (73.5 in)

Buick Century front Buick Century Avenir rear Buick Century Avenir interior

In August 2022, SAIC-GM introduced the Buick Century (Chinese: 别克世纪; pinyin: Biékè Shìjì) or Buick GL8 Century.[19] 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 on 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.

On the interior of the Flagship, there are only four seats, like in other ultra-luxury minivans in the segment. The front and rear are separated by a divider equipped with a 32" screen flanked with Bose speakers on both sides. Storage drawers are equipped below the screen. The heated captain's chairs are upholstered in Nappa-leather and feature 18-way power adjustment, ottomans, and are equipped with Bose speakers in the headrests. The infotainment system and seats are controlled by an 8-inch touchscreen. Other features include a 21-speaker Bose Executive Edition sound system, 5G internet connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Baidu CarLife. The roof features a starry evening sky headliner, comparable to that of Rolls-Royce's Starlight Headliner.

The Century has many different colors available for the exterior and interior, depending on the trim level.

• Flagship: Available in 3 exterior colors: the two-tone Guanshan Feixue, and the monotone Guanshan Cui and Cloud White, and the interior is available in 2 colors: Fir Green and Yunfengbai.
• Avenir: Available in 4 exterior colors: Glaze Green, Dailan, Cloud White, and Xiahong, while the interior comes in 2 two-tone color options: Cabernet Red and Shale Black, and Smoke Blue and Cloud Peak White.
• Premium: Available in 3 exterior colors: Cloud White, Inkstone Ash, and Sandalwood, and only one interior color: Lin Shenzong.

Much like the previous generation GL8s, the Century is sold exclusively in China. The Century 4-seater and 6-seater Yunshi went on sale in 3 November 2022.[20]

On August 19, 2023, Buick launched the 7-seater Base model Century, featuring slightly different styling in the front and rear compared to higher trims. It is offered in standard and Premium.[21]

Electra Encasa
Overview
Also called	Buick GL8 Encasa
Production	2025–present
Assembly	China: Jinqiao, Shanghai (SAIC-GM)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Platform	Xiao Yao
Related	Buick Electra L7 Buick Electra E7
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,160 mm (124.4 in)
Length	5,260 mm (207.1 in)
Width	2,023 mm (79.6 in)
Height	1,820 mm (71.7 in)

The Buick Electra Encasa (Chinese: 别克至境世家; pinyin: Biékè Zhìjìng shìjiā) was revealed at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show.[23] It is the second model of the China-exclusive Electra sub-brand and also the second model to be based on the Xiao Yao platform. Early photos of the Encasa showed a "GL8 Encasa" moniker instead of Electra.[24] The Encasa launched in 5 December 2025 with two trims.[25]

• 
  Rear view

Year	China[26]
	GL8	GL8 PHEV
2001	9,983	—
2002	17,801
2003	23,520
2004	29,086
2005	26,258
2006	38,007
2007	42,494
2008	36,252
2009	40,029
2010	52,127
2011	66,903
2012	64,001
2013	70,191
2014	80,476
2015	78,985
2016	79,600
2017	145,853
2018	144,308
2019	148,121
2020	156,879
2021	170,011
2022	114,175
2023	110,908[27]	20,350[27]
2024	69,948[28]	23,308[28]
2025	57,363[29]	55,505

Century

Year	China
2023	17,834[30]
2024	10,957[31]
2025	6,514

Electra Encasa

Year	China
2025	3,204[29]

• Official website (in Chinese)
• Century website(in Chinese)
• Electra Encasa website(in Chinese)