BYD M6 vs GAC M8
Verdict
At RM109,800 against RM328,800, the BYD M6 is the cheaper seven-seat MPV by a huge RM219,000. It is also the purer electric choice, with a 55.4 kWh LFP battery, 420 km EV range, 89 kW DC charging and 580 litres of boot space. The GAC M8 is much larger and quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds versus 10.1 seconds, and it adds plug-in hybrid petrol backup, captain’s seats, power sliding doors and far more driver assistance kit. Different brief, very different bill.
Pick the BYD M6 if you want a much cheaper seven-seat electric MPV with longer EV range, faster DC charging and more boot space.
Pick the GAC M8 if you want the larger executive MPV with petrol plug-in hybrid flexibility, stronger performance and more luxury and safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: BYD M6 RM109,800; GAC M8 RM328,800
- EV range: BYD M6 420 km; GAC M8 106 km
- DC charging: BYD M6 89 kW; GAC M8 40 kW
- 0-100 km/h: BYD M6 10.1 seconds; GAC M8 8.8 seconds
- Size: BYD M6 4,695 mm long with 2,800 mm wheelbase; GAC M8 5,212 mm long with 3,070 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: BYD M6 580 litres; GAC M8 280 litres
M6
- 420 km EV range from a 55.4 kWh LFP battery
- 89 kW DC charging and 7 kW AC charging beat the GAC M8
- 580-litre boot is double the GAC M8’s listed capacity
- Slower 10.1-second 0-100 km/h time versus 8.8 seconds
- No blind spot monitor, autonomous braking or adaptive cruise control listed
- Manual front seats and no power sliding doors
M8
- Larger body and longer 3,070 mm wheelbase
- Quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Adds captain’s seats, panoramic glass roof, power sliding doors and a 16-speaker Yamaha audio system
- Costs RM219,000 more
- Shorter 106 km EV range
- Smaller 280-litre boot and lower 40 kW DC charging rate
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 109,800✓ | RM 328,800 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance |
| Horsepower | — | 187 hp |
| Torque | — | 300 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 161 hp | 179 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 310 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Battery Capacity | 55.4 kWh✓ | 25.57 kWh |
| EV Range | 420 km✓ | 106 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7 kW✓ | 6.6 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 89 kW✓ | 40 kW |
| V2L | 3.3 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 2-DHT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.1 seconds | 8.8 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,695 mm | 5,212 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,893 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 3,070 mm |
| Weight | 2,374 kg | 2,420 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 580 litres✓ | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | GitiControl P10 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding Second Row, 50:50 Split-folding Third Row | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | — | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 12.8” Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 6 Speakers, Bluetooth, Navigation | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | Power Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
M6 vs M8 FAQ
Is the BYD M6 or GAC M8 better?
The BYD M6 is better for electric running costs, range and boot space. The GAC M8 is better if you want the larger, quicker, better-equipped executive MPV with plug-in hybrid petrol backup.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM219,000 more than the BYD M6, a big gap that buys a larger body, quicker acceleration, power sliding doors, captain’s seats and more driver assistance kit.
Which one has the longer electric range?
The BYD M6 has the longer EV range at 420 km. The GAC M8 is rated at 106 km on electric power, but it also has a petrol plug-in hybrid system and a 56-litre fuel tank.