2025 GAC M8 Luxury Review

The Executive-level MPV market has been gaining continued popularity in recent years in Malaysia, as the demand for spacious and well-equipped vehicles becomes increasingly apparent among family users and for business scenarios. The 2025 GAC M8 Luxury, a new contender in this segment, not only features a PHEV plug-in hybrid system that balances power and fuel efficiency but also comes packed with mainstream intelligent driving assistance functions—precisely addressing the current consumer need for "both power and economy, both comfort and safety". The core objective of this test drive is to verify if its static performance matches its luxury positioning, whether the dynamic driving experience is balanced, and the practical usability of the plug-in hybrid system under local road conditions.

Approaching the GAC M8 Luxury, the first impression is that its body dimensions are adequately grand, with a vehicle length of 5212mm and a wheelbase of 3070mm, giving it a very elongated appearance. The front face adopts a large-sized vertical waterfall-style grille, paired with sharp LED headlamp assemblies on both sides, providing high recognition. The lines on the hood add a muscular feel without making it look bulky. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline running across the entire body from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, achieving a visually balanced proportion. At the rear, the continuous LED tail lights are a design highlight, offering eye-catching illumination when lit. The chrome decorative strip below and the twin exhaust outlets on both sides (mostly decorative) enhance the overall sense of refinement. As for the lighting system, LED headlamps, tail lamps, and daytime running lights are standard equipment. The automatic headlight function can switch on and off automatically when entering tunnels or during twilight, offering convenience in daily use.

Opening the door, the sense of luxury and technology in the interior is overwhelming. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials, combined with wood grain trim and chrome accents, offering a delicate tactile experience. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and 10.1-inch central touchscreen form a dual-screen linkage, with clear screen resolution and smooth operation. The multifunctional steering wheel supports manual adjustment in four directions, with a reasonable button layout that is easy to use. The standard HUD head-up display system shows information such as speed and navigation, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road, enhancing driving safety. Regarding seat configuration, the front driver’s seat supports 12-way electric adjustment, while the front passenger seat and rear seats offer 4-way electric adjustments respectively. The rear seats can also slide in two directions, and with the standard sunshades, the comfort of rear passengers is well taken care of. The air conditioning system includes front-row automatic air conditioning and independent air conditioning for the rear, which also has air vents and power outlets for added practicality. In terms of storage space, the door panel compartments, central armrest box, and front-row cup holders are reasonably spacious, fully meeting the needs of storing phones, water bottles, and other daily items.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of MPVs, and the GAC M8 Luxury does not disappoint. After adjusting the front seats to a suitable position, a passenger of 175cm in height still has a space of one fist and two fingers above their head, with ample legroom. The rear seats, with their sliding capability, provide higher spatial flexibility. Even when the seats are pushed all the way back, legroom still exceeds two fists, and there is about one fist of headspace as well. With decent seat wrapping and support, long hours of sitting remain comfortable. The trunk space, in its standard configuration, can accommodate three 28-inch suitcases. If the rear seats are slid forward, the capacity can be further expanded, meeting storage requirements for family trips or business receptions.

In terms of dynamic driving, the GAC M8 Luxury is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine + permanent magnet synchronous motor plug-in hybrid system, with a combined system power of 372kW and total torque of 630N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.8 seconds. During actual driving, the motor provides instant power during startup, and even a light press on the accelerator delivers a noticeable surge of acceleration. Even when the vehicle is fully loaded, acceleration does not feel sluggish. In Sport mode, the power response becomes more aggressive. When accelerating for overtaking, both the engine and motor provide power together, making overtaking easy. For daily driving, the economy mode suffices, offering smooth power output suitable for urban commutes. In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play and provides a moderate feel. The front MacPherson and rear double wishbone independent suspension setup effectively filters road bumps, so the car exhibits minimal vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, ensuring good comfort. While driving on curves, the suspension provides adequate support, keeping the body roll within a reasonable range and avoiding a feeling of instability.

The practicality of the plug-in hybrid system is one area we focused on. The official pure electric range is 120km. During our city testing with the air conditioning and music on throughout the drive, the actual pure electric range was about 105km, achieving close to 90% of the official figure, which is impressive. For daily commutes of 50km or less, it’s possible to charge every two days and rely solely on the pure electric mode for regular travel, significantly reducing the cost of use. In a low-battery state, when the engine takes over, noise is well-controlled, with no noticeable vibrations or noise entering the cabin. The overall fuel consumption test resulted in 6.5L/100km, which is not far off from the official 6.1L/100km figure, placing it among the top performers in the same MPV segment. Regarding braking, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes provides sensitive braking response and short stopping distances, giving confidence during everyday driving.

The NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance is also commendable. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well-controlled, and passengers do not need to raise their voices to have a conversation. The seats are comfortable, and together with the suspension’s ability to absorb shocks, both drivers and passengers can enjoy long journeys without feeling fatigued. The energy recovery system offers adjustable levels, and when set to the highest level, releasing the accelerator causes noticeable deceleration, which can effectively replace braking and further enhance the range.

Overall, the GAC M8 Luxury has notable core advantages: firstly, the plug-in hybrid system balances power and efficiency, with its pure electric range sufficient for daily commutes and low fuel consumption even in low-battery mode; secondly, it comes with a rich feature set, full intelligent driving assistance functions, and a luxurious interior; thirdly, it offers ample space and excellent comfort to meet the needs of both families and businesses. Compared with other MPVs in the same segment, its price (RM 380,000) offers significant advantages in terms of configuration and performance, as features like the standard HUD, rear electric seats, and seatbelt reminders for all seats are optional in many competing models.

The target audience for this car is clear: firstly, users who focus on family travel, as its spacious interior and high comfort level meet the needs of family trips; secondly, business professionals, as the luxurious interior and rich features can enhance client reception quality; lastly, consumers who value economic practicality, as the low operating costs of the plug-in hybrid system can save considerable expenses.

Overall, the 2025 GAC M8 Luxury is a well-balanced Executive-class MPV that performs well in terms of power, features, space, and comfort. The addition of the plug-in hybrid system further enhances its economy. If you are looking for an MPV that can balance family and business needs while lowering operating costs, the GAC M8 Luxury is worth considering.