With nationalization confirmed, GAC GS3 Elite 2026 compact SUV arrives with a 1.5 turbo engine of 170 hp and ADAS to compete in terrain dominated by the T-Cross
GAC has just launched the GS3 in Brazil. The SUV arrives in two versions starting at R$ 129.990 (in a promotional action until March 30 with purchases through Mercado Livre) to set fire to the compact playground. But the official suggested price is R$ 139.990 (in the premium version) and R$ 159.990, in the top-of-the-line option, Elite.
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But in addition to the competitive price, the main novelty will be the production, at the HPE Motors plant, in Catalão (GO). The nationalization of the model will be done through a CKD-type process, with an annual capacity of 50 thousand units, as early as 2027. The start of local assembly has not yet been announced. The goal is to reach the volume of 100 thousand units per year, of its entire portfolio, by 2030.
The brand says it will use local labor not only in the manufacturing process, but also in product development. “We are the sixth largest Chinese automaker with more than 2 million vehicles sold in 2025, present in more than 100 countries and we are expanding our operation in Brazil and we will manufacture our products here, as it is a strategic decision. We comply with PBEV/Inmetro standards,” says GAC’s Global Vice President, Lu Guojie.
The announcement of the GS3 about two weeks ago raised doubts about the decision to launch a Chinese combustion model, contrary to its countrymen. Guojie summed it up in one sentence: “We are sure that internal combustion will be the flagship in Brazil for a long time to come.
The GAC GS3 is now part of the compact SUV segment in Brazil in the Premium and Elite versions, betting on turbo engine, advanced technological package and competitive dimensions. With 4.41 meters long, 1.85 m wide, 1.60 m high and wheelbase of 2.65 m, the model seeks to meet urban and family use, offering five seats and a trunk of 341 liters, expandable to 1,271 liters.
| Version | Pricing} |
|---|---|
| Premium | R$ 139.990 |
| Elite | R$ 159.990 |
Under the hood, the GS3 uses a 1.5 turbo engine with direct injection, capable of delivering 170 hp and 25,5 kgfm of torque. The set is mated to an automated dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT) and front-wheel drive.
According to brand data, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. Consumption is 10.2 km/l in the city and 11.6 km/l on the highway, according to Inmetro. Remembering that he only drinks gasoline.
The GS3 features elements such as full-LED headlights, daytime running lights, LED taillights and 19-inch wheels with 235/45 tires. There is also a panoramic sunroof with electric opening and retractable door handles, reinforcing the modern visual proposal. The front grille follows the brand’s standard, called “Flying Wing”.
The Premium version of the GS3 features an equipment package focused on connectivity, comfort and safety, including a 14.6-inch multimedia center with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7″ digital instrument panel, push-button start and a multifunctional steering wheel with a premium finish.
In comfort, it offers automatic air conditioning with outlets for the rear seat, seats with premium upholstery and manual adjustments, in addition to electric windows with one touch function. In safety, it brings together six airbags, traction and stability controls, ramp start assistant, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and tire pressure monitoring, complemented by autopilot and electronic parking brake with auto hold, reinforcing the proposal of a well-equipped compact SUV within the category.
The top-of-the-line version adds Wi-Fi and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The package includes a 50W induction charger, remote control via app and a sound system with six speakers. The finish uses premium materials, with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and ventilation.
In safety, the model incorporates a complete package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Among the features are autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistant, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The SUV also offers integrated semi-autonomous driving and a full automatic parking system, in addition to six airbags, a 360° camera and electronic stability and traction controls.
The list of equipment also includes automatic air conditioning with rear exits, ambient lighting, rain sensors, trunk lid with electric opening and keyless start system.
The suspension adopts McPherson configuration at the front and torsion axle at the rear, while the brakes are disc brakes on all four wheels.
