Driving Experience of the All-New 2021 GAC GS5
Introduction
The all-new GAC GS5 was recently launched for the first time in the UAE. To celebrate, I decided to surprise my colleague Anas with a delicious lunch at the fantastic City Walk in Dubai. Having tested the GAC GS8 about a year ago, Anas was thoroughly impressed with GAC vehicles in general, so I was eager to hear his thoughts on the brand's latest crossover.
Exterior and Interior Design
Car Design
From the start, Anas was in awe; the intricate design of the headlights caught his attention the moment he laid eyes on them, and he couldn't wait to learn more about the GS5. The interior design and quality were remarkable by any standard, and Anas quickly pointed out the similarities between the GAC GS5 and the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Design Influence
For those wondering, there is a valid reason for this. Designer Nang Fan worked at Mercedes-Benz for nearly eight years before joining GAC Motor, so some design influences have definitely carried over. However, it's important to note that the GS5 was released before the new S-Class, so the real question is: who influenced whom?
Cabin Quality
The cabin is outfitted with supple leather and soft-touch materials, all of which feel exceptionally well-built. Even though the designers opted for a relatively simple approach to the design, the engineers ensured that the GS5 is packed with features, including:
- Sunroof
- Power-adjustable seats
- Adaptive cruise control
- Wireless charging
- Dual-zone climate control
- Rearview camera
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Car Performance
Test Drive
After testing the car for a sufficient amount of time, Anas asked me to stop, claiming he wanted to see if the GAC GS5 was as impressive outside as it was inside. For those who enjoy reading, the gray color of our test vehicle is just one of six available colors for this Chinese crossover.
Headlights
The 18-inch wheels do a fantastic job filling the wheel arches, and as I mentioned earlier, the headlights on the GAC GS5 are anything but ordinary; they are Matrix LED headlights, a feature typically found on much pricier models like the Audi or Bugatti Chiron!
Driving and Steering
After requesting that I quickly move to the passenger seat, Anas jumped into the driver's seat and immediately noticed how smooth the ride was. He also pointed out the precision of the steering and how well the cabin is insulated. When measuring cabin quietness in decibels, the GAC GS5 is remarkably quiet, even quieter than the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and BMW X1 when at idle or driving!
Engine and Technical Features
In terms of power, the car's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 166 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that allows for quick shifts, along with the option for manual gear selection. Additionally, the vehicle offers three driving modes (Eco, Snow, and Normal) to suit different conditions.
Braking System
The GS5 comes equipped with a set of ITT brake discs, a leading Italian manufacturer of brake systems for sports cars. Therefore, with the Continental tires fitted on the vehicle, it can stop faster than a Porsche 911, Audi R8, and McLaren 570 from 100 km/h!
Final Evaluation and Pricing
After our car tour, we headed to Farzi Café located in City Walk, where the level of hospitality and food quality was top-notch. After lunch, we resumed our discussion about the GAC GS5. While the price of AED 90,200 may seem a bit steep at first, remember that the quality, design, and features far exceed those of competitors in this price range.
Financing Program
As a means to boost sales, the Gargash Group also offers an excellent financing program on all GAC models with no down payments, no bank approvals, no service or maintenance costs, no insurance, and no registration fees! Just pay for the fuel, Salik, and hit the road!
