Many Chinese luxury MPVs have flooded the market recently, all claiming to be the next Toyota Alphard/Vellfire killer. But there’s just one problem — they’re mostly electric vehicles (EVs), which aren’t exactly ideal for those who rack up long-distance business trips. That’s where the GAC M8 PHEV comes in.
Arriving in Malaysia as the only plug-in hybrid luxury MPV, at least before the launch of the GWM Wey G9, the GAC M8 PHEV blends Chinese EV tech with the convenience of an ICE powertrain. Launched here in Q4 last year, the GAC M8 PHEV is offered in two variants, Premium and Luxury, priced on the road and without insurance at RM328,800 and RM388,800, respectively.
Under the bonnet, both variants of the GAC M8 PHEV carry the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 hp and 330 Nm, working together with an electric motor rated at 182 hp and 300 Nm. Together, the system puts out a healthy 372 hp and 630 Nm, all sent to the front wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). The result is a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds, likely enough to get you where you need to be even when in a rush.
Powering the hybrid system is a 25.57 kWh battery that allows up to 120 km of pure electric range, while total driving range is rated at 1,038 km. Charging-wise, it supports AC charging at up to 6.6 kW and DC fast charging at up to 40 kW. It also gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality at 3.3 kW — allowing to power household appliances on the go.
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Being a direct competitor to the Toyota Alphard, it certainly has to look the part. Styled under GAC’s ‘Noble Qilin’ design philosophy (a Chinese mythical beast), the GAC M8 wears a massive, imposing front grille that’s generously trimmed in chrome to show it means business. Flanking it are equally flashy LED daytime running light (DRL) signature that gives the front end an almost sabre-tooth fang-like look.
Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, its side profile features bold, angular panel lines and a tastefully done satin chrome side skirt that adds to its sense of sophistication. At the rear, the design is dominated by an LED taillight assembly connected by a very noticeable full-width light bar. Just like the Alphard, the rear windscreen wiper is discreetly tucked beneath the rear spoiler, giving it a clean and smooth look befitting a luxury MPV.
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Inside, the flashy yet classy luxury theme continues. In the Luxury variant pictured here, the cabin is finished in a striking red and black two-tone leather upholstery. Buyers can also opt for a suede headliner, which adds another layer of plushness you’d normally expect from high-end German models. The gear selector even gets a diamond-like ornament, which adds even more pizzazz to the cabin.
Trimmed in a mix of piano black and shiny chrome plastics, you’ll want to be careful where you place your keys, as the surfaces around the centre console and screens are likely to become fingerprint and scratch magnets over time. That said, the tech offering is generous, with a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
At the rear, it’s pretty much what you’d expect from a luxury MPV. The second row features a pair of captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation and massage functions, all controlled via a screen mounted on the armrest. Passengers back here also get tray tables, individual cupholders and smartphone storage, plus plenty of charging options behind the centre console, including a three-pin socket for V2L use.
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Notable standard kit in the Premium variant includes a 50W wireless charging pad, an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system and a sunroof. Step up to the Luxury variant, and you also get multi-colour ambient lighting, powered sunshades for middle-row passengers, a Boss switch for the front passenger seat, and even an in-built fragrance system.
For those considering one, the GAC M8 PHEV is available in Malaysia in two exterior colours, Crystal White and Elegant Black (as pictured here), and in two variants, Premium and Luxury, with prices starting from RM328,800. It also comes with a five-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 150,000 km battery warranty, whichever comes first.
READ MORE: All-new 2025 GAC M8 PHEV launched in Malaysia – 2 variants, 1,038 km range, from RM329k
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