GAC M8 PHEV MPV previewed in Malaysia, Q1 launch?

The GAC M8 MPV has been previewed in Malaysia at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, in right-hand drive (RHD) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form.

We’re informed that Warisan Tan Chong Automotif is targeting to launch Premium and Premium Luxury variants in Q1 2025, although the KLIMS display units may not necessarily reflect Malaysian specs in entirety.

This bigger-than-Vellphard fellow measures 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide and 1,823 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm; it’s about the size of the Zeekr 009 and Denza D9, both of which set to arrive in Malaysia soon.

But those two are BEVs. As shown here, the M8 PHEV carries a 190 PS/330 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, a 182 PS/300 Nm electric motor, a 25.57 kWh battery and a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission for 373 PS and 630 Nm of torque combined, so it’ll do 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.

With a 56 litre fuel tank, the combined range is a claimed 1,032 km and fuel consumption a claimed 6.05 litres per 100 km. You can drive in all-electric mode for up to 106 km. An AC input takes 3.5 hours to charge its battery, while DC fast charging takes 30 minutes.

The M8 certainly takes the Alphard-aping to the next level, particularly at the front where the full-height grille is akin to its Japanese rival’s posher Lexus LM sibling. The design, however, is more angular with sharp lines, large L-shaped head- and taillights (the former with neat fan-like lighting signatures) and lots of chrome on the window line, bumpers and side skirts.

As expected, the interior of the M8 is exceedingly plush, with seven luxurious pews including second-row captain’s chairs with massage, memory and ventilation. These feature plenty of power adjustment, built-in ottomans and five-inch armrest displays, and passengers can bask in the 15.6-inch roof monitor.

There’s lots of tech for the front occupants, too, such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, pumping music through 16 Yamaha speakers.

There should also be the ADiGO Pilot suite of driver assists, including AEB, ACC with stop and go, around view monitor, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, rear collision warning and mitigation, plus park assist.

GAC M8 previewed in Malaysia at KLIMS 2024