GAC Motor Philippines launched the M8 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) yesterday.

The luxurious-looking people mover is offered in two variants and is priced from P2.998 million (introductory price, valid until March 31 only) to P3.948 million. That said, we check out the differences — and similarities — between the two trims, namely GL Master and GX Master.

Dimensions

Both the GAC M8 GL Master and GX Master share the same dimensions. The two MPVs have an overall length of 5,212 millimeters (mm), an overall width of 1,893mm, and an overall height of 1,823mm.

They too have the same wheelbase of 3,070mm.

Exterior

Outside, the GAC M8 GL Master wears a large elegant grille reminiscent of the front fascia worn by the Lexus LM. To each side is an LED headlight with automatic height adjustment, an alarm for the headlight-on feature, a follow-me-home function, and an adaptive driving beam.

The flanks of the GAC M8 GL Master also get power-folding side mirrors, power sliding doors, and a set of 18-inch wheels. It also receives a panoramic sunroof.

Its rear dons a roof-mounted spoiler, a large glass, a light bar that encompasses the entirety of the tailgate, and a pair of taillamps with design elements that echo the one found at the front.

The GAC M8 GX Master gets similar exterior appointments but takes things up a notch with variant-specific features like Master-specific wheel rims, power side mirrors with memory and reverse tilt function, a sectional panoramic sunroof with starlight decoration, an induction electric tailgate, as well as sound-proof glass at the front and the second row windows.

Overall the difference between variants are very subtle but are enough to create a strong visual impact allowing other road users as well as bystanders to tell which is which.

Interior

Inside, the difference between the two variants is more apparent in the type of creature comfort amenities they offer.

For example, the base GAC M8 GL Master comes with an eight-way driver’s seat with power-adjustment features, which can be optioned with heating or ventilation. The seats on the second row of the MPV, on the other hand, come with both heating and ventilation as standard. They also get a massage and memory features, as well as leg rests straight out of the factory.

The driver and the front passenger of the GAC M8 GL Master can also enjoy a two-way manually adjustable headrest while those sitting on the second row can relax using its four-way headrests and electronically adjustable two-way backrests. Further, those seated on the third row also get two-way manual headrests.

Other notable features the chauffeured occupants of the GAC M8 GL Master can enjoy include luminous welcome home pedals, tri-zone air conditioning, and a mix of USB type A and C charging ports.

Now for the GAC M8 GX Master, the range-topping trim offers a 12-way power driver’s seat with ventilation and heating as standard. The driver can also enjoy memory and welcome home functions.

A four-way power front passenger seat is also standard. The passenger riding shotgun can also enjoy heating and ventilation, which comes standard for the GAC M8 GX Master variant. Further, a “Seat Side Boss Button” is also included for this model.

It also has the same second-row seat functions as the base model but adds a bit of convenience to the passenger’s overall experience in the form of electronic controls and memory features.

Should occupants of the GAC M8 GX Master feel like snacking while on the road, second-row seat tray tables are readily available. To keep cold beverages cold and warm drinks warm, the top-of-the-line variant also has a front-row central armrest with heating and cooling. Another armrest is available for third-row passengers.

Noteworthy cabin features found on the GAC M8 GX Master include second-row side window sunshades, multi-color intelligent ambient lighting, PM2.5 sensors, and a fragrance system.

Inside, the differences between variants are obvious, especially when one talks about the experience. The GAC M8 GX Master is definitely specced out and is better equipped to cater to the refined needs of its passengers. Nevertheless, one will surely enjoy time riding the M8 GL Master as its roster of features is still considered above average.

Technology

The GAC M8 GL Master is equipped with a 10.1 multi-functional infotainment system coupled with a 12.3-inch instrument panel. Through the said screens, the driver and the MPV’s passengers can check out relevant driving information.

According to GAC Motor Philippines, the infotainment system of the M8 GL Master is outfitted with Bluetooth handsfree technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and an audio and video system, which blasts acoustics to an eight-speaker sound system.

Keeping smartphones and other handheld devices juiced up is also easy as the GAC M8 GL Master gets two USB type A ports at the front, one type A and one type C port at the second row, and one USB port on the left side of the third row.

A 12-volt socket is also available for the first-row passengers of the GAC M8 GL Master.

Taking things to another level is the GAC M8 GX Master with its larger touchscreen infotainment display that measures 14.6 inches. However, it does share the same instrument cluster with the aforementioned M8 GL Master, which has an overall size of 12.3 inches.

Offering the same technological specs, the GAC M8 GX Master further one-ups its base-level brother with the addition of a wireless phone charger, a built-in navigation system with its audio and video feature, as well as the addition of a USB type C port at the front and a USB port on the right side of the third row.

While it may not seem much, the increased screen size, the wireless charging dock, as well as the addition of type C connections can matter as they can make things more convenient for the GAC M8’s would-be owners.

Now, is buying third-party aftermarket charging hubs better than paying extra to get them installed directly in your MPV? We let you decide.

Power

The GAC M8 is slapped with a 2.0-liter TGDi engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The said powerplant is said to have been the same mill powering the GAC GS8 full-sized sport utility vehicle, so you can be sure that it can deliver robust power for various driving situations.

And while we’re on the topic of power, it puts out as much as 248 horses with 400 Newton-meters of torque.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the GAC M8 holds no bars. The carmaker even included a first aid kit and a tire repair kit and added them as standard features for both variants on top of the seatbelts and airbags that are fitted inside the luxury MPV.

Advanced driver-assist features are also a highlight of one’s experience including a surround-view camera, hill start and hill descent control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and emergency lane keeping, just to name a few.

Verdict

The GAC M8 is truly a luxurious MPV. And while the M8 GX Master is packed with better features than the M8 GL Master, we can say that the former will still suffice for most Filipino car buyers.

Photos from GAC Motor Philippines and Juan Paulo Papa

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