GAC M8 vs Nissan Serena e-Power
Verdict
The GAC M8 is the bigger, dearer executive MPV: RM328,800 plays RM154,800, and the extra money buys a 25.57 kWh plug-in hybrid battery, 106 km EV range, AC/DC charging and a much larger 5,212 mm body. The Nissan Serena e-Power is the pragmatic Malaysian family choice if price and urban size matter; it still seats seven, has the same 280-litre boot and gets stronger motor torque at 315 Nm versus 300 Nm. But it lacks plug-in running and several comfort items.
Pick the GAC M8 if you want the larger MPV with plug-in hybrid running, 106 km EV range, power sliding doors on both sides and a more generous equipment list.
Pick the Nissan Serena e-Power if you want seven seats for far less money, a locally assembled body and the stronger 315 Nm motor torque figure.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; Nissan Serena e-Power RM154,800
- Battery and EV range: GAC M8 25.57 kWh with 106 km EV range; Nissan Serena e-Power 1.77 kWh with no listed EV range
- Motor output: GAC M8 179 hp and 300 Nm; Nissan Serena e-Power 160 hp and 315 Nm
- Body size: GAC M8 5,212 mm long and 1,893 mm wide; Nissan Serena e-Power 4,690 mm long and 1,695 mm wide
- Wheelbase and weight: GAC M8 3,070 mm and 2,420 kg; Nissan Serena e-Power 2,870 mm and 1,784 kg
- Manufacturer warranty: GAC M8 5 years/150,000 km; Nissan Serena e-Power 5 years/100,000 km
M8
- 106 km EV range from a 25.57 kWh plug-in hybrid battery
- Bigger body and longer 3,070 mm wheelbase
- Powered front seats, panoramic glass roof and 16-speaker Yamaha audio
- Costs RM174,000 more
- Heavier at 2,420 kg versus 1,784 kg
- Apple CarPlay only, while the Nissan also has Android Auto
Serena e-Power
- Much lower purchase price
- Stronger motor torque: 315 Nm versus 300 Nm
- CKD Malaysia assembly and RM120 listed annual road tax
- No plug-in charging or listed EV range
- Smaller body and shorter 2,870 mm wheelbase
- Manual front seats and no lane-keeping assist
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 328,800 | RM 154,800✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| 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 | — | 1,433 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp✓ | 97 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 123 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 179 hp✓ | 160 hp |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | 315 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57 kWh✓ | 1.77 kWh |
| EV Range | 106 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 40 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,885 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | 1,784 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 205/65R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 205/65R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| 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, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 on Middle Row Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| 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, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB Ports Front |
| 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" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side 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 Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Manual Operation with Split Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | Powered Left Sliding Door, Manual Right Sliding Door |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) | 8-year/160,000 km ePower Components Warranty |
| 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.
M8 vs Serena e-Power FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or Nissan Serena e-Power better?
The GAC M8 is better equipped and far larger, with plug-in hybrid EV running. The Nissan Serena e-Power is better value if you simply need a seven-seat MPV with hybrid drive.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM174,000 more than the Nissan Serena e-Power, based on RM328,800 versus RM154,800.
Which MPV is larger?
The GAC M8 is larger: 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide and on a 3,070 mm wheelbase. The Nissan Serena e-Power measures 4,690 mm, 1,695 mm and 2,870 mm.