GAC M8 Review

As the demand for new energy vehicles in the high-end MPV market continues to rise, plug-in hybrid models that cater to both business receptions and family practicality are becoming a new choice for many consumers. The GAC M8 Premium, as a new entrant in this segment, enters the market with a comprehensive system power of 506PS, a pure electric range of 120km, and a price of RM333,000. Its core selling points focus on "high performance + long range + high cost-effectiveness." This test drive mainly evaluates its actual power performance, space practicality in line with its positioning, and the usability of its plug-in hybrid system during daily commutes.

Approaching the GAC M8 Premium, its body size is the first thing to grab your attention—measuring 5212mm in length with a 3070mm wheelbase, it presents an elongated business stance. The front features a large chrome-plated grille, complemented by sharp LED headlight groups on both sides, giving it strong recognizability. The muscle lines on the hood extend from the A-pillar to the grille, adding a sense of strength. The straight waistline along the side spans from the front fender to the taillights, while the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels help maintain the MPV's steady appearance. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design, and a chrome strip connects the decorative exhaust outlets on both sides. The overall design is simple and aligns with the premium MPV positioning.

Opening the door, the interior is primarily in dark tones. The dashboard is wrapped in soft materials and paired with wood-grain decorative panels, exuding quality. The center console layout is clear, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen at the center and some retained physical buttons below for easy operation. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design and supports manual adjustment, while the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster in front displays abundant information. In terms of features, the standard options include head-up display (HUD), keyless entry, electronic parking brake, and more. The front seats are equipped with 12-way electric adjustment, while the rear seats feature 6-way electric adjustment and 2-way sliding functions. Additionally, rear sunshades are also standard, enhancing its business attributes significantly.

Space performance is one of the key competitive advantages for MPVs. Thanks to the 3070mm wheelbase, rear legroom is highly generous—passengers measuring 180cm sitting in the back have more than two fists of extra legroom. The headroom also does not feel cramped due to the 1823mm height of the vehicle. For storage, the front center armrest box has a large capacity, and the door storage compartments can fit two bottles of mineral water. The rear center armrest is equipped with cup holders, and there is hidden storage space under the seats. The trunk has moderate volume in its regular state, and if the third-row seats are folded down (although this test vehicle is a 2-seater version, the official layout supports expanding to a 7-seater configuration), it can accommodate luggage for long-distance trips.

Starting the vehicle, the GAC M8 Premium's powertrain consists of a 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total system output of 506PS and 630N·m of torque. Switching to pure electric mode, the response at start-up is quick. The motor's 300N·m torque is immediately available, making city commutes and overtaking effortless. Even at speeds exceeding 80km/h, acceleration remains sufficient. In hybrid mode, the engine's involvement is nearly seamless, with the AT transmission providing smooth gear shifts. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.8 seconds feels noticeably advantageous compared to other plug-in hybrid MPVs in the same segment.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson and rear double wishbone independent suspension provides sufficient damping on bumpy urban roads, with minimal body sway. During high-speed cornering, the suspension offers adequate support, keeping body roll within a reasonable range. The steering wheel has moderate resistance, minimal dead zone, and clear steering precision. For a 3-ton MPV, its maneuverability exceeds expectations. The braking system performs stably, with a linear brake pedal travel, and the car maintains a steady posture during emergency braking.

The practicality of the plug-in hybrid system is the focus of this test. The official pure electric range is 120km. Under city traffic conditions, our test achieved an actual range of about 110km, with a fulfillment rate of close to 92%. During highway cruising at 100km/h, the pure electric range is approximately 95km, with an energy consumption of about 22kWh/100km. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is around 6.5L/100km, which is not far from the official figure of 6.1L. Regarding charging, using a home charging station (7kW) fully charges the 25.57kWh battery in about 4 hours, meeting daily commuting needs with "pure electric for short trips and hybrid for long journeys."

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle’s noise control is impressive. In pure electric mode, motor noise is almost imperceptible. In hybrid mode, when the engine engages, the noise level inside the car remains below 60 decibels if the engine speed stays under 2000rpm. During highway cruising, wind noise and tire noise are slightly noticeable but do not affect normal conversation. The seat cushions are soft with adequate support, making long rides less fatiguing. The rear air conditioning has independent controls with precise temperature adjustments, further enhancing comfort.

In summary, the core strengths of the GAC M8 Premium are evident: its 506PS total output delivers robust power, the 120km pure electric range covers daily commuting needs, and the 3070mm wheelbase ensures ample space. Priced at RM333,000, it presents a clear cost advantage over competitors like the Toyota Alphard Hybrid (approximately RM800,000). Compared to the similarly priced GAC M8 Master Edition Hybrid, it boasts better power specifications while offering comparable features.

Overall, the GAC M8 Premium is well-suited for small and medium business owners who require a vehicle for business purposes, as well as for families seeking spacious and fuel-efficient transportation. It offers ample power for various scenarios, practical plug-in hybrid functionality, and spatial and equipment standards in line with an executive MPV. If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid MPV that excels in "power, range, and space" with a budget between RM300,000 and RM350,000, the GAC M8 Premium is well worth considering.