GAC M8 Review: Radical plug-in hybrid people mover brings the wow factor to tempt people away from Lexus, Zeekr, LDV and Kia
The GAC M8 is a new breed of luxury people mover that combines plug-in hybrid fuel-sipping smarts with lavish luxury and lashings of space.
The new seven-seater is the pinnacle of the three-model launch lineup from Chinese newcomer GAC, which has joint ventures with Toyota and Honda. That’s a handy partnership when it comes to building trust.
While luxury people movers aren’t exactly hot property Down Under, GAC has positioned the M8 as a pampering hero of its range as it looks to convince Aussies to consider yet another new brand.
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There’s been a mini boom in electric people-mover arrivals lately including the LDV Mifa 9, Lexus LM and Zeekr 009, joining regulars including the now-hybrid Kia Carnival.
The M8 attempts to stand out with its toothy grille and silver details elsewhere around the exterior.
The M8 sits above the Aion V all-electric mid-sized SUV and the Emzoom small petrol-powered SUV in GAC’s line-up.
2025 GAC M8 price and equipment
The GAC M8 is not cheap, but it does undercut other electrified luxury people movers from the likes of Lexus, LDV and Zeekr.
The large seven-seater is priced from $76,590 plus on-road costs for the Premium or $83,590 for the Luxury.
That’s more than snazzed up ICE alternatives, but a relative bargain in the plugged-electric world.
Each gets 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone ventilation, smart key entry, electric sliding side doors, power adjustable front seats, wireless phone charger and an electric tailgate.
There’s also a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Luxury adds real leather in lieu of PVC on the Premium as well as ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, middle row tray tables, massaging and electrically adjustable middle row seats and a “fragrance system”.
Each shares the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain that teams a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with an electric motor to make a combined 274kW and 630Nm.
The petrol engine on its own makes 140kW and 330Nm while the electric motor is similar, at 134kW and 300Nm.
The e-motor is powered by a 25.57kWh battery claimed to provide 106km of EV range.
The M8 is covered by an eight-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with the battery covered for 200,000km.
2025 GAC M8: What we think
We didn’t get to try the EV mode (arguably its most relevant mode), instead sampling the GAC M8 only in hybrid mode because the .
Even then, it drives more like an EV through an interesting two-speed transmission that leans on the torque of the electric motor at lower speeds before bringing the petrol engine into play as speed increases.
It never felt like it was punching out 274kW and 630Nm, perhaps in part because it’s a weighty beast; it tips the scales at 2420kg.
But relaxed acceleration is enthusiastic and steady.
It’s claimed to take 8.8 seconds to hit 100km/h and certainly feels punchy enough, especially in the people mover realm.
There is, however, one exception. When the 25.57kWh battery is low it can occasionally be caught without any charge, leaving predominantly the petrol engine to do the work.
It means performance can temporarily drop off quite noticeably, which isn’t much fun on a steep hill.
Fuel use is claimed at 1.3 litres per 100km when tested to the government standard, which is irrelevant for PHEVs.
GAC says to expect more like 6.05L/100km when it’s running in hybrid mode.
And, of course, you should have something like 80km of real-world range from the battery, albeit limited to 134kW/300Nm if you want to forget about petrol.
Cornering is relaxed with some oddly welcome laziness to the steering.
While it feels dull, the lack of crispness works with the comfort-focussed demeanour of the car.
Tyres are 18-inch Michelin e-Primacy that aren’t exactly overloaded with grip but sit the big van nicely on the road.
You’re never in any doubt there’s lots of mass.
Some quick direction changes at speed can get things rolling around and startle the traction control to life as it tries to tame things.
Refinement and quietness are strong suits, with the M8’s cabin impressively hushed.
Indeed, the M8 is more about how it pampers than how it drives.
It’s a big machine with loads of space.
The M8 is richly appointed with lashings of leather and metallic details.
There’s no shortage of sweeps and curves, which keeps things looking busy inside.
The infotainment unit sitting proud of the dash makes it easy to engage with.
We’d prefer a volume dial (other GACs also miss out), but the permanent slider bar for volume on the right-hand side and fan speed on the left is better than having to tap the screen to bring up additional menus.
The M8 also looks after gear well. A partitioned centre console looks after drink bottles, phones and odds and ends while a broad binnacle beneath houses larger items.
Sizeable door pockets top it off.
That said, if you’re utilising all seven seats there’s precious little luggage space. A suitcase or two looks like it’ll take out the space behind the third row.
A small underfloor compartment may help with smaller items, but doesn’t change the overall equation.
Keep it as a four-seater and there’s plenty of space, but with seven aboard they’ll want to be light packers.
Accessing the rear is via electrically sliding doors, at which point you’re presented with plush individual captains chairs.
Separate ventilation controls in the roof are the start of a long list of toys and trinkets spread throughout the lavishly styled cabin.
Fold down tables (the ritzy ones, not the cheapies seen in some cars) are also there, as is plenty of leather.
The Luxury gets a pair of screens to adjust the seat position and massaging functions.
A separate sunroof gives those in the rear a matching view of the sky as those up front.
The third row is less luxury and more about getting the body count up.
Three across the rear can be done, the middle person looked after via a three-point seatbelt that retracts into the roof.
And adults may need to squeeze between those plush middle row pews to make their way aft.
2025 GAC M8: Verdict
By its nature a premium-priced people mover is never going to be a hot-seller, especially from a little-known brand.
But the GAC M8 delivers on comfort, space and trinkets, at least helping to justify what is a respectable price tag.
And while there are quirks, its plug-in hybrid system is a good way to keep fuel bills down – or lean more on electricity.
Score: 3.5/5
GAC M8 Luxury price and specifications
Price: $83,590 plus on-road costs
Basics: PHEV, 7 seats, 5 doors, people mover, FWD
Fuel use: 1.3L/100km (official), 6.05L/100km (claimed once battery is depleted)
Battery capacity: 25.57kWh
Battery warranty: 8 years/200,000km
Drivetrain: 140kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo and 134kW/300Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, 274kW/630Nm (combined)
AC charging: 6.6kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 35kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds (sometimes)
