GAC M8: hits and misses

GAC Motor Philippines made a significant splash in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment when it launched the M8 back in February 2024. 

For starters, the nameplate has expanded the marque’s local lineup, and it has gained an enhanced capability to tap clients who are in the market for a cushy and well-equipped people carrier. 

The model alone has a lot of desirable qualities, but does it have any weaknesses that would-be buyers should be aware of? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Peppy powertrain

When compared to other MPVs in the market, the GAC M8 is far from being short on power. In fact, its 2.0-liter turbocharged mill can generate up to 248 horsepower (hp) and 400 Newton-meters of torque. 

Some of the few MPV rivals with the output to match the M8 include the 247-hp Toyota Alphard, which gets a boost thanks to its hybrid powertrain.

Other notable mechanical bits of the M8 include an eight-speed automatic transmission, an electronic parking brake, a MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, as well as front and rear disc brakes. 

Here is a table detailing the mechanical specs of the Philippine-spec GAC M8: 

Model	GAC M8
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Horsepower	248
Torque	400 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Occupant capacity	Seven

 

Plenty of safety equipment

Apart from having a lively engine, the GAC M8 also boasts plenty of safety equipment. For its standard kit, it comes with dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, rear windscreen airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring, stability control, hill-start hold control, hill-descent control, a 360-degree view camera, and first aid kit - among others. 

The aforementioned are supported by a wide array of advanced driver-assist systems, which include the following: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Emergency lane keeping
• Rear cross traffic alert 
• Rear cross traffic braking
• Rear car approaching warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic parking assist
• Blind spot detection

Rich in creature comforts

In the Philippines, the GAC M8 comes with a price ranging from P2.998 million-P3.948 million. It sounds pricey, but it is actually quite accessible considering the amount of creature comforts it comes packaged with. 

The top-spec GX Master, for instance, has power-adjustable, as well as heated and ventilated seats for both its first and second rows. The second-row captain seats even come with power leg rests, a set of folding tray tables, and access to sunshades. 

The third row is a much simpler but still cushy seat with its dedicated air-conditioning vents and a central folding armrest. 

Keeping all seven occupants of the M8 cool is a filtered triple-zone automatic air-conditioner equipped with the brand’s iFragrance System. 

Other notable interior features available to the GAC model include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Wireless smartphone charger
• Eight-piece speaker system
• 14.6-inch central touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Sectional panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• 60:40 split-folding third row

Cons

Only three available color options

On the outside, the GAC M8 comes with an imposing design thanks to its expansive side section and its large chrome-finished grille. The only downside is its limited amount of exterior paint options.

Available to the Philippine-spec M8 are Crystal White, Temple Gold, and Elegant Black. All three look great, but the model may become attractive to more buyers if it was also available in silver - which is quite a popular color in the local market. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the GAC M8 manages to strike a good balance between performance, comfort, tech, and value. It undercuts a lot of models, and it has enough poshness to threaten its more “upmarket” rivals. 

For folks currently in the market for a cushy MPV, do take the M8 out for a test drive. It has a lot to offer, and it won’t break the bank as well. 

Also read: 

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