This Alphard alternative from GAC leads the charge as the first PHEV MPV to be launched in Malaysia.
While GAC may be going hard into the crossover segment with its GS3 Emzoom and recently launched Emkoo SUVs, the Chinese automaker has now quietly decided to take on the Toyota Alphard with the local debut of its M8 PHEV. Two variants are available, with the base Premium priced at RM 328,800, while the top-spec Luxury comes in at RM 388,800.
Measuring 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide, and 1,823 mm tall, with a 3,070 mm wheelbase, the GAC M8 PHEV sits just a few millimetres shy of rivals like the Zeekr 009 and Denza D9. Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting all around, a powered front sunroof, and a rear sunroof with sunshade, which is illuminated in the Luxury variant for that extra touch of ambience.
Both versions of the M8 PHEV seat 7 in a 2-2-3 layout, with the middle-row captain chairs offering the full suite of luxury amenities such as power adjustment, ottomans, massage, memory, and ventilation functions. Further creature comforts include acoustic privacy glass for the second and third rows, three-zone climate control with a PM2.5 air filter and ioniser, and a Yamaha eight-speaker audio system.
Moving up front meanwhile, the M8 PHEV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 50-watt wireless charging pad. Both front seats are also both powered, heated, and ventilated, with the Luxury variant offering additional adjustment options.
Powering the M8 PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The petrol engine delivers 190 PS and 300 Nm, while the electric motor contributes 182 PS and 300 Nm, for a combined system output of 373 PS and 630 Nm, as well as a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
Energy for the electric motor comes courtesy of a 25.57 kWh battery, which provides up to 120 km of pure electric driving range per charge. With both the battery and 56-litre fuel tank topped up, the M8 PHEV boasts a total hybrid range of 1,038 km.
Charging options include 6.6 kW AC charging, which fully charges the battery in 3.5 hours, and 40 kW DC fast charging, which replenishes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. There is also a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function with a 3.3 kW output, useful for powering external appliances.
Under the skin, the M8 PHEV rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Both variants come equipped with GAC’s Adaptive Vehicle Dynamic Control (AVDC) system, while the Luxury variant adds electromagnetic dampers under the Smart Damping Control system for improved ride comfort.
Finally terms of safety, this people mover packs seven airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Both variants include adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with braking, traffic sign recognition, and parking assist. The Luxury variant further adds reverse tracking and rear AEB.
The GAC M8 PHEV can be had in just two colour choices, either Crystal White or Elegant Black. Warranty coverage spans five years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, and eight years or 150,000 km for the PHEV battery.
