GAC has started selling the GS8 Dragon hybrid crossover in Russia

Sales of the GAC GS8 crossover in the new Dragon HEV modification have started in Russia. This is the brand's first hybrid model in Russia. Its price starts from 5.4 million rubles, the company said in a statement, which was received by Izvestia on July 1.

The GAC GS8 Dragon HEV power plant includes a two-liter gasoline engine and a THS (Toyota Hybrid System) transmission. The system's peak power is 427 hp. Acceleration to "hundreds" takes 6.9 seconds, which is more than two seconds faster than the GS8 with a 231-horsepower gasoline turbo engine.

The average fuel consumption of the hybrid is 7.8 liters per 100 km, which is 33% more economical than the gasoline version, the company said. Gasoline with an octane rating of 92 is allowed. Another feature of the hybrid model is the quiet operation of the power unit — it is claimed that the driver and passengers can talk in low voices at speeds over 100 km/h.

Also, the GS8 Dragon HEV differs from the regular gasoline version externally. The crossover received a modified radiator grille, the design of which is inspired by dragon scales, redesigned bumpers and 20-inch wheels, in which the hub caps with the brand's logo remain in a horizontal position while driving.

In the Russian market, the novelty is presented with a three-row cabin layout with six individual seats (two in each row) and a complete list of equipment. The body color palette includes five shades (black, silver, green, white and gray), the interior is available in two versions (light and dark).

A standard GAC GS8 with a conventional two-liter engine costs from 4.1 to 5 million rubles (excluding promotions and discounts).

Earlier that day, sales of the new flagship version of the premium minivan GAC M8 Lounge with a four-seat cabin layout began in Russia. The cost of the model is 7.5 million rubles. The company calls the M8 Lounge an "office on wheels."