Is the GL8 a four-wheel drive?
3 Answers
GL8 is not a four-wheel drive; this vehicle features front-engine, front-wheel drive. Below is more information about the GL8: 1. Exterior: The new generation Buick GL8 Avenir family has body dimensions of 5219mm × 1878mm × 1799mm, with a wheelbase of 3088mm. The Avenir-exclusive design elements stand out both inside and outside the vehicle, with the signature three-dimensional mesh grille inspired by medieval noble chainmail, meticulously crafted with exquisite metal weaving techniques, presenting an elegant rhythm under different angles and light reflections. 2. Powertrain: The new generation Buick GL8 family is equipped with General Motors' latest Smart Propulsion technology, featuring a powerhouse combination of the eighth-generation Ecotec 2.0T variable cylinder turbocharged engine and a 9-speed HYDRA-MATIC intelligent transmission, delivering robust power of 174kW and 350Nm, with a combined fuel consumption of only 7.9L/7.8L per 100km.
I've been driving the GL8 for three years, and it's indeed not a four-wheel-drive vehicle; the standard version features a front-wheel-drive design. On urban roads and highways, this layout provides a smooth driving experience with relatively low fuel consumption, making it perfectly suitable for daily commuting. As a business-oriented MPV, the GL8 emphasizes comfort and space utilization, and the front-wheel-drive system helps reduce the space occupied by the driveshaft, making the second and third rows more spacious. If you occasionally encounter wet or slightly snowy roads, the front-wheel-drive system combined with the electronic stability program can ensure basic stability, but I wouldn't recommend taking it off-road or to heavy snow areas. Before purchasing, I compared it with other models—there aren't many four-wheel-drive MPV options, like the Toyota Sienna, which offers a four-wheel-drive version but at a significantly higher price. The Buick GL8 is primarily designed for family or business travel, offering economic practicality and lower daily maintenance costs. Overall, its front-wheel-drive configuration meets the needs of most users.
As a long-time MPV enthusiast, let me talk about the GL8's four-wheel drive issue. It's basically not a 4WD but a standard front-wheel drive architecture, stemming from Buick's design philosophy. This configuration optimizes fuel efficiency and space layout, avoiding the complexity of rear-drive systems, resulting in a flatter chassis and more legroom for passengers. The GL8 is positioned in the commercial and family market, focusing on passenger comfort. If you're looking for snow or rough terrain performance, while the front-wheel drive is stable, its limit performance is limited—you might want to check out the GL8 Avista concept car, which features an improved drivetrain. I've tested its handling in urban driving; the front-wheel drive system responds quickly, starts smoothly, and steers precisely. The engine, paired with a synchronous transmission, offers high reliability, making it trustworthy for daily use. Considering the price and practicality, the front-wheel-drive GL8 is a wise choice.
