The Buick GL8 Encasa EV 5.3-meter minivan with 646 hp was launched exclusively in China for 489,900 yuan (70,425 USD) as the SAIC-GM joint venture broadens its product lineup. This seven-seat family driver speeds up to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has 601 km of range under CLTC conditions.
The Buick GL8 is a well-known minivan designed specifically for the Chinese market. It is being assembled by the joint venture between SAIC and General Motors. Its fourth generation was launched in 2022 and got a facelift a couple of years later. Recently, the GL8 turned into an independent series with several models available for purchase.
In December 2025, Buick launched the PHEV variant of the GL8 minivan called GL8 Encasa. It has a price range of 439,900 – 469,900 yuan (63,240 – 67,550 USD). Its cumulative deliveries reached 8,029 units, according to China EV DataTracker. On March 17, Buick kicked off sales of the all-electric GL8 Encasa to compete with the Zeekr 009, the Li Mega, the Xpeng X9, and other battery electric minivans.
Buick GL8 Encasa EV specs
The Buick GL8 Encasa EV stays in line with its PHEV counterpart in terms of exterior styling. It has a closed front end with two-storey headlights and a trapeze-shaped active air intake. Other highlights include a flat roofline, retractable door handles, a LiDAR sensor on the roof, and a roof spoiler. It boasts hefty dimensions of 5260/2023/1820 mm with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. Another highlight of this large vehicle is a drag coefficient of 0.258 Cd.
The interior of the Buick GL8 Encasa EV offers seven seats with a 2+2+3 layout. This car was designed for the high-end market. As a result, it has a suede-covered roof and pillars, and three large displays in the center console. A 10.25-inch LCD cluster and a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display sit behind the steering wheel. There is a 16.3-inch screen for the driver, and the same monitor for the front passenger.
The second row of the Buick GL8 Encasa EV has two independent captain chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. These seats are also equipped with a power leg rest. They could be controlled via a 5.5-inch armrest-mounted touchscreen. There are also integrated phone chargers and folding tables. Another high-end touch of the GL8 Encasa EV is a large 4K ceiling-mounted screen with a diameter of 21 inches.
The Buick GL8 Encasa EV adopts a built-in refrigerator with a heating function, an air suspension, and the Bose-branded acoustic system with 16 speakers. The car has a heated steering wheel and power third-row seats. Its trunk has a standard volume of 630 liters.
Powertrain and price
The Buick GL8 Encasa EV adopts two electric motors. The TZ210XYP5F synchronous permanent magnet e-motor for 332 kW (445 hp) sits in the front axle. The YS210XYS6H asynchronous motor for 150 kW (201 hp) spins the rear wheels. The combined power output of this system reaches 482 kW (646 hp) and 550 Nm. As a result, this 2.8-tonn MPV speeds up to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The top speed is 180 km/h.
The GL8 Encasa EV adopts a 96 kWh LFP battery on board. Its official CLTC range reached 601 km. Thanks to the 900V high-voltage system, this minivan can charge from 10 to 80% in eleven minutes at the 640 kW DC charging station.
The Buick GL8 Encasa EV is available for purchase in China for 489,900 yuan (70,425 USD). It undercuts the Li Mega by 40,000 yuan (5,750 USD). Such pricing could potentially help the GL8 Encasa EV to gain a foothold in the highly competitive domestic market.
Follow us for ev updates