Can this GAC M8 tickle sales away from used imported Alphards from Japan?
The luxury MPV market in Malaysia has for the past 2 decades been dominated by used Toyota Alphards and its sibling the Vellfire imported from Japan.
Yes, new units from UMW Toyota has had some good sales numbers, but it’s the used units that come from Japan (after being used as executive taxis and fleet vehicles) that get the ‘lions’ share of Malaysian sales.
Private importers (AP) have been buying up every available unit in Japan and their profit margins have been very healthy with used Japanese large MPV’s.
Then, a couple of years ago there was a slightly disruption in the Malaysian luxury MPV market. It started with the diesel powered KIA Carnival with its attractive pricing and over sized length.
Then Chinese made electric luxury MPV’s arrived with 6-star luxury and 6-star technology and best of all, tax free status. Yes, this was before December 31st 2025 and there was no import taxes on electric vehicles and sales started booming for MPVs from Denza, XPENG and Zeekr.
Then the next wave came when plug-in hybrid luxury MPVs from China arrived in Malaysia like the GAC M8 Master we are test driving here and the GWM WEY 9. Both are delivering high quality cabins and a full suite of safety features. Here we are reviewing the GAC M8 which we had over a weekend.
The GAC M8 Looks
From the front this GAC M8 carries the much desired ‘bling’ factor with its tall vertical bold looking grille, large slim ’T’ shaped headlights and a connected rear light bar consisting of 320 LEDs with sequential turn signals.
The overall footprint of this MPV takes up almost 90 percent of the average mall car park space which is why the powered sliding doors make easier to get in and out. A 3,070mm wheelbase ensures significant legroom, especially in the second row, which has a 480mm sliding range. Its large!
The rear tailgate is flat and square like with all its immediate rivals. The large rear glass makes visibility for the driver good and 3rd row passengers are less cocooned.
The GAC M8 Cabin
From the driver powered drivers seat you notice the 14.6-inch central touch screen nicely incorporated into the meter dash and a bright and clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster serve as the main information hub. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Phone connectivity and lots more.
The 7-seater layout (2+2+3)-row has “captain’s chairs” in the middle that feature ventilation and 10-point, 3-mode pneumatic massage functions using a simple touch screen panel on the hand rest. These seats can recline up to 75 degrees and offer sublime comfort. This second-row Master Captain Chairs include power-adjustable leg rests which is a very comfortable place to be in when traffic is heavy or on a long interstate drive.
An in-built fragrance system and multi-color ambient lighting is available and it features a unique draft-free air conditioning system powered by Cool-Sense Technology.
This M8 is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, Full Automatic Parking Assist (FAPA), and a patented rear windscreen airbag.
The interior is also designed with a 7-layer acoustic glass and an Engine Noise Control (ENC) system to ensure a quiet, “ultra-quiet” environment.
We must not forget the crystal-like gear shifter, multi-colour intelligent ambient lighting and dual 50W wireless charging pad.
While boot space is modest with all seats up (approx. 280L), folding the third row provides a depth of up to 1,200mm for larger items and airport runs with luggage.
The GAC M8 Cabin Powertrain
The GAC M8 is a premium plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPV featuring a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor powered by a 25.6 kWh battery. It delivers a combined 372 PS and 630 Nm of torque, enabling 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The M8 delivers a possible 106-120 km electric-only range (WLTP/NEDC) and over 1,000 km total driving range when the fuel tank and battery is full.
The GAC M8 Drive
Well, its surprisingly perky from standstill as the powertrain works to deliver good performance and the good turning radius makes driving around the older roads in PJ and Gombak easy despite its size. Open highway driving is very smooth and despite it weight (battery and engine) this M8 does not ‘bounce’ when the road surface is not smooth. Speed bumps however should be ridden slowly as the front lip is low and the large 18-inch wheels shod with wide rubbers offer very good ride comfort.
The 3 zone A/C keeps all passengers cool and comfortable and even 3rd row passengers get ample leg and torso space. Plus, the premium ‘Yamaha’ sound system is worth a second listen on your test drive. Play a hard rock Whitesnake tune or a great Whitney Houstan vocal tune and you will hear how well this system is tuned inside this large and airy cabin space.
Priced much lower than a new luxury Japanese MPV and about the same price as a USED with no warranty and after sales imported Japanese MPV, owners of this M8 receive a 5-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 150,000 km battery warranty. Think ….. what makes more sense right now.
The M8 PHEV is now available at GAC showrooms nationwide, with test drives offered and you need to bring along the family to truly appreciate its cabin.
GAC M8 Hybrid MPV Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder engine combined with a high-output electric motor
Capacity: 2,393cc
Transmission: 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT)
Max Power: 372PS
Max Torque: 630Nm
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds
Top Speed: 180km/h
Battery & Charging: 25.57 kWh “Magazine” battery 0%-80% DC fast charging in 30 minutes
Suspension: Standard adaptive suspension with electromagnetic damping.
Fuel Efficiency: Possible 6.1L/100km fuel consumption in hybrid mode
Selling Price: RM328,800 to RM388,800 Fully Imported
