Verdict
For Malaysian families able to charge at home or work, the RM299,000 Denza D9 is the clearer buy: its 103.36-kWh battery claims 520 km of EV range, DC charging reaches 166 kW and the 410-litre boot is useful behind all three rows. The RM328,800 GAC M8 answers with a 187-hp turbo plug-in hybrid, 106 km EV range and a quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time. It suits buyers who want petrol backup, but the D9 saves RM29,800 while adding second-row ventilation, massage and ottomans.
Pick the Denza D9 if 520 km of electric range, 166-kW DC charging and a 410-litre boot matter more than outright acceleration.
Pick the GAC M8 if you need a plug-in hybrid with a 56-litre petrol tank and prefer its 8.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint.
Key differences
- Price: Denza D9 RM299,000; GAC M8 RM328,800.
- EV range: Denza D9 520 km; GAC M8 106 km.
- Battery capacity: Denza D9 103.36 kWh; GAC M8 25.57 kWh.
- DC charging: Denza D9 166 kW; GAC M8 40 kW.
- 0-100 km/h: Denza D9 9.5 seconds; GAC M8 8.8 seconds.
- Boot space: Denza D9 410 litres; GAC M8 280 litres.
D9
- RM29,800 lower purchase price.
- 520 km EV range with 166-kW DC charging.
- Ventilated, massaging second-row seats with ottomans and a 410-litre boot.
- 9.5-second 0-100 km/h time trails the M8's 8.8 seconds.
- Four rear parking sensors versus the M8's six.
- No listed immobiliser, while the M8 has one.
M8
- 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Turbo plug-in hybrid system with a 56-litre petrol tank.
- Six front and six rear parking sensors, plus an immobiliser.
- Costs RM29,800 more.
- 106 km EV range is far shorter than the D9's 520 km.
- 280-litre boot is 130 litres smaller than the D9's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM299,000✓ | RM328,800 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance |
| Horsepower | — | 187 hp |
| Torque | — | 300 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp✓ | 179 hp |
| Motor Torque | 360 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 103.36 kWh✓ | 25.57 kWh |
| EV Range | 520 km✓ | 106 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW✓ | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 166 kW✓ | 40 kW |
| V2L | 6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 2-DHT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,250 mm | 5,212 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,893 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 3,070 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,420 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Frequency Selective variable dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| 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 Middle and Outer Third Row Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Second-row Captain Seats with Ventilation, Massaging and Ottoman Support, 60:40 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Front Single-pane Sunroof, Panoramic Rear Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 Wireless Chargers Rear, 4 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shades | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Dynaudio Sound System | 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 | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Rear Sliding Doors | Power Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Heated and Cooled Compartment, Second Row Tray Tables | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) |
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.
Used D9 & M8 for sale
D9 vs M8 FAQ
Is the Denza D9 or GAC M8 better?
The Denza D9 is the better choice for electric driving, charging speed and luggage space. The GAC M8 is better only if its plug-in hybrid petrol backup and quicker 8.8-second acceleration are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM29,800 more than the Denza D9.
Which MPV charges faster?
The Denza D9 charges faster on both inputs: 11 kW AC and 166 kW DC, against the GAC M8's 6.6 kW AC and 40 kW DC.