| 2-speed (PHEV; 2024–present) | 6-speed
DSS automatic (2017–2019) | 9-speed
9T50 Hydramatic automatic (2020–present) }} | 48V
mild hybrid | Series-parallel
plug-in hybrid }} | 24.4 kWh
LFP Zenergy | 34.8 kWh
NMC Zenergy }} | (WLTP) | (CLTC) }} }} The third generation GL8 debuted in China in October 2016 and was marketed as the GL8 ES, and GL8 Avenir for the top trim. It was initially sold alongside the first generation model, and soon afterwards was sold alongside the second generation model since 2017. The Buick GL8 ES and Avenir received a complete exterior overhaul using the newly introduced winged Buick grille treatment, as well as a redesigned
roofline. The entire engine lineup was replaced by a 2.0-liter
turbocharged inline-four producing . The GL8 ES and Avenir is based on an updated version of the same platform, abandoning the previous
torsion beam rear suspension in favor of a new
independent setup. File:BUICK GL8 ES (153).jpg|Buick GL8 ES (rear) File:BUICK GL8 AVENIR China (44).jpg|Buick GL8 Avenir
2020 facelift Originally revealed as the Buick GL8 Avenir concept during the 2019
Shanghai Auto Show, the production GL8 ES Lu Zun () and GL8 Avenir () facelift was revealed in March 2020. The GL8 Avenir and ES Lu Zun facelift is available with a four (Avenir only), six (Avenir only) and seven-seat configurations. Technology is a significant focus for the post-facelift GL8, including the 12.3-inch integrated display and Buick's eConnect 3.0 connectivity technology and head-up display. It uses an updated turbocharged 2.0-liter engine now paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and is badged 653T. In mid-2021, the engine was updated to use a 48-volt mild hybrid system. On October 2024, the mild hybrid version of the GL8 ES Lu Zun facelift was launched, using the LXH 2.0-liter engine and 48-volt hybrid system used in previous models. This version also receives a different grille pattern compared to the PHEV variant. In July 2025, after the launch of the lower priced Lu Shang PHEV, the Lu Zun PHEV had its powertrain upgraded and is referred to as
Zhenlong Pro. The battery has been upgraded to a 34.8kWh
NMC pack, now providing of CLTC range. Buick says the new battery is capable of 5
C peak charging rates, and is capable of charging from 3080% in 15 minutes. Additionally, higher Lu Zun PHEV models started receiving Avenir badging, and received features such as Navigate-On-Pilot (NOP) L2
ADAS system with automatic self-parking and a
heads-up display. It was launched on April 11, 2025 initially with the PHEV powertrain only, and features minor changes to the exterior styling while most panels stay similar to the original 2016 model, including unified headlight units rather than a split-headlight design and individual taillights rather than a light bar design. The mild hybrid version of the GL8 Lu Shang was launched on June 26, 2025. Due to the discontinuation of the GL8 Legacy in February 2025, the Lu Shang is the new entry point into the GL8 series below the Lu Zun and Century. At launch, it was available with the same two powertrain options as the GL8 Lu Zun. The GL8 Lu Shang is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system consisting of a two-speed hybrid transmission and two motors powered by a 24.4kWh
LFP battery pack providing a
CLTC range rating, for a combined range of . The standard version continues to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 48-volt mild hybrid engine. In late 2025, a lower priced variant with the mild hybrid system and several other features removed was introduced. File:BUICK GL8 LS (5).jpg|2025 Buick GL8 Lu Shang PHEV File:BUICK GL8 LS (6).jpg|Rear view File:BUICK GL8 LS (7).jpg|2025 Buick GL8 mild hybrid File:Buick GL8 LS 004.jpg|Rear view == Century (2022) ==