GAC M8 PHEV 2026 review: Luxury

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

8 / 10

There are two grades available for the GAC M8, and for this review we’re in the flagship Luxury, priced from $83,590, before on-road costs. It’s an awkward vehicle to compare because, right now, it’s the only people mover on sale with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Its closest like-for-like rivals in terms of size, specification and middle-row captain’s chairs are the all-electric LDV Mifa 9 Luxe and Zeekr 009 (FWD), priced from $129,000 and $115,900, before on-road costs, respectively. Compared to them, the M8 presents strong value. The equation looks less convincing when it’s parked alongside the flagship Kia Carnival Hybrid, which starts from $76,630 MSRP, though the intended markets between the two are notably different.

GAC hasn’t held back on features in the Luxury grade. The front and middle-row captain’s chairs are power-adjustable and offer heating and ventilation, with the middle seats also gaining full recline, extendable footrests and a massage function. Curiously, the driver misses out on massage, though.

Other highlights include a front sunroof with manual blind, a second fixed glass roof, semi-aniline leather upholstery for the first two rows with leather in the third, and a heated steering wheel. Practical conveniences are well covered too, with powered sliding rear doors, a hands-free powered tailgate, acoustic Michelin 18-inch tyres (designed to reduce road noise), a 360-degree camera system, manual rear sunblinds, three-zone climate control and one-touch ‘reset’ buttons for the middle-row seats.

Technology feels thoughtfully specified rather than excessive. There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system. Charging and power options include six USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a 12-volt socket and a 220-volt AC outlet. The 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen looks larger than it is thanks to its housing, though it ultimately sits on the smaller side for a vehicle pitching itself at the luxury end of the market.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

7 / 10

The GAC M8’s design is… well, it’s out there. This isn’t a people mover that fades politely into the background. There are clear parallels with the Lexus LM, right down to the towering grille (complete with a vague hint of spindle shaping), which may well be the tallest grille I’ve encountered!

It’s a big unit, too, measuring 5212mm long, 1893mm wide and 1823mm high. The overall shape is sharply squared-off and prioritises presence over dynamism. It also comes standard with a full suite of LED exterior lighting.

The cabin claws back some design cred, though, as it’s downright plush with its semi-aniline two-tone leather upholstery - finished in a lush burgundy/black duo in our test vehicle. Accent panels vary between a diamond-design for the dashboard and doors, to suede soft-touchpoints and rose-gold inserts liberally scattered across the cabin. 

The only accent that doesn’t land is the large swathes of piano black on the centre console as it’s hard to keep clean.

There are some nice little surprises, too, like the fidget spinner-style crystal gear lever, which is surprisingly fun to fiddle with at traffic stops and two sunroofs with the rear fixed panel illuminating with internal ambient light.

Some of the finishes aren’t the best as there are joinery and door handles that don’t line up properly, which is surprisingly more annoying than you’d think once you notice it. But overall, the cabin feels well-considered and luxurious, even if the execution isn't always flawless. 

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

8 / 10

The front row has plenty of space and the seats feature heating and ventilation, making longer journeys comfortable. However, there’s no extendable under-knee support and only the driver gets lumbar adjustment. I’ve spent much of the week feeling like a chauffeur, as my husband and child insisted on sitting in the back!

The middle row is where the M8 really shines. The captain’s chairs are indulgent, offering full recline, footrests, heating, ventilation, and massage. Comfort is excellent, though the footrest extension limits space for the third row, and even at 168cm I found it a snug fit when fully reclined. Access is straightforward with grab handles and a low 143mm step-in height, though be mindful of kerbs as the doors aren’t forgiving when it comes to tall council strips.

The third row is one of the few that genuinely accommodates adults. Head- and legroom are ample, and the seats feel firm but comfortable, especially with the foldable armrest. Amenities aren't forgotten with four cupholders, two USB-A ports and directional air vents. Access requires sliding through the middle row, so it’s best if those seats are unoccupied, but otherwise it’s not too taxing.

Front-row storage is practical, with a mid-sized glove box, dual-opening middle console, cupholders and a clever phone cradle that integrates a wireless charging pad and cable routing for a tidy set-up. There’s also a USB-A and USB-C port and a 12-volt socket in the large shelf underneath the centre console.

The middle row enjoys three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, directional air vents, retractable sunblinds, tray tables (though not usable while driving) and climate control. Storage is decent, with six cupholders, one of which has heating and cooling, two map pockets, a pull-out drawer and a 220-volt AC outlet.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system is serviceable but feels slightly small for the luxury segment. Graphics aren’t the sharpest, the layout isn’t always intuitive and some functions, like the heated steering wheel, require digging through menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performed flawlessly throughout the week and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is clear and well laid out.

Boot space is modest for a people mover, offering 280L with all rows in place which is enough for a small grocery run but not for a fully-loaded family outing. Folding the third row expands capacity to 1500L, though that leaves you with a four-seater. The loading height is low, which helps, but it has a tall lip which prevents it from being ideal for sitting on during tailgates or picnics. There’s a small underfloor compartment housing the tyre repair kit and a powered tailgate rounds out the package.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

7 / 10

Both M8 grades share the same plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairing a 2.0L, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine with a single electric motor. Combined, they produce up to 274kW of power and 630Nm of torque which is impressive on paper, though it only manages 0‑100km/h in 8.8 seconds. Once the battery is depleted, outputs drop to a more modest 140kW/320Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a two-speed automatic transmission, and the M8 is not rated for towing.

To get the best performance from this type of set-up will require diligent recharging.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

9 / 10

The M8 is equipped with a Type 2 CCS charging port, accepting up to 6.6kW on AC and 39kW on fast DC power. Being able to use a DC charger is a definite plus for a plug-in hybrid and you can charge the battery on this type of charger from zero to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

Its 25.57kWh lithium-ion battery is generous for a plug-in, delivering an electric-only range of up to 106km (WTLP). With a combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 6.1L/100km and a 56L fuel tank, the M8 offers an overall driving range of more than 1000km which is excellent for a vehicle of its size. As with any plug-in, regular charging is key to achieving these figures; over my week of driving, I averaged 6.2L/100km, which is very excellent.

GAC recommends a minimum 91 RON unleaded petrol.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

7 / 10

Around town, the M8 delivers plenty of power and is whisper-quiet when running in electric mode. Once the battery depletes or you switch over to the petrol engine, that sense of instant oomph fades. Overtaking on hills is achievable, but even with an empty car it can feel a little underwhelming.

Steering is light, but the car feels solidly planted in most situations. Handling isn’t as dynamic as a Kia Carnival and the M8 can feel a touch ungainly through bends, though it’s more than manageable for everyday driving.

Ride comfort is high, especially for passengers, due to forgiving suspension and a cabin that doesn't let a whole lot of road or wind noise in. The M8 is a comfortable cruiser.

Visibility is surprisingly good for a 5.2m-long vehicle with minimal blind spots from the driver’s seat. The bonnet and dash, however, stretch further than they appear, which can make judging the nose a little tricky at first.

Ground clearance is only 143mm, so it’s easy to scrape the nose over speed bumps or when parking. The 360-degree camera system is decent, but manoeuvring into tight spaces still requires some care as it fills out a space. You also have to leave about a metre of clearance behind you if you want to open the tailgate.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

7 / 10

The M8 hasn’t been tested with ANCAP yet and is unrated but it has a good suite of safety equipment including seven airbags with the curtain airbags covering all three rows but unique for the class is another airbag across the rear windscreen. However, it misses out on a front centre airbag., which is a strange omission now.

Standard equipment includes big-ticket systems like blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and a clear 360-degree view camera system with front and rear parking sensors.

There is a sound alert and driver seat vibration that activates for some systems which I found to be a good addition. There’s also four ISOFIX child seat mounts (two in each rear row) and a total of five top-tether anchor points. While the M8 has adaptive cruise control, it’s not well-calibrated and creates a middling on-road experience.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

7 / 10

The GAC M8 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with five years' complimentary roadside assistance, which is competitive against several of its nearest rivals. Service pricing has yet to be confirmed, though servicing is scheduled at 12-month or 15,000km intervals.

For now, the service network is limited, with around 10 centres nationwide, though GAC offers authorised servicing through third-party providers such as MyCar, which helps broaden access in the short term.

Verdict