ENZHMS
Link Copiedcheck_circle
Auto News

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

KS

12-10-2024

Share via

WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-11-at-15.17.56_dee23d90.jpg


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.


WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-11-at-15.18.20_69828598.jpgWhatsApp-Image-2024-10-11-at-15.18.09_fd82ad92.jpg


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.


car-label-pic3.jpg


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.


2cc884da749ac2d4d2989bedcf87a76c.jpeg-w852wm0.jpg018a32c507497df61836f83683837945.jpeg-w852wm0.jpg


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.


intelligent-technology-for-safety-pic3.jpgintelligent-technology-for-safety-pic2.jpg


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.


6653f919aee20.jpg


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.


Web_CariCarz_Toyota-Alphard-85.jpgIMG-20241008-WA0109.jpg


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

Share This Article

Written By

KS

More then half his life spend being obsessed with all thing go-fast, performance and automotive only to find out he's actually Captain Slow behind the wheels...oh well! https://www.linkedin.com/in/kumeran-sagathevan/

Share via

JPJ Running Numbers

KUALA LUMPUR

VPB6823

SELANGOR

BSE3819

JOHOR

JXW3362

PULAU PINANG

PRQ2639

PERAK

ANV2504

PAHANG

CFB6374

KEDAH

KGA3928

NEGERI SEMBILAN

NEF6675

KOTA KINABALU

SJK6701

KUCHING

QAB2775L

Last updated 30 Apr, 2025

Fuel Price

Petrol

RON 95

RM 2.05

RON 97

RM 3.18

RON 100

RM 5.00

VPR

RM 6.23

Diesel

EURO 5 B10

RM 2.88

EURO 5 B7

RM 3.08

Last updated 24 Apr, 2025

Related News

Auto News
Tan Chong Posts Largest Quarterly Loss Amid Rising Competition

Tan Chong Posts Largest Quarterly Loss Amid Rising Competition

Tan Chong Motor has reported a net loss of RM90.28 million, marking its largest quarterly loss in a decade.

02-12-2024
New Car
Launched: New GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD Variants – From RM103,800

Launched: New GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD Variants – From RM103,800

WTCA expands GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD compact crossover line-up with new ‘Standard’ and returning ‘Exclusive’ variants.

14-10-2024
Review
Review: GAC GS3 Emzoom Premium R – The Eccentric Alternative!

Review: GAC GS3 Emzoom Premium R – The Eccentric Alternative!

The GAC GS3 Emzoom proves as an eccentric yet capable alternative to the burgeoning B-SUV space.

01-10-2024
New Car
Launched: GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD – Premium R Variant Only, Now At RM126,800

Launched: GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD – Premium R Variant Only, Now At RM126,800

Fully localised (CKD) GAC GS3 Emzoom crossover now available in Premium R variant only priced at RM126,800.

10-08-2024
Lifestyle
WTCA Successfully Hosts First GAC GS3 Emzoom Owners Gathering

WTCA Successfully Hosts First GAC GS3 Emzoom Owners Gathering

GAC Motor brand custodians WTCA successfully hosts first gathering event for first batch of GAC GS3 Emzoom owners.

28-06-2024
Auto News
WTCA Signs MOU With GAC Motor To Study CKD Expansion For Export To Vietnam

WTCA Signs MOU With GAC Motor To Study CKD Expansion For Export To Vietnam

WTCA inks MOU with GAC Motor to study expansion of Emkoo and GS3 Emzoom models CKD operations for export to Vietnam.

01-04-2024
New Car
Previewed: GAC Emkoo – C-Segment Offering, CKD Planned

Previewed: GAC Emkoo – C-Segment Offering, CKD Planned

Third model previewed by WTCA comes in the form of the GAC Emkoo C-segment SUV that will also be localised (CKD).

01-02-2024
Auto News
GAC GS3 Emzoom Set To Launch In Malaysia Soon?

GAC GS3 Emzoom Set To Launch In Malaysia Soon?

Is the new GAC GS3 Emzoom B-segment crossover SUV set to launch in Malaysia soon?

15-11-2023

Latest News

Auto News
Counterfeit Engine Oil Syndicate Busted

Counterfeit Engine Oil Syndicate Busted

Authorities raid three premises in Ara Damansara and Kepong, uncovering a syndicate that repackages and sells counterfeit engine oil.

30-04-2025
Auto News
PIAM: Motor and EV Insurance Up 6.7% in 2024

PIAM: Motor and EV Insurance Up 6.7% in 2024

Motor insurance surged in 2024, adding RM651.1 million in premiums, EV coverage sets the tone for 2025, touts PIAM.

30-04-2025
Auto News
MOT Lowers School Zone Speed Limit To 30 KM/H

MOT Lowers School Zone Speed Limit To 30 KM/H

The government will soon gazette new 30 KM/H speed limit in school zones.

30-04-2025
Auto News
JPJ Seizes Two Lorries After Drivers, Owner Obstruct Enforcement

JPJ Seizes Two Lorries After Drivers, Owner Obstruct Enforcement

JPJ seized two lorries after their drivers and owner obstructed enforcement by spilling sand, causing major disruption.

29-04-2025
Auto News
Jaecoo Malaysia Teases Omoda C7 Ahead of MAS 2025 Debut

Jaecoo Malaysia Teases Omoda C7 Ahead of MAS 2025 Debut

Jaecoo Malaysia teases sleek new Omoda C7 ahead of its official debut at upcoming Malaysian Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025).

29-04-2025
Auto News
New Mitsubishi 3S Centre Opens in Kajang, Selangor

New Mitsubishi 3S Centre Opens in Kajang, Selangor

MMM grows its dealership network again, welcomes new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Kajang, Selangor into its network.

29-04-2025
Auto News
Isuzu Malaysia Appoints Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as New CEO

Isuzu Malaysia Appoints Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as New CEO

Isuzu Malaysia has appointed Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as its new CEO, beginning from Apr 24, 2025, onwards.

29-04-2025
Auto News
BMW Group Malaysia Appoints Performance Motors Malaysia as New Dealer Partner

BMW Group Malaysia Appoints Performance Motors Malaysia as New Dealer Partner

BMW Group Malaysia’s new dealer partner, Performance Motors, is a joint venture between Sime Motors and Ingress.

29-04-2025

Show More

trending_flat
Carz Automedia Malaysia Logo
About Us

CarzAutoMedia: Stay connected to the latest car news! Get instant updates on new releases, industry trends, and automotive innovations. Your go-to source for 24/7 coverage of everything automotive.

© 2024 CariCarz.com. All Rights Reserved.