Can the GL8 seat 9 people?

[ONevaeh]

GL8 cannot seat 9 people. Here are the specific details about the Buick GL8: 1. Vehicle positioning: The Buick GL8 is a mid-to-high-end MPV launched by SAIC-GM Buick. 2. Powertrain: This vehicle is equipped with a 2.0T SIDI direct-injection turbocharged engine, which delivers a maximum power of 191 kW and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. In terms of the transmission system, it is paired with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. During operation, the engine can output maximum power at 5400 rpm and maximum torque between 2000-5000 rpm.

[HarrisonMarie]

As someone who frequently deals with commercial vehicles, I can clearly say that the GL8 model can accommodate a maximum of only 7 people. The new GL8, from the ES Luzun to the Avenir versions, all feature a 2+2+3 seven-seat layout. If you open the third row, you can see that the last row is standardly configured with three independent seats. The older GL8 Luzun used to have an 8-seat version, but it's rarely seen now. If you really need to seat 9 people, you'll have to look at other vehicles. Some friends might remove the trunk partition to place two small stools, but this is particularly unsafe—people can easily be thrown out during sudden braking, and if caught by traffic police, it could result in fines and penalty points. It's advised not to take the risk.

[AlexandraLynn]

I've studied the specs of this vehicle, and all the currently available GL8 model manuals clearly state a seating capacity of 7 people. While the car offers spacious interiors, the seat layout is what it is. The two independent seats in the second row occupy space, and fitting three adult seats in the third row's width is already pushing the limits. Those dealers on platform sales pages claiming it can seat 9 people are basically playing word games. Some include child seats in the count, or show pictures with added folding stools. In reality, once you sit inside, you'll immediately notice the compromised legroom and backrest comfort of the middle seat in the third row.

[AliceDella]

Discussing the seating issue of the GL8 from a safety perspective. Vehicle designs adhere to strict passenger capacity standards—7 seats mean 7 seats. When I test-drove the car at a 4S dealership, I specifically measured the dimensions of the last row, which is about 1.4 meters wide. Three average-sized adults sitting there would already feel quite cramped. Forcing nine people into the car, like squeezing onto a bus during rush hour, would render seatbelts ineffective in the event of a collision. A traffic police officer friend mentioned that they are particularly strict when checking such vehicles for overloading. Last year, they dealt with a case where a GL8 was used to transport migrant workers to a construction site.

[DeElle]

After reviewing the GL8's crash test report, it becomes clear why manufacturers don't offer a 9-seat configuration. The third row of an MPV is too close to the rear window, and adding each additional seat requires new safety certifications. All luxury MPVs currently sold in China, such as the Toyota Sienna and Denza D9, are designed with 7 seats. If you genuinely need to transport 9 people, consider models specifically designed for this purpose like the SAIC Maxus G10. The other day, I saw someone driving a Mercedes-Benz Vito in my neighborhood - that size is quite suitable for 9 seats, and there's still room for luggage in the trunk.

[LeoRose]

Most of my friends who own a GL8 use it as a 7-seater. Last week, I helped my company pick up clients and tried it out—with seven adult men seated, the guy in the middle of the last row had his knees pressed against the back of the front seats. The new model has thickened the seat cushions to 45mm for better third-row comfort, making it slightly more comfortable for three people compared to the old version. But as for adding more passengers, unless it's a child who can sit on someone's lap without occupying a seat, it's not advisable. One business owner crammed nine people in for a long-distance trip and got fined for overloading on the highway—the penalty ended up costing more than renting a car. For these kinds of business vans, it's most cost-effective to stick to the official seating capacity.