GAC distributor WTC Automotif has launched the GAC M8 PHEV, Malaysia’s first Chinese-brand plug-in hybrid MPV.
It is offered in two versions. The Premium goes for RM328,800, while the Luxury is priced at RM388,800 (on-the-road without insurance).
Buyers in Sabah and Sarawak pay RM3,000 more. The figures come in below the estimates previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow in May.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo engine paired with an electric motor via a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Combined output is 372PS/367hp and 630Nm. A 25.57 kWh battery and 56-litre fuel tank deliver a claimed 1,038km total range when fully charged and fuelled.
Three drive modes are available: Intelligent Hybrid, All-Electricity First, and Power Preservation.
At 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide and 1,823 mm tall on a 3,070 mm wheelbase, the M8 PHEV is larger than Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire, lining it up against newer full-size rivals such as the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009.
Exterior cues include a bold “lion” grille, “Awakening Eye” LED headlamps and 18-inch alloys with self-levelling centre caps.
Inside, the seven-seater layout majors on comfort.
Semi-aniline leather is standard, with 480mm sliding rails for the second and third rows to maximise legroom. Second-row captain’s chairs add massage, memory and ventilation functions, powered ottomans and 5-inch control screens.
Rear occupants get a 15.6-inch ceiling display; up front there is a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Cabin hush is aided by 108 sound-insulation points and an Engine Noise Control system.
Safety equipment lists a rear windscreen airbag — claimed as a world first by GAC — within a 360-degree airbag package, plus Level 2 ADAS and Full Automatic Parking Assist. The Luxury adds Smart Damping Control with electromagnetic dampers.
Early customers who book by Dec 31 would receive two years of scheduled maintenance and a portable charging cable said to be worth RM3,800.
Warranty coverage is five years/150,000 km for the vehicle and eight years/150,000 km for the high-voltage battery.
The M8 PHEV is on sale now at 22 showrooms nationwide, backed by 45 service centres across Malaysia.
