GAC M8

The Philippines-spec version of the GAC M8 is being offered with a red with black dual-tone leather upholstery, which is accompanied by several new-age features and finer attention-to-detailing elements using gloss black and crystalline themes. 

Behind the three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, there is a massive 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument console, joined by a protruding 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the rectangular upper centre console. The centre console's waterfall-like design looks nice, while sleek rectangular AC vents are below the infotainment screen. The lower centre console has a crystalline-themed transmission lever, drive mode controller, electronic parking brake, and concealed cup holders.

The GAC M8 is feature-loaded with dual sectional sunroofs with starlight decoration, an 8-speaker audio system, a wireless charger, multi-coloured ambient lighting, power-adjustable second-row captain seats with heating, ventilation, and powered leg rests, powered, heated, and ventilated front row seats, a memory function for the driver’s seat, an air purifier with fragrance, and three-zone automatic climate control with AC vents in all three rows.  

Inspired by a certain luxurious MPV from one of the most successful car brands from Japan, the overall design of the GAC M8 looks stunning and grand on the outside. The bold and aggressive design might not be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly commands attention. 

The highlight of the front profile of the GAC M8 is its massive Lexus-like, X-themed spindle grille with zig-zag chrome inserts flowing vertically. The sleek and edgy all-LED headlamps adjacent to the upper edges of the grille have inverted L-shaped daytime running LEDs flowing downwards to the front bumper corners. The lower parts of the headlamps also have additional crystal-like LED lights that contribute to the eye-catching appeal of the MPV at the front.  

With a boxy appearance and an elegant design, the GAC M8 has large window panels and a sharp crease parallel to the window shoulder line. The M8 also has sliding rear doors, 18-inch multi-spoke machined alloy wheels, and door-mounted sleek rearview mirrors that add to its swankiness. The rear profile of the GAC m8 is as bold as the front, with the MPV having crystal-themed L-shaped LED tail lamps on the sides of the vertically aligned boot. Between the tail lamps, there is an eye-catching connecting LED light bar below the rectangular rear windscreen. 

Focusing on luxury and comfort, the GAC M8 comes with a soft-tuned suspension combination comprising Macpherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. The three selectable drive modes – Eco, Comfort, and Sport – deliver varying driving feels depending on the engine responses. However, the steering feedback feels lacklustre at times, especially at higher speeds.

Both the variants of the GAC M8 are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard and generates a maximum power output of 250 PS and a maximum torque output of 400 Nm. This engine has impressive levels of refinement but suffers from turbo lag at lower RPMs. 

With a luxurious cabin, bold and grand exterior look, and comfortable ride quality, the GAC M8 ticks all the boxes when it comes to striking road presence and desirability. However, it could have done better in the aspects of mechanicals, such as performance and driving feedback, which leave some room for improvement.