Buick GL8 getting carried away? A 1.5T plug-in hybrid MPV calling itself "ultra-luxury"—who gave it the nerve?

I didn't expect that, just as the Shanghai Auto Show was about to arrive, Buick finally unveiled a new member of the GL8 family, officially called the "Shijia," which is the GL8 ENCASA that was previously filed.

But then again, the name is quite grand, positioned as a "new ultra-luxury new energy MPV family."

But seeing this powertrain configuration, as a veteran driver, I'm a bit puzzled. It uses a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5T engine.

To be honest, these days MPVs going new energy is the trend, and plug-in hybrids are quite practical, but when you hang the "ultra-luxury" label on it and pair it with a 1.5T machine, that's a bit baffling.

I know some people will say, look at Huawei's AITO M9, a 1.5T range extender that dares to sell for nearly a million.

But we need to get the logic straight here—that's a range-extended vehicle, where the engine is mainly used as a generator, not directly driving or rarely directly driving the wheels, so the requirements for the engine itself aren't that high.

Moreover, that's Huawei—the brand appeal is right there for all to see. Neither of these two points seems to apply to Buick at the moment.

Let's look at the car itself. The exterior design is indeed all-new, different from the previous GL8.

The front face features a full-width chrome strip connecting two slender daytime running lights, with the high and low beam headlights having a rather complex shape below, zigzagging in a way that's somewhat distinctive. The closed-off front end, paired with a dual-layer lower grille, makes the overall look much younger and more streamlined.

The side body lines are also quite smooth, with a floating roof, sliding doors, and other elements that an MPV should have. The waistline is more dynamic than before, and there's a specially raised design at the D-pillar to add a touch of fashion.

Overall, the design is indeed more thoughtful than the old GL8, but to say it's "ultra-luxury"—I think that's still a bit hasty.

Oh right, there's also the Avenir version, which gets a two-tone body that does look a bit more premium.

As for the rear, according to previous filing images, there's a full-width taillight that's said to have a dazzling illumination effect—maybe that's where they're trying to lean into "ultra-luxury"? There's a spoiler on the roof, and the trunk lines are fairly clean. The overall design language is consistent from front to back, which is done reasonably well.

As for the interior, the officials didn't release any images this time, and there were no specific details in the previous filing information either, so we don't know what it looks like inside. Maybe the interior is the key to showing off "ultra-luxury"? We can only wait for follow-up news.

Here's the key point—the powertrain. As mentioned earlier, the plug-in hybrid version uses a 1.5T engine with a maximum power of 180 horsepower, paired with a single motor and lithium iron phosphate battery. Sigh, to be honest, this powertrain is essentially not much different from SAIC-GM's own Chevrolet Equinox Plus that sells for just over a hundred thousand.

So, I still have that question: where exactly is the "ultra-luxury" in this? I'm not being paid by anyone to say it's bad—just stating the facts—this powertrain is indeed a bit far from the words "ultra-luxury." Those who take money to blindly praise it, I really can't stand it—isn't that just cheating consumers?

The officials also said a pure electric version will come later. From the filing information, there's a front-wheel-drive version and an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive version composed of front and rear dual motors, with a system maximum power of 449 horsepower.

This power figure, for such a large MPV, honestly speaking, is just "adequate"—not exactly thrilling. Maybe Buick has its own understanding of "ultra-luxury," but that understanding feels a bit out of step with the current market rhythm.

In any case, this GL8 Shijia has some novelty in its exterior design, but the "ultra-luxury" positioning paired with this 1.5T plug-in hybrid powertrain really raises some question marks.

The pure electric version's power can only be described as middling. As for how it will perform in the market, let's not speculate—just wait and see.

A reminder to fellow car enthusiasts: don't just listen to the manufacturer's marketing—look more at the actual product strength, especially whether the power and price match up.