Buick Announces Minivan With an Unusual Warranty: Crash It and Get a New One for Free

Buick chose the Chengdu Auto Show, which opened on August 21, as the venue to unveil the updated GL8 Land Business Class minivan. The vehicle will be sold in a single “Zunxiang” trim. The official MSRP is 249,900 yuan (about $34,800), but a limited-time launch price of 244,900 yuan (about $34,100) is available at the start of sales.

Along with the vehicle itself, the automaker announced an unusual service program called the “Golden Warranty: Replacement Only, No Repairs.” Owners of privately used vehicles can pay an additional 2,999 yuan (about $420) for the option within 90 days of purchase. The terms are as follows: if the vehicle is involved in a single-car accident within three years and the damage amounts to 30% of its value, the owner will be entitled to replace it with a new vehicle at no cost.

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

The updated GL8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain produces a maximum of 174 kW, while peak torque is 355 Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.91 liters per 100 km on the WLTC cycle.

The minivan measures 5,219 mm long, 1,878 mm wide, and 1,807 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,088 mm. The cabin seats seven passengers in a 2+2+3 layout. The third-row seat cushions are 520 mm wide, while the seatbacks recline up to 135 degrees, allowing three adults to sit comfortably. The cabin has 46 storage compartments, while the cargo area can hold nine 20-inch suitcases even with all seven seats occupied. Folding the second-row seats increases cargo capacity to 1,650 liters.

Interior Trim and Seat Features

Designers created a unique interior color theme for the new GL8 called “Brilliant Future,” finished in shades of orange. The dashboard and door panels feature soft upholstery with broad coverage and diamond-pattern stitching.

The seats use a class-exclusive foam material that, according to the manufacturer, improves breathability by 50%. The second row is equipped with multifunctional airline-style seats featuring ventilation, heating, massage, and power-adjustable footrests. The seatbacks recline up to 160 degrees, and the seats are accompanied by a folding table and an extension module with several ports for electronic devices.

Safety and Chassis

The minivan’s body is built around a frame structure with 10 transverse and six longitudinal structural members. Ultra-high-strength steel rated at 1,700 MPa is used in the areas subjected to the highest loads. The side-curtain airbags extend 3,014 mm and cover the entire length of the cabin.

The driver-assistance system meets eCruise L2 standards and includes:

• adaptive cruise control across the full speed range;
• automatic emergency braking;
• a number of other driver-assistance features.

As for the suspension, the vehicle uses an independent MacPherson strut setup up front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. Also worth noting is the seat damper, a solution introduced in the industry for the first time.

While some automakers are experimenting with new colors, others are preparing updates to entire model lineups. For example, Citroen released a limited run of the Berlingo minivan in an exclusive Sable color that immediately became popular with buyers. Meanwhile, Kia is preparing to unveil an updated SUV — the company has already shown the first production Sorento hybrid with all-wheel drive, with final pricing not expected until early September.