Verdict
These are seven-seat MPVs at very different ends of the market. At RM328,800, the GAC M8 costs RM228,820 more than the RM99,980 Mitsubishi Xpander, and that money brings a plug-in hybrid system with a 25.57 kWh battery, 106 km EV range and 40 kW DC charging. It is also 737 mm longer and gets far more active safety kit. But the Xpander is 1,180 kg lighter, has a much larger 495-litre boot and a full-size spare tyre. For a Malaysian family watching purchase cost and luggage space, the Mitsubishi makes the practical case.
Pick the GAC M8 if you want a larger 5,212 mm seven-seater with 106 km of EV range, captain’s chairs and active safety assistance.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you need the far lower entry price, a 495-litre boot and a locally assembled seven-seat MPV.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980.
- Power and torque: GAC M8 187 hp and 300 Nm; Mitsubishi Xpander 104 hp and 141 Nm.
- Electrified driving: GAC M8 has a 25.57 kWh battery and 106 km EV range; Mitsubishi Xpander has no battery or EV range.
- Length and wheelbase: GAC M8 5,212 mm and 3,070 mm; Mitsubishi Xpander 4,475 mm and 2,775 mm.
- Boot space: GAC M8 280 litres; Mitsubishi Xpander 495 litres.
- Kerb weight: GAC M8 2,420 kg; Mitsubishi Xpander 1,240 kg.
M8
- 106 km EV range from a 25.57 kWh battery
- 187 hp and 300 Nm, with an 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Blind-spot monitoring, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist
- RM228,820 more expensive
- 280-litre boot is 215 litres smaller
- No full-size spare tyre listed
Xpander
- RM99,980 entry price
- 495-litre boot and full-size spare tyre
- 1,240 kg kerb weight
- 104 hp and 141 Nm trail the M8’s 187 hp and 300 Nm
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind-spot monitoring
- Manual front-seat adjustment and single-zone manual air-conditioning
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800 | RM99,980✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | Executive | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp✓ | 104 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 141 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | 4AT |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,775 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | 1,240 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 495 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Bridgestone Ecopia 150 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield | Driver and Passenger |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Second row 60:40 Split Fold, Third row 50:50 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Manual Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System | 9" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 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 M8 & Xpander for sale
M8 vs Xpander FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or Mitsubishi Xpander better?
The GAC M8 is better for plug-in hybrid driving, performance, active safety and rear-seat luxury. The Mitsubishi Xpander is the better choice for a much lower purchase cost, a 495-litre boot and a full-size spare tyre.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM228,820 more than the Mitsubishi Xpander. The gap also covers the M8’s 25.57 kWh plug-in hybrid battery, 106 km EV range, 40 kW DC charging and substantially more driver assistance equipment.
Which MPV has the bigger boot?
The Mitsubishi Xpander has the bigger boot at 495 litres, versus 280 litres in the GAC M8. That is a 215-litre advantage for luggage behind the rear seats.