From RM 329k, GAC M8 PHEV launched in Malaysia – Up to 373 PS/630 Nm, 120 km EV range

From RM 329k, GAC M8 PHEV launched in Malaysia – Up to 373 PS/630 Nm, 120 km EV range

The GAC M8 PHEV has officially launched in Malaysia, available in two variants — Premium and Luxury — priced at RM 328,800 and RM 388,800 respectively (on-the-road without insurance).

Both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 190 PS and 300 Nm, paired with an electric motor rated at 182 PS and 300 Nm. Combined output stands at 373 PS and 630 Nm, driving through a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

The GAC M8 PHEV does 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and can travel up to 120 km on pure electric power. With a full charge and a 56-litre fuel tank, total hybrid range is claimed at 1,038 km. Fuel efficiency is rated at 6.1 L/100 km (engine only) and 1.1 L/100 km (hybrid) under the NEDC cycle.

Charging options include 6.6 kW AC (3.5 hours 0–100%) and 40 kW DC (10–80% in 30 minutes), with a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system also provided.

Both models use MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, along with Adaptive Vehicle Dynamic Control (AVDC). The Luxury adds Smart Damping Control with electromagnetic dampers for improved ride comfort.

Exterior features include LED lighting front and rear, automatic high beam assist, 18-inch wheels, acoustic privacy glass, dual sunroofs, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Inside, the M8 PHEV seats seven occupants with powered captain chairs in the second row offering massage, memory, and ventilation functions, plus built-in ottomans and individual five-inch displays. A 15.6-inch ceiling-mounted monitor serves rear passengers.

Up front are heated and ventilated powered seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, Yamaha 8-speaker system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control, 50-watt wireless charger, PM2.5 air filter, and a crystal gear selector. The Luxury variant adds multi-colour ambient lighting and additional seat adjustability.

Standard safety kit includes seven airbags, ESP, EBD, ABS, hill-hold control, hill descent control, 360-degree camera, front and rear sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Both variants feature an extensive ADAS suite:

  • Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear cross traffic alert with braking
  • Traffic sign recognition and parking assist

The Luxury gains reverse AEB, reverse tracking, and a more advanced auto parking system.

Available colours are Crystal White and Elegant Black. Warranty coverage is five years or 150,000 km for the vehicle and eight years or 150,000 km for the hybrid battery.

Shaun Lee
Spent the past few years writing, shooting, and occasionally arguing with camera gear for a living. Now off on a new adventure in automotive storytelling. Still with too many car thoughts, and an underpowered RWD coupe pretending it's a race car.