GAC M8 road test exposed again, new trend in electric MPV market!

Recently, the Chinese MPV model GAC M8 was once again spotted on Malaysian roads. The car was specifically found at Ardence Labs near Eco Ardence in Setia Alam, Selangor. The above information comes from a Malaysian electric car owners Facebook group.

(GAC M8)

(Trumpchi M8)

The name of GAC M8 in China is Trumpchi M8. This three-row MPV from GAC made its first appearance in September 2022. The official guide price is 179,800-342,800 CNY (RM 109,000-RM 208,000). It offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid model is also called Trumpchi E9. It has its front-end design, and the vertical front face design replaces the Trumpchi M8's horizontal design.

(Trumpchi E9)

In terms of body size, the maximum length, width, and height of the GAC M8 are 5212mm/1893mm/1823mm, with a wheelbase of 3070mm. The trunk capacity is 516L, and the volume can be expanded to 1586L when the seats are folded. The official maximum load weight is 2890kg. Apart from its overall height being slightly low, the GAC M8's space performance is larger than that of the mainstream Japanese model Toyota Alphard/Vellfire in other aspects. From the standpoint of property positioning, the GAC M8, compared to the family-oriented MPV positioning of the Honda Odyssey, will have more business MPV characteristics.

The petrol version of China's GAC M8 is equipped with a Model 4B20J1 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which can generate 252 PS and 400 Nm of torque, transmitted to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The top speed is 200 km/h, and the NEDC combined fuel consumption performance is 8.54L/100km.

The GAC M8 hybrid version is equipped with an Atkinson cycle petrol engine, which can generate 190 PS and 330 Nm of torque, combined with Toyota e-CVT and 182PS/270 Nm electric motor. The top speed is 170km/h-180km/h, and the NEDC combined fuel consumption performance is 5.42L/100km.

One thing that cannot be ignored is the comfort of the cabin interior for MPV models because of their passenger-friendly attributes. The interior seats of the GAC M8 are primarily made of faux leather + genuine leather. The driver's seat is entirely equipped with electric adjustment, while the co-driver and rear passengers have selective electric adjustments. But the second row of seats comes with a massage function for a comfortable riding experience.

In terms of safety features, the GAC M8 is equipped with a 360° full-range airbag system in terms of passive safety configuration and comes with a wealth of active safety features:

-ABS anti-lock brakes

-Brake force distribution (EBD/CBC)

-Brake assist (EBA/BAS/BA)

-Traction Control (ASR/TCS/TRC)

-Vehicle Stability Control (ESP/DSC/ESC)

-Anti-Rollover Stability System (RSC/ARP/ERM)