The GAC M8 seven-seater luxury minivan has been previewed and based on its design, array of features, and mechanical specs, it will be positioned to compete against the Toyota Alphard.
The 2024 GAC M8
No official prices were revealed just yet for the upcoming M8, but according to GAC Motor Philippines, it will have an indicative price ranging from Php 3,000,000 to Php 3,100,000 for the entry-level GL trim and Php 4,000,000 to Php 4,100,000 for the top-spec GX Master.
We first saw the GAC M8 in China alongside the sporty Empow R. Fast forward to the present, and GAC is now preparing to officially introduce the luxury minivan as one of six new models it’ll launch in 2024. So what can a prospective buyer expect from this luxury minivan model?
For starters, the M8 has a striking exterior design. It features a massive grille, with chrome-plated vertical slats spanning the bottom of the front fascia up until it reaches the front tip of the vehicle’s hood. This is then flanked by a pair of hook-shaped LED daytime running lamps which in turn surrounds a pair of sharp LED headlamp clusters.
Its side sections are expansive, with large power sliding doors and tall windows which are likewise lined with chrome trim. Its rear, meanwhile, assumes an angular look thanks to its squared lower rear bumper and a sizable rear window. This portion is further enhanced by an LED taillight bar and a roof-mounted spoiler.
GAC M8 from the side
Of note, the M8’s windshield is acoustic-insulated so it is designed to stave off noise from coming inside the cabin. Other exterior features of this upcoming luxury minivan include a panoramic sunroof, as well as a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Apart from showing what the M8 looks like in the metal, the brand likewise shared what it will offer from the inside.
Coming to this luxurious minivan model are a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Some seats will likewise feature ventilation, heating, and massage functions. It will also get a triple-zone climate control system and ambient lighting.
For screens, the M8 will be kitted out with a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The center touchscreen is getting Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth hands-free functionality. More charging options will be provided by Type A and Type C USB ports, while the central screen is to be linked to an eight-piece speaker system.
GAC M8 from the rear
Safety for the vehicle meanwhile is expected to be provided by an advanced driver assistance system(ADAS). GAC did not list down its components, but we’re guessing it will have blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist, among others. Besides the ADAS, more safety is provided by six airbags, anti-lock braking, tire-pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control.
Under the hood, the GAC M8 is set to utilize a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. At maximum, the brand says this powertrain can churn out 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
While it won’t be officially launched until early 2024, GAC Motor PH says it is now accepting reservations for the M8 luxury minivan.
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