What are the center console function buttons in the 2021 GL8?

[FrankMarie]

2021 GL8 center console buttons mainly include the audio control system and air conditioning control system. Here are the relevant introductions about the center console buttons: 1. Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Effectively prevents loss of control situations such as body sideslip and tailspin. It is generally not recommended for drivers to manually turn it off. 2. Parking Radar/Image: This button activates the panoramic image and radar function, providing drivers with alarm and visual feedback to detect surrounding obstacles. 3. Auto Hold: Eliminates the need to keep the foot on the brake pedal, as the system automatically locks the wheels. The wheels unlock when the accelerator pedal is pressed, allowing the vehicle to proceed.

[LenaFitz]

I've driven this generation of GL8, and the center console layout is quite user-friendly. On the left side of the steering wheel, there are volume up/down, track skip buttons, and a voice activation button. The right side houses the cruise control and instrument cluster menu controls. The center console retains many physical buttons, with the most prominent being the climate control area: two large knobs for temperature adjustment, a fan speed control and dual-zone sync button in the middle, and below that are front defroster, rear window heating, air circulation toggle, plus touch controls for seat ventilation/heating. The center display is touchscreen with virtual buttons at the bottom for switching between main menu, music, and navigation. Below the air vents hides a wireless charging pad, power outlet, and USB ports. The overhead control area contains sunroof and sunshade switches, along with the streaming rearview mirror adjustment knob. The auto hold and electronic parking brake are next to the gear shifter, with an auto parking button on higher trims. The blind spot monitoring switch is located near the driver's left knee.

[BarrettRose]

As a business vehicle owner, I deal with the same few buttons every day. The call volume and track switch buttons on the left side of the steering wheel are used the most, while adjusting the air conditioning temperature while driving relies entirely on the physical knob on the center console—more reliable than touchscreen controls. The buttons in the air conditioning zone are clearly divided: the front defroster button is a must in winter, and the seat heater button comes with a temperature indicator. The gear lever area concentrates driving-related functions, with the electronic parking brake button featuring AUTO HOLD linkage, and the start-stop switch hidden to the left of the gear lever. Among the row of touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the center screen, the 360° camera button is the most practical—navigating narrow alleys depends on it. The overhead control area includes not only the sunroof switch but also an SOS emergency call button and the OnStar blue button. Sliding open the cover in front of the armrest reveals cup holders and a wireless charging pad, while the rear air conditioning controls are located at the end of the center armrest.

[SanFernando]

From a mechanical perspective, the GL8 features a layered button layout. The steering wheel buttons utilize membrane-type microswitches with relatively soft damping, while the HVAC controls on the center console employ mechanical microswitch structures that deliver clear tactile feedback. The hazard light button is independently positioned on the raised top section of the center console, aligning with emergency operation habits. The gearshift area integrates a drive mode selector knob (high trim), hill descent control, and physical lane-keeping buttons. The wireless charging pad beneath the center console features anti-slip rubber padding, with USB ports supporting direct CarPlay connectivity. A noteworthy hidden function: pressing and holding the recirculation button for three seconds activates an enhanced PM2.5 filtration mode. The front defroster button actually triggers a three-channel system (compressor + maximum fan speed + fresh air mode), achieving 40% faster defrosting compared to conventional vehicles.

[StGriffin]

Taking the air conditioning panel as an example, the left and right temperature knobs feature digital displays. The center fan button adjusts the airflow with a short press and turns off the air conditioning with a long press. The air outlet mode has been changed to touch control switching, but the physical defogging button is thoughtfully retained. Near the gear lever, the auto hold, electronic parking brake, and engine start-stop switches are integrated, with the automatic parking button featuring an ultrasonic sensor indicator. The cruise control stalk on the right side of the steering wheel incorporates distance adjustment for adaptive cruise control. The edges of the central control screen include a return button and an emergency menu button; pressing and holding for 10 seconds during a system freeze can force a reboot. The lane departure warning switch is hidden inside the sunglasses compartment, while the rear air conditioning switch is located at the end of the armrest box. In case of a dead key fob battery, pressing the remote against the one-touch start button allows for emergency ignition.

[LaPaul]

In terms of practical operation experience, the steering wheel button layout is the most user-friendly. The left thumb controls phone answering and voice system, while the right hand manages dashboard information switching and cruise settings. The center console retains practical buttons: the hazard lights feature an independent protruding design, and the air conditioning mode switch provides audible feedback to prevent accidental touches. The seat ventilation/heating buttons are designed as piano-key-style touch controls with blue/red indicators, ensuring error-free blind operation. The central channel's rotary knob for multimedia control is more reliable than swiping on the screen, especially on bumpy roads. The wireless charging pad features anti-slip padding and cooling vents to prevent phone displacement during charging. In premium models, the rearview mirror adjustment knob integrates streaming media brightness control, while the rain sensor is discreetly hidden behind the mirror mount.