Verdict
The RM9,912 dearer GAC M8 is the rational family machine: seven seats, a 3,070 mm wheelbase, 280-litre boot and a plug-in hybrid system with 106 km of EV range give it a very different brief from the MINI Convertible. Its 25.57 kWh battery accepts 6.6 kW AC and 40 kW DC charging, while the MINI is a petrol-only four-seater. But the MINI’s 204 hp, 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time and 237 km/h top speed make it the quicker choice, against the M8’s 187 hp and 8.8 seconds. Choose space and electric running capability, or open-air performance; they are not close substitutes in use.
Pick the GAC M8 if you need seven seats, power sliding doors and 106 km of plug-in electric range for family duties.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you want a four-seat convertible with a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time, head-up display and auto parking.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; MINI Convertible RM318,888.
- Seats: GAC M8 7; MINI Convertible 4.
- EV range: GAC M8 106 km; MINI Convertible no EV range.
- 0-100 km/h: GAC M8 8.8 seconds; MINI Convertible 6.9 seconds.
- Length: GAC M8 5,212 mm; MINI Convertible 3,879 mm.
- Boot space: GAC M8 280 litres; MINI Convertible 215 litres.
M8
- Seven seats and power sliding doors.
- 106 km EV range from a 25.57 kWh battery.
- Powered front seats, captain’s chairs and rear air-con vents.
- Slower to 100 km/h: 8.8 seconds versus 6.9 seconds.
- No head-up display, navigation or auto parking.
- RM9,912 more expensive.
Convertible
- Quicker 204 hp petrol turbo with a 6.9-second sprint.
- Convertible body with 237 km/h top speed.
- Gets head-up display, navigation and auto parking.
- Only four seats versus the M8’s seven.
- No plug-in electric range or charging capability.
- Smaller 215-litre boot and no rear air-con vents.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800 | RM318,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | Convertible |
| Segment | Executive | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 204 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 179 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 106 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 40 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 237 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 3,879 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 44 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres✓ | 215 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| 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 | Powered Front Seats | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years |
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 M8 & Convertible for sale
M8 vs Convertible FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or MINI Convertible better?
The GAC M8 is better for carrying people and covering short trips electrically, with seven seats and 106 km of EV range. The MINI Convertible is better if driving pace and open-top motoring matter, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM328,800 and the MINI Convertible costs RM318,888, so the M8 is RM9,912 more expensive.
Can the GAC M8 be charged like an EV?
Yes. The GAC M8 is a plug-in hybrid with a 25.57 kWh battery, 106 km EV range, 6.6 kW AC charging and 40 kW DC charging. The MINI Convertible has no battery charging or EV range.