GAC M8 PHEV – All the details

M8 PHEV – GAC has announced specifications for Australia’s only plug-in hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), confirming that the M8 PHEV will be a genuine automotive disruptor for business users and families alike.

• Australian specifications announced for seven-seat plug-in hybrid M8 PHEV
• Longest all-electric range MPV with 106km available and 1,032km total combined range
• Comprehensive 360° crash protection including a unique-in-class rear air curtain
• Luxurious cabin delivers category-leading features to support business and family use

GAC M8 PHEV details

Indulgence and practicality are delivered in spades across all facets of the M8 PHEV, which will be oRered in both Premium and Luxury trim levels, and these features underline why GAC has been the leader in sales for luxury MPVs in China for 39 consecutive months.

Described as a first-class cabin, the M8 PHEV’s interior is the most immediate reason for the M8 PHEV’s consumer appeal.

In Luxury specification, the interior is cloaked in high-grade half-aniline leather throughout the interior – a material more commonly seen in six-figure vehicles – the M8 PHEV features two sumptuously equipped captain’s chairs in the central row.

Featuring 10-point air pump massage chairs, leg rests with four-way adjustment, heating and ventilation, personal USB charging ports and a 58° rear recline angle, any passenger will be hard-pressed to complain of discomfort when on the move. All these features remain just a tap away, courtesy of each armrest’s high-definition LCD screen, while the second and third rows both feature the latest standard in child seat restraint compatibility, i-Size.

Upfront, the car’s 10.1” infotainment system controls the vehicle’s immersive 8-speaker sound system and is complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The M8 PHEV features a ‘draft free’ air-conditioning system too, ensuring the vehicle’s climate is moderated without blowing air directly at any passenger within the cabin.

Noise-reduction technologies

Passenger comfort is further supported by ten noise-reduction technologies. These include 108 sound-insulation panels, acoustic soundproof glass and twenty cavity partitions that block wind noise transmission and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology which actively reduces interior noise by 4dB. 30-rounds of performance optimisation were also conducted to finalise the design of the A-pillars and side mirrors, to further diminish intrusive cabin noise.

Travelling seven-up doesn’t just mean seven people. It also means seven people’s worth of luggage. Thankfully, 15 hooks, 15 storage boxes and 14 cup holders throughout ensures plenty of opportunity to keep the cabin clean and tidy. Meanwhile, rear storage in a regular seven-person configuration is 280L, with a maximum load area of 1,500 litres.

The M8 PHEV’s innovative powertrain adds to the model’s impressive credentials and will appeal to families and business owners alike thanks to its economical qualities.

M8 PHEV engine and transmission

Set to be the only plug-in hybrid MPV available in Australia, the M8 PHEV can deliver 106km of range on pure-electric power alone, thanks to its high-density 25.57KwH Magazine Battery. Capable of charging 0-80% in 30 minutes with a 35kW fast-charging DC outlet. Or 3.5 hours utilising a 6.6kW AC slow charger.

This will cover most daily use cases for Australian users. GAC’s exceptional battery safety record extends to the patented ‘Magazine Battery’ featured in the M8 PHEV, with the unit capable of withstanding fire or explosion, even if crushed with 23-tonnes of force.

For those looking to take a longer road trip, the vehicle’s 2.0-turbo petrol engine and integrated dual-motor two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) can propel the M8 PHEV to a class-leading total range of 1,032km, while delivering charge-sustaining fuel consumption of just 6.05L per 100km (WLTP)1.

While outright power isn’t the key focus of the M8 PHEV, the model is blessed with strong figures relative to vehicle class. Delivering maximum power of 367hp (274kW) and 630Nm torque, the MPV can achieve 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds – quick enough to help you waft through the city streets with ease.

M8 PHEV Suspension

Most important though is the model’s dynamic performance at each of its four corners. Electromagnetic Damping Suspension (SDC) continuously adjusts the vehicle’s ride characteristics in real time, minimizing in-cabin vibrations, controlling lateral body sway, and reducing jolts from speed bumps or potholes.

Complementing this, the M8 PHEV’s Adaptive Dynamic Control system – combining throttle sensitivity adjustments with suspension management – helps limit both lateral and vertical movement during turns and varying speeds, keeping the vehicle balanced and composed on the move.

As you’d expect of a vehicle of this nature, safety has been an area of intense focus, with the M8 PHEV benefitting from 360° Comprehensive Protection. This includes over 20 driving aids to suit a plethora of driving scenarios, while the vehicle’s interior is equipped with seven-airbags throughout. In addition, an industry-leading 3.2m long side air curtain and the unique addition of rear windshield airbags assist in protecting occupants from rear impacts.

To top oR the M8 PHEV’s impressive range of qualities, V2L technology also makes the M8 PHEV the ultimate Outdoor Mobile Power Station. A godsend for families heading to the bush or beach without power, the vehicle can discharge at up to 3.3kW from its 220V outlet, powering a BBQ grill, vehicle refrigerator, electric kettle, projector, lighting and a typical fan for approximately 4 ½ hours from a second auxiliary battery.

The M8 PHEV is priced from $76,590 and supported by a seven-year unlimited km warranty for the vehicle and eight-year 200,000km battery warranty. Customers will also benefit from five-year complimentary road-side assistance.

1Range calculated based on a fully charged battery and full tank of fuel.