GAC GS8 PHEV launches in China. Will it enter the Philippines?

GAC has recently started accepting orders for the Trumpchi ES9 SUV (GS8 in the Philippine market). Interested buyers can choose from four versions of the SUV, with two being standard variants and the others being called the Traveller.

Similar to what is available in the Philippine market, the Trumpchi ES9 (GAC GS8) locally measures in at 4980/1950/1780mm, and the wheelbase is 2920mm, while the Traveller model measures 5110/1976/1780mm with a 2920mm wheelbase. 

The Traveller models are much longer than their standard counterparts because the Chinese automaker has installed an external storage compartment.

How do they differ?

In terms of design, both variants of the ES9 are similar to one another, retaining an SUV-like exterior. However, where they differ is when it comes to their front fascias. The standard model comes with a waterfall-like grille.

On the other hand, the Traveler model has a boxier, more sout front with a different bumper and grill design. 

On the inside, both models are still similar to what we have in the Philippines, maintaining sotf touch materials and large displays.

What about the PHEV system?

Under the hood, the ES9 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Power is sent to the wheels via a two-speed DHT. The internal combustion engine, on its own, produces 188 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, while the electric motor produces 180 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque.

It also carries a 25.57 kWh battery pack, giving it an estimated electric-only range of about 143 kilometers. As for its total range, GAC forecasts that it can do 1,215 kilometers.

Depending on your battery percentage, and if you use a DC fast charger, the charging time for the ES9 PHEV takes about 21.6 minutes, from 30% to 80%. Expect the SUV to take longer to charge with an AC slow charger. 

Thanks to its increased output, the PHEV can do a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration run in just eight seconds and has an estimated fuel consumption rate of 6.18L/100km.

There has yet to be official word from GAC Motor Philippines if they plan to bring this version of the GS8 into the Philippines. Unofficially though, GAC Motor Philippines executives have hinted about electrified models coming soon. 

Could this be the electrified model GAC Motor Philippines is planning to bring in?