3 reasons to consider the GAC E8 HEV

A while ago, GAC International Philippines rolled out its latest lineup of multi-purpose vehicles. One of these is the E8 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which bridged the gap between the entry-level gasoline-powered GN6 and the flagship GN8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). 

On that note, the GAC E8 HEV isn’t as affordable as the GN6. At the same time, it is not as expensive as the GN8 PHEV, but it is not as opulent either. 

So, why buy the GAC E8 HEV? Well, here are three reasons why. 

Convenience of HEV

One reason to purchase the GAC E8 HEV is the convenience of its powertrain. Unlike PHEV models, one doesn’t need to worry about charging. Just gas it up like a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car and go. 

At the same time, closed-loop HEV models like the E8 HEV can offer better efficiency than ICE. This goes on top of its peppy output. In fact, the said model offers an estimated combined fuel efficiency of 18 kilometers per liter, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). 

In terms of specifics, the GAC E8 HEV uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine linked to a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, an electric motor, and a battery. At most, its gasoline engine produces 182 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque, placing it in the upper echelons of MPVs, at least when it comes to power. 

Ensuring ride quality of this GAC MPV is a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam suspension. Stopping power is provided by front and rear discs. Like other HEV models on the market, the E8 HEV features a regenerative braking system.

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Not too opulent but still plush

While more affordable than the GN8 PHEV, the E8 HEV has its charms. Its interior features a three-row layout, leather upholstery, a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, and an electric sunroof with remote control. 

Its seats are likewise designed to offer an oasis of comfort inside this GAC nameplate. Specifically, it has ventilated power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support for the driver, second-row captain seats with power leg rests and ventilation, second-row massage functionality, and a 60:40 split-fold third row. 

The aforementioned third row can be folded flat to create a massive amount of cargo space. At the same time, these seats can be flipped to face outwards. With the tailgate open, this makes for a great platform for outdoor activities like camping.

For the driver, the GAC E8 HEV offers features such as a remote key, passive entry and start, an 8.8-inch digital gauge, a leather steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, and a push-to-start button.

Ingress and egress for the E8 HEV are likewise made painless thanks to its dual-power sliding doors. Plus, loading cargo is easy and convenient thanks to its power tailgate.

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation for the GAC E8 HEV is a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is outputted by an eight-piece speaker set, at least for the top-spec GX trim. 

For topping up devices, the model comes with a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and USB ports.

Safety-wise, the GAC E8 HEV’s primary features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, high beam assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, and integrated cruise assist. 

Its standard safety kit, meanwhile, comes with the following: 

• Dual front airbags
• Front row dual side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• ISOFIX
• Anti-lock braking
• Electronic stability control
• Hill-start control
• Hill-hold control
• Hill-descent control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Rear parking sensors
• 360-degree view camera

Eye-catching design

Finally, one of the biggest reasons to purchase the GAC E8 HEV is its modern design. Sure, it still has the familiar MPV silhouette, but it comes with a rather hyper-modern looking front clip with sharp LED lighting and sleek body lines all around. These go together with its efficient use of chrome, its pleasantly tall windows, and its expansive doors. 

With regard to actual exterior amenities, the model has a set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic headlamp functionality, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding/adjustable side mirrors with heating. 

Size-wise, the GAC E8 HEV’s top-spec GX trim is 4,920 millimeters (mm) long, 1,928 mm wide, and 1,760 mm in height. Its wheelbase also spans 2,930 mm. 

GAC E8 HEV: specifications

Model	GAC E8 HEV GX
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,920 x 1,928 x 1,760
Wheelbase (mm)	2,930
Ground clearance (mm)	NA
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power sunroof Power tailgate Dual power sliding doors Rain-sensing wipers Power-adjust/folding side mirrors Electronic parking brake Second row captain seats Second row massage and ventilation 60:40 split-fold third row Automatic dual-zone climate controls Second row power leg rests Eight-piece speaker set Wireless smartphone charging 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter Atkinson cycle HEV
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	Two-speed DHT
Horsepower	182
Torque	300
Technology
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Automatic emergency braking Forward collision warning High beam assist Lane keep assist Lane departure warning Traffic jam assist Integrated cruise assist
Price	P1.998 million

Final thoughts

With its price of P1.998 million (GX), one may think that the GAC E8 HEV is an expensive ask for an HEV. But do remember that alternatives from other Chinese and some Japanese marques have similarly sized and specced models breaching the P2 million mark. 

On that note, the E8 HEV represents good value for the money. It has a lot of convenience features, a very robust ADAS suite, and a peppy powertrain. What’s not to love?

Also read:

3 big reasons why the GAC GN6 is worth your attention

Here are 3 points why the GAC GN8 PHEV Executive is a sound option

Here are the GAC Aion UT’s 2 closest rivals

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