GAC M8 launched in Malaysia - Country’s first plug-in hybrid MPV

KUALA LUMPUR: Previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the GAC M8 has finally made its way to the local showrooms. Touted as Malaysia’s first flagship PHEV MPV, the M8 promises to offer impressive range, luxurious comfort and intelligent hybrid engineering, making it a compelling choice in the segment.

GAC M8: All you need to know

GAC M8: Price 

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official sole distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, offers the M8 in two variants - Premium and Luxury, priced as follows - 

Variant	Price (on the road, without insurance)
M8 PHEV Premium	RM 328,800
M8 PHEV Luxury	RM 388,800

GAC M8: Drivetrain, range, and charging 

The M8 runs on a plug-in hybrid setup that comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum power of 190 PS and a peak torque of 300 Nm, while the e-motor is good for making 182 PS and 300 Nm. The total system output is rated at 373 PS and 630 Nm.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, enabling the MPV to complete the century sprint in 8.8 seconds.

Also part of the hybrid setup is a 25.57 kWh battery pack, offering an all-electric range of 120 km, with a combined range rated at 1,038 km. As far as the charging is concerned, the battery supports up to 6.6 kW AC charging and 40 kW DC charging; the charging time is as follows - 

6.6 kW AC	Full charge in 3.5 hours
40 kW DC	10-80% charge in 30 mins

GAC M8: Dimensions

The GAC M8 measures 5,212 mm in length, 1,893 mm in width, and 1,823 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. These measures position it as a direct competitor to the Zeekr 009 and Denza D9 MPVs in Malaysia.

GAC M8: Exterior 

Inspired by the Oriental Lion, the M8 features a powerful and boxy exterior design with a lion-like front face. It boasts a huge chrome front grille, sleek lines, and sharp Lion Eye LED headlamps, giving it a bold and modern appearance. The MPV is adorned with several chrome accents along the window line, bumpers, and side skirts.

Other key highlights include - 

• ‘Time-portal’ LED tail lights with 320 LEDs
• 18-inch alloy wheels with ‘non-rotating’ logo
• Power-adjustable side mirrors with heating, curb view, and memory
• Hands-free powered tailgate with remote opening
• Acoustic privacy glass for rear windows and rear windscreen

GAC M8: Interior

Inside, the GAC M8 exudes a luxurious vibe with premium materials, including high-quality leather, soft-touch surfaces, and captain chairs in the second row, creating an upscale atmosphere. 

The MPV features advanced tech and thoughtful ergonomics for a user-friendly experience; however, the ample space and flexible seating configurations provide versatility for both family and business purposes. The ultra-quiet interior is enhanced by 108 sound insulation points and an Engine Noise Control (ENC) system. 

Key interior highlights of the GAC M8 include - 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.1-inch infotainment unit supporting Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Three-zone climate control with an air ioniser and an air quality sensor
• 50W wireless charging pad
• 8-speaker Yamaha sound system

• Leather upholstery
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Panoramic sunroof with starlit decoration
• Three drive modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport
• Dual-powered sliding doors with anti-pinch
• Front centre armrest with heated and cooling cupholder
• Ventilated and heated driver, front passenger, and second-row seats
• 12-way power-adjustable driver seat with headrest adjustment 
• Power-adjustable second and third row seats
• Four USB Type-A and three USB Type-C ports
• 12V socket
• 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load system 
  

With the top-spec M8 Luxury, customers also get several upscale interior additions for enhanced comfort and premium appeal. These include - 

• More USB ports and a power socket
• Refined materials like Semi-Aniline leather upholstery, beige suede headliner, and black-red trim
• Added conveniences like massage and Spa modes for second-row seats, touch-screen seat controls, a fragrance system, ambient lighting, and a driver alertness monitor.

GAC M8: Safety

As for safety, the M8 comes equipped with several active and passive systems, including 

• GAC patented 360° full-surround airbags technology with the world’s first rear windscreen airbag 
• Integrated cruise assist 
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist 
• Autonomous emergency braking 
• Blind spot monitors 
• Door opening warning 
• Rear cross traffic alert 
• Forward collision warning
• Lane keep assist 
• Lane departure warning 
• Emergency lane keep assist 
• Traffic sign recognition 
• 2 front and 4 rear parking sensors (6 front and 6 rear with top-spec Luxury trim)
• Tyre pressure monitoring system 
• 360-degree surround view camera
• Rear autonomous emergency braking (Luxury)
• Smart damping control (Luxury)
• Automatic parking assist (Luxury)

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Tan Keng Meng, Chief Executive Officer of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, said: “The GAC M8 PHEV represents the pinnacle of our product line-up in Malaysia, combining advanced hybrid technology with exceptional luxury and comfort. It reflects our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet the evolving expectations of discerning customers while embracing the shift toward intelligent and sustainable mobility that defines the GAC brand.”

He added, “At WTCA, we remain focused on strengthening the GAC brand in Malaysia with a focus on a balance of product elegance, innovation, and practicality, supported by an expanding network of 22 showrooms and 45 service centres nationwide, and a strong customer-first service approach. With the M8 PHEV, we are setting a new benchmark in the premium MPV segment while reaffirming our long-term commitment to Malaysian customers.”

Overall, the GAC M8 is a luxurious and technologically advanced MPV offering families, professionals and corporate users an elevated mobility with an eco-conscious edge. Head over to your nearest GAC dealership to check this premium masterpiece in person. 

Also read: Aion Hyptec HT EV teased for Malaysia; launch expected soon