KLIMS 2024: 7-seater GAC M8 PHEV debuts in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Alongside launching the Aion ES electric sedan, Warisan Tan Chong Automotif introduced the GAC M8 at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show. It is a seven-seater premium MPV equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Let’s dive into the details.

Dimensions

The GAC M8 measures 5,212 mm in length, 1,893 mm in width, and 1,823 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. These dimensions position it as a direct competitor to the upcoming Zeekr 009 and Denza D9 MPVs in Malaysia.

Also read: Zeekr X and 009 make a bold entrance in Malaysia: Premium EVs at unbeatable prices?

Design 

The M8 boasts a powerful exterior design, inspired by the Oriental Lion. It features a huge chrome front grille, sleek lines, and sharp LED headlamps, giving it a bold and modern appearance. The MPV is adorned with several chrome accents along the window line, bumpers, and side skirts.

Further adding to the vehicle's aerodynamic profile and modern design are a stylish rear spoiler and connected tail lamps.

Interior

Inside, the GAC M8 exudes a luxurious vibe with high-quality finishes, premium materials, and captain chairs in the second row. The latter comes with ventilation and heating functions, power adjustability, built-in ottomans, and 5-inch digital armrest displays.

Taking the comfort and luxury to the next level are tech appointments like - a 15.6-inch roof monitor, a 14.6-inch infotainment unit, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel, 16-speaker Yamaha audio system, multi-colour intelligent ambient lighting, automatic auto air-conditioning, and a panoramic roof.

Drivetrain

As mentioned, the GAC M8 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle comprising a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. The engine generates a maximum power of 190 PS and a peak torque of 330 Nm while the motor is tuned to deliver 182 PS and 300 Nm. The combined system output is rated at 373 PS and 630 Nm. 

Also part of the setup is a 25.57-kWh battery pack, which offers an all-electric range of 106 km. The battery takes 3.5 hours to charge with AC input, while DC fast charging can charge it in 30 minutes.

Speaking of the performance, GAC’s new premium MPV completes the century sprint in 8.8 seconds and hits a top speed of 200 kmph.

Safety

As for safety, the M8 comes equipped with several active and passive systems, including adaptive cruise control with the intelligent speed limit, autonomous emergency braking, automatic parking assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, and blind spot detection.

While no official information is available yet, the GAC M8 is expected to launch in Malaysia sometime next year.

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