Fidelity Motors, exclusive authorised local dealer for the Chinese automotive brand Guangzhou Automobile Group Company Limited (GAC) welcomed their newest model, the S7, on Wednesday, April 15, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St Andrew.

“I think it is an absolutely quality product and it was brought so that it would satisfy another segment of our Jamaican market that would definitely need the GAC design and, of course, the GAC value, reliability and experience,” Deborah Stewart, general manager, Fidelity Motors Limited, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Her words were echoed by Alan Bayne, CEO, Goddard Enterprise Limited Auto Division: “The S7 is a premium product. I encourage all Jamaicans to come and drive the S7 and see for yourselves,” he said.

The GAC S7 Ultra AWD is a five-seat SUV that sits below the S8, their large full-size seven-seat SUV.

Its headline feature is its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Using a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it combines with dual electric motors powered by a 36.3kWh battery for a total of 500bhp and 452lb/ft of torque. This gives the S7 all-wheel drive, an all-electric range of 150 kilometres, a total range of 1150 kilometres, and a 0-60 just under six seconds.

“The S7 is a plug-in hybrid which gives you the best of all worlds. You can plug it in and run it like a full electric, or you can drive it like a regular hybrid, or on gasoline only,” Bayne explained.

Inside, the S7 is brimming with premium amenities, the majority powered or automated. Highlights are power-operated leather seating with a massage and memory function for all occupants. Front row passengers have heated and cooled seats. The rear seat, behind the front passenger, has a full recline function due to integrated electronic leg support. Drivers have an 8.8-inch LCD cluster and a HUD paired with a 15.6-inch touchscreen Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an AI voice assistant are standard, as is the 1640 watt 22-speaker audio system. Acoustic privacy glass keeps the interior quiet and relaxing. There is a refrigerator that cools and heats.

Attendees at the launch were given a demonstration of the AI emotional headlights that can display animation and customised text.

At $9.3 million, Bayne and Stewart have high expectations for the S7 on the local market.

Fidelity Motors announced that it would be carrying the GAC brand in November 2025 as the parent company, Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) Auto Division, brought the brand to the Caribbean. Bayne explained that GAC entered their portfolio as the company was looking for quality, reliable, value-oriented Chinese vehicles. Partnering with GAC regional distributor Motorworld in Sint Maarten, GEL has established GAC across the Caribbean in late quarter 2025.

“Basically, the GS3 EMZOOM is the star. We’ve sold out all the product in all of our markets,” said Bayne.

According to Stewart, GAC Jamaica has been enjoying similar success.

“The response to the GAC brand has been excellent. It has been doing very well, and we are excited. The wonderful thing is that it has appealed to every demographic in the Jamaican market,” she said.

Fidelity Motors will introduce further models, including a pickup, later in the year.

GAC had all its models available for test drive at the S7 launch event. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The GAC S7 has AI emotional headlights that can display animation and customised text. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The S7 Ultra AWD is equipped with a 1640-watt, 22-speaker audio system. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The rear seat, behind the front passenger, has a full recline function due to integrated electronic leg support. (Photo: Rory Daley)

With a total system output of 500bhp from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors, the S7 can drive 150km on electric power alone, achieve 1150kms of range and hit 60mph in under six seconds. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The interior of the GAC S7 is brimming with premium amenities, the majority powered or automated. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The GAC S7 is available for $9.3 million. (Photo: Rory Daley)

From left: Alan Bayne, chief executive officer, Goddard Enterprise Limited — Auto Division, and Deborah Stewart, general manager, Fidelity Motors Limited, at the launch of their flagship SUV, the GAC S7, on Wednesday, April 15, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, St Andrew. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The GAC S7 has a 36.3kWh that can be charged externally. (Photo: Rory Daley)