This Buick GL8 PHEV Shows Exactly What GM Should Bring Over Here.

The Buick GL8 minivan has been a very popular model for Buick in China for decades. It is now more luxurious than ever, and new powertrains have just been added to the lineup. New powertrains that GM still has not brought to the US. Yet…

We are talking about PHEVs. The Buick GL8 is now offered with a 1.5-liter PHEV with FWD or AWD. There is also a more powerful 2.0-liter PHEV with AWD. Nothing like this is currently available in the US from GM.

There are no official specs on the updated version yet, but the current model has an EV range of around 70 miles in the local test cycle. That would still be more than 50 miles under the EPA cycle, which would be pretty amazing for a large minivan. The total range can be up to 600 miles.

These are exactly the kinds of powertrains GM should be selling in the US. Back in 2024, GM claimed it would bring PHEV powertrains to the US by 2027, so there is still time. But it seems to be taking forever to bring over GM technology that has already been available in other markets for a few years.

And a large minivan seems like one of the perfect applications for this technology. Most daily driving could be done on electricity, while the gasoline engine would eliminate the range anxiety that still comes with a full EV. Add the huge interior and long-distance comfort of the GL8, and you have a very practical family vehicle.

I guess these will be ready for us right when EREVs become the new thing people want. Meaning GM might still be a step behind.

I personally think this new technology could end up in the upcoming RWD Buick sedan we will be getting next year. The same platform will also be used for the next Chevrolet Camaro (2- and 4-door models are planned) and the second-generation Cadillac CT5.

I could see a powerful PHEV unit being offered in at least the Buick version. GM should leave the V8 for the Camaro and CT5. A V8 will probably be a very slow seller in a large Buick sedan, especially with gas prices higher than ever and still climbing.

A Buick PHEV sedan with strong electric performance, a long total range, and a quiet, comfortable interior could actually give Buick something different from all the generic SUVs currently filling the market.