Verdict
These two seven-seaters take very different routes. The RM328,800 GAC M8 is a 5,212-mm plug-in hybrid MPV with a 25.57-kWh battery and 106 km of EV range, while the RM442,888 Volvo EX90 is a 510-hp, 910-Nm electric SUV rated for 600 km. The RM114,088 gap brings 250-kW DC charging, all-wheel drive and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time in the Volvo, against 40 kW and 8.8 seconds for the GAC. But the M8 is longer, has captain’s chairs and rear window shades; it is the more passenger-focused layout on paper.
Pick the GAC M8 if you want the lower purchase price, a longer 5,212-mm MPV body and second-row individual captain’s seats with rear window shades.
Pick the Volvo EX90 if you want 600 km of electric range, 250-kW DC charging, all-wheel drive and much stronger 510-hp performance.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; Volvo EX90 RM442,888.
- EV range: GAC M8 106 km; Volvo EX90 600 km.
- Battery and DC charging: GAC M8 25.57 kWh and 40 kW; Volvo EX90 111 kWh and 250 kW.
- Performance: GAC M8 8.8 seconds 0-100 km/h; Volvo EX90 4.9 seconds.
- Driveline and motor output: GAC M8 front-wheel drive, one 179-hp/300-Nm motor; Volvo EX90 all-wheel drive, two motors with 510 hp/910 Nm.
- Length and boot space: GAC M8 5,212 mm and 280 litres; Volvo EX90 5,037 mm and 310 litres.
M8
- RM114,088 cheaper to buy.
- Second-row individual captain’s seats and rear window shades.
- Longer 5,212-mm body than the EX90.
- Only 106 km of EV range versus the EX90’s 600 km.
- 40-kW DC charging is far below the EX90’s 250 kW.
- Front-wheel drive and 8.8-second 0-100 km/h acceleration trail the EX90.
EX90
- 600-km EV range from a 111-kWh battery.
- 510 hp, 910 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- 250-kW DC charging and a 310-litre boot.
- RM114,088 more expensive than the M8.
- Shorter than the M8 at 5,037 mm versus 5,212 mm.
- No rear window shades listed, where the M8 gets them.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800✓ | RM442,888 |
| Body type | MPV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM965 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 400V architecture |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 179 hp | 510 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | 910 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57 kWh | 111 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 106 km | 600 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | 11 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 40 kW | 250 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 5,037 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,964 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,747 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,985 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | 2,704 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 310 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 265/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 295/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin Pilot Sport EV VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 21" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Active Chassis with Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front Center Airbag, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on outer rear seats, with Integrated Booster Cushions |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function for Driver |
| Rear Seats | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row | Second row 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated booster child seat for the outer seats, Third Row 50:50 |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | — | 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 USB-C Middle Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| 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 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 | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (1,600 watt) |
| 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 (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| 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) | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & EX90 for sale
M8 vs EX90 FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or Volvo EX90 better?
The EX90 is better for long-distance EV use and outright pace, with 600 km range, 250-kW DC charging and a 4.9-second sprint. The M8 makes more sense for a lower purchase price and its captain-chair MPV cabin.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX90 costs RM442,888 and the GAC M8 costs RM328,800, so the Volvo is RM114,088 more expensive.
Which one charges faster?
The Volvo EX90 charges markedly faster: its DC rate is 250 kW versus 40 kW for the GAC M8, while AC charging is 11 kW versus 6.6 kW.