GAC M8 PHEV Spotted in Malaysia: Potential Rival to Toyota Alphard

It appears that GAC International, along with its local counterpart, GAC Motor Malaysia (GAC Malaysia), is actively testing the GAC M8 on Malaysian roads. This has been confirmed through widely circulated images of the PHEV variant being charged at the Ardence Lab ChargEV station.

This sighting has fueled speculation that GAC may be preparing to introduce the M8 to the Malaysian market, highlighting the company's growing interest in expanding its PHEV lineup internationally.

The GAC M8 was originally launched in China in 2022 and is available in various specifications. Its more popular variant, is the non-hybrid 2.0-litre models, produce 249 HP and 400 Nm of torque, similar to what is offered by Tan Chong Group in Vietnam, GAC Malaysia’s parent company.

However for Malaysia, the PHEV variant from the Grand Master Series seems to be what's chosen. The M8 PHEV features a front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain co-developed with Toyota. This setup includes a turbocharged 4-cyl engine delivering 190 HP and 330 NM of torque, paired with an electric motor generating 182 HP and 270 NM. The power is transferred through a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

The GAC M8 PHEV has a top speed of 180 KM/H and is equipped with a Toyota-sourced 25.57 kWh Primearth lithium-ion battery. In pure EV mode, it boasts a driving range of up to 136 KM. It also supports both AC and DC charging, with the former taking 3.5 hours and the latter just 30 minutes. When combined, the M8 PHEV claims a total range of approximately 1,032 KM based on CLTC standards.

In China, the M8 Grand Master Series is priced between RMB269,800 (RM184,000) and RMB342,800 (RM208,000). If GAC Malaysia plans to bring the M8 to the local market, they may need to consider a CKD (completely knocked down) approach to keep prices competitive, as there are no hybrid tax incentives in Malaysia. Currently, GAC Malaysia only assembles the ICE GS3 Emzoom locally, while the EV Aion Y Plus is fully imported.

One of the main challenges for GAC Malaysia will be determining a competitive price point. For comparison, the Toyota Alphard in Malaysia doesn’t offer a hybrid option due to the heavy taxes it would incur. The non-hybrid 2.4-litre turbocharged Alphard retails at a steep RM538,000.

Meanwhile, the almost equivalent EV Maxus MIFA 9 starts from RM 270,000 but has struggled to gain traction, despite being significantly more affordable than the Alphard. The upcoming Zeekr 009, set to launch next month with a projected price under RM 370,000, is also expected to stir up competition based on the ongoing public preview being held at the Pinnacle Sunway.

It will be also interesting to see whether GAC Malaysia can succeed where others have faltered, capturing the attention of buyers in the premium MPV market, or if it will face challenges similar to the Maxus MIFA 9, as all brands attempt to dethrone the Toyota Alphard, the reigning king of MPVs in Malaysia.

Source: MYEVOC FB