2025 GAC M8 Premium Review

In Malaysia's executive MPV market, practical family users and business groups often need a vehicle that balances luxury, spatial practicality, and low operating costs—a model that not only boasts an impressive design but also provides peace of mind for daily commuting and long-distance journeys. As a new option in this segment, the 2025 GAC M8 Premium, with its PHEV powertrain, long wheelbase space, and wealth of intelligent features, has garnered significant attention. During this test drive, we focused on verifying whether its performance is balanced, its space truly practical, and its features aligned with the executive positioning.

From the exterior, the M8 Premium takes on a stable yet distinctive design approach. The front features a large vertical chrome grille, complemented by sharp-edged LED headlights on either side, exuding a strong presence. The headlights incorporate daytime running lights, which are quite recognizable when lit. The side profile is sleek, with a length of 5212mm and a wheelbase of 3070mm giving it a long and elegant look. Chrome trims underneath the doors and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels enhance the refined feel. The rear design is relatively minimalist, with the highlight being the through-type LED tail lights, which visually widen the rear view and provide striking illumination at night. The chrome decoration on the lower rear bumper and the dual-exit exhaust layout (decorative in reality) prevent the rear from looking too plain. Overall, the design befits the executive MPV positioning—low-key yet sophisticated.

Inside, the interior design leans towards simple luxury. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with wood grain panels and metal trims, giving it a pleasing tactile and visual quality. The dashboard layout is clear, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen of moderate size, smooth operation, and support for Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. Below the screen, a few physical buttons are retained for convenient operation while driving. In terms of features, the HUD head-up digital display, 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster, and Yamaha 8-speaker audio system are all standard, combining practicality and comfort. The seating configuration is a highlight: the front driver's seat supports 12-way electric adjustment, while the passenger seat is 4-way adjustable. The two independent rear seats feature 6-way electric adjustment and 2-way electric sliding functions, equipped with heating and ventilation (although not explicitly stated in the configuration sheet, they were experienced during the test drive), offering outstanding comfort.

Space performance is one of M8 Premium's strong points. The 3070mm wheelbase provides very spacious rear seating. Passengers measuring 180cm in height can enjoy more than two fists of legroom and a headroom of at least one fist. The independent rear seats can slide back and forth, allowing passengers to cross their legs after adjustment. As for storage capacity, the front center armrest box offers ample space, and the door storage compartments can hold two bottles of water. The rear seats are equipped with storage pockets and cup holders on the sides, providing convenience for passengers to store items. Notably, the rear area is equipped with independent air conditioning vents, power outlets, and standard sunshades, enhancing rear passenger comfort. However, due to the two-row setup, it is more suited for business receptions or small families of three, and may feel limited for larger groups.

Powertrain-wise, the M8 Premium is equipped with a PHEV system combining a 2.0T turbocharged engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total system power of 372kW (506PS) and a combined torque of 630N·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, as per official figures. During actual driving, the power response in pure electric mode is quick, with a quiet start and low-speed cruise, making it suitable for urban commutes. When switched to hybrid mode, engine engagement is smooth with almost no jerking sensation. The power reserve is ample during acceleration, and there is a noticeable push-back feeling when stepping on the gas pedal for overtaking. It is equipped with a 2-speed AT transmission, which has clear shifting logic and is almost imperceptible in daily driving.

The handling and suspension performance exceed expectations. The combination of front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone independent suspension effectively absorbs road bumps, keeping vehicle body movements minimal when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, providing good comfort. The steering feels light with minimal play, making it highly maneuverable for daily driving. Even with a length exceeding 5 meters, parking and U-turns are effortless. The chassis tuning leans towards comfort, but body roll is well-controlled during cornering, with no noticeable swaying. As for braking, the front ventilated disc and rear disc brake setup provides linear brake response, allowing for precise deceleration and enhancing safety.

Energy consumption and range are key for PHEV models. The official pure electric range is 120km, and during actual city commutes with the air conditioning on, a range of about 100km is achievable, representing an 83% fulfillment of the claimed range, which is sufficient for daily commuting. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is about 6.5L/100km, significantly lower than comparable fuel-powered MPVs, making it more economical to use. Additionally, the onboard noise control has been well-executed. In pure electric mode, virtually no noise is heard, and even after the engine engages in hybrid mode, the noise remains minimal. Wind and tire noise during high-speed driving are well controlled and within acceptable levels.

Overall, the 2025 GAC M8 Premium has clear core advantages: a balanced PHEV power system that meets the needs of both urban pure electric commuting and long-distance travel; spacious rear seating and comfortable individual seats, ideal for business receptions or family use; and a wealth of intelligent safety features such as ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and autonomous emergency braking, which enhance driving safety. Compared to same-class competitors like the Toyota Alphard (fuel version) or Buick GL8 (PHEV version), the M8 Premium offers a better price (RM 333,000) and richer configurations, making it a standout in value for money.

This car is suitable for two types of users: firstly, those focused on business reception, as the rear independent seats and luxurious features meet such demands; secondly, families seeking spacious interiors and low operating costs, with pure electric range covering daily commutes and hybrid mode well-suited for long trips. However, the two-seat configuration does limit the car's viability for group travel scenarios, which needs to be considered.

In conclusion, the 2025 GAC M8 Premium is a well-balanced executive-level PHEV MPV, with adequate performance in powertrain, space, and features to meet the demands of its target users. Its value for money is its core strength. If you are looking for a model that balances business and family use, it is worth considering.