Shortly after unveiling the updated 2022 GL8 Avenir, Buick is looking a little farther into the future with the GL8 Flagship Concept. A luxurious and futuristic looking study, the brand calls it a sign of its commitment to expanding into higher-end, more luxurious minivan segment. The concept seeks to combine an immersive sensory experience with forward-looking technology to create a “connected, quiet, clean,” and intelligent travel space.
Inspired by the existing model on the
outside, the GL8 Flagship adds multi-tone paint and sharp design elements to
bring its design into the future. With big, complex headlights that stretch
across the front fascia and down, alongside an illuminated grille, the minivan
stands out from other offerings. Similarly cascading taillights at the back
complete the look.
Inside, the experience is pure
futurism thanks to its lounge-like design concept and premium materials. It
features a rotating passenger seat and a couch-like bench seat that is bifurcated
by a tea table that can rotate to serve just those sitting at the back or the
front passenger. Those same seats feature what Buick calls a “zero gravity
suspension” to make them as comfortable as possible.
The cabin mirrors the exterior’s multi-tone
color scheme with deep blue contrasted by a rich white and a sandy beige color.
The dash is full of complex shapes, while the roof delivers a panoramic viewing
experience with lights integrated into the glass to gently illuminate the
cabin. A trunk with cabinetry and a wooden base, further adds to the luxurious,
home-like design. For the driver, there is an intelligent cockpit system with a
side screen that arcs gently towards them for easy use. Most of the
infotainment features, though, can be operated using voice-controls. A VR
vision system, meanwhile, creates a new “immersive human-vehicle interaction
experience.”
Active noise cancellation ensures that
nothing outside of the GL8 Flagship is allowed to disturb the passenger while
new V2X technology does the opposite for the driver. Designed to alert them to
real-time information about other vehicles, road conditions, and weather, the
system looks to arm the driver with as much information as possible. Although a
concept car for now, Buick described the GL8 Flagship as a vision into the
future of the range and a sign of its intention to expand into higher-end
segments. Designed for China, Buick doesn’t offer any insights into what powers
the vehicle. The GL8 Flagship was revealed alongside the all-electric,
autonomous Smart Pod Concept.
