GAC Motor lives up to challenger rep with M8
By Kap Maceda Aguila
ASTARA PHILIPPINES, local distributor of the GAC Motor brand, recently made good on its promise last year to bring in the GAC M8 people mover. Positioned as a premium seven-seater, the M8 helps to buttress the MPV (multipurpose vehicle) portfolio of the Chinese brand — itself seen as an upmarket marque.
In a speech at the M8’s recent launch at the Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila, Astara Philippines Marketing Director Timmy de Leon reported 365% year-on-year sales growth for the brand in 2023, with the GS3 Emzoom subcompact crossover leading the charge. Last January, GAC sold 250 units, according to its report made to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. “We are right on track on our expansion across the Philippine shores — growing our GAC Motor dealer network to 35 locations across the country this 2024,” the executive promised, and described the marque as a “challenger brand.”
Speaking next, GAC Motor Philippines Brand Head Franz Decloedt averred, “The all-new M8 was meticulously crafted to offer the epitome of comfort and convenience to discerning customers who prioritize luxury, style, and practicality in their driving experience. Whether they’re busy professionals navigating city streets, families seeking spaciousness and safety for their loved ones, or adventurous travelers craving both performance and refinement on the open road, the M8 is tailored to meet their every expectation.”
The M8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The system outputs 248hp and 400Nm, said to promise “responsive acceleration and effortless cruising,” maintained the company in a release.
Seen to be a direct rival of the Toyota Alphard, the M8 cuts an aggressive profile — set off by a bold front fascia said to draw inspiration from “the majestic oriental lion,” specifically its mane. Flanking it are LED headlights which are equipped with automatic height adjustment, headlight alarm, a follow-me-home function, and adaptive driving beam technology.
The premium positioning is helped along with chrome accents, power folding side mirrors, and power sliding doors. The M8 rolls on high-performance tires wrapped onto 18-inch wheels. At the back are LED taillights, and a “subtle yet sophisticated” spoiler.
The 2-2-3 seating configuration starts with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat; the front passenger gets a four-way-adjustable seat. Both get ventilation and heating functions. The second row is comprised of a pair of captain’s seats with two-way power adjustment for forward and backward movement, two-way power adjustment for seat backrests, and four-way power adjustment for leg rests.
The two seats are ventilated and heated as well, and feature seat massage functions, illuminated pedals, and seat position memory. Tray tables are available for both.
Lastly, the third row gets a central armrest and four-way manual adjustment, with a 40/60 split folding feature adding flexibility for easy adjustment to accommodate both passengers and cargo needs.
GAC equips the M8 with an advanced audio, video, and navigation system, predicated on a 14.6-inch multi-functional touch screen with a matching 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel with smartphone integration. The company reports that it supports both Apple and Android devices. In-cabin entertainment is outputted through eight audio speakers.
The windshield and front and second-row glass windows are reportedly soundproof, while a three-zone auto air-conditioning features a fragrance system. The ambient lighting within is color-customizable.
The M8’s safety complement includes electronic stability program, hill-start hold control, hill descent control, and an electronic parking brake with autohold. Front-row seat belts have pretensioners and force limiters with height adjustment, along with crash locking tongue technology. Second- and third-row seat belts also incorporate pretensioners and force limiters, while the third row boasts a three-point seat belt configuration for all occupants. Dual front SRS air bags, side air bags, and side curtain air bags offer additional protection, as do rear windscreen air bags.
A camera system enables rear and surround views; while Fusion Automatic Parking Assist (FAPA) allows improved visibility and aids in parking maneuvers. Driver assistance features include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed limit adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, and rear car approaching warning.
Two variants are available, with the following pricing and options:
GAC Motor Philippines bundles each M8 with a five-year/150,000-km after-sales warranty.
Concluded Mr. Decloedt: “There’s a lot more going on with the M8 than meets the eye. This vehicle is packed with features that make it rise above the competition.”
