GAC M8 PHEV Luxury 2026 Review

Like the GAC Aion V, the M8 is offered as two variants. The entry level Premium opens the bidding at $76,590 (plus on-road costs) and offers the cavernous cabin space you might be expecting from a 5.2-meter-long van with windows, as well as an impressive selection of standard equipment.

The Premium includes a lot for the cash such as semi-aniline leather, wireless device charging and smartphone connectivity, all-LED lighting and up to 1500 litres of cargo space.

The defining feature of the M8 is arguably a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row which offer the ultimate in rear-seat comfort but limit the folding seat options when transporting anything other than people.

Upgrading to the 2025 GAC M8 Luxury we’re testing here brings the price up to $83,590 (plus ORCs). It adds even more comfort touches such as vehicle-to-load (V2L), heated steering wheel, a cabin fragrance dispenser, more electric seat adjustment and a few more driver assistance systems.

Both versions have a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol under the bonnet coupled to a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a relatively large (for a PHEV) 26kWh battery. The combined power is sent to the front wheels only with no all-wheel drive option.

Let’s start with the 2025 GAC M8 PHEV Luxury feature that could be seen as either a positive or not so much. It is not going to be mistaken for anything else on the road… ever. With its unapologetically massive Dr Zoidberg grille which runs the entire height of the front panel from bonnet down to front splitter, the M8 is a spectacle.

It’s also conspicuous in its proportions and scale, with vast slab sides and sheer surface area. The 18-inch wheels are dwarfed by the M8’s overall size and include cool self-levelling centre badges which were once the preserve of Rolls-Royce, wrapped in high-end Michelin e-Primacy tyres.

Yes, the M8 is a big car, but it is nowhere near as cumbersome or ungainly as its looks might promise. On the contrary, its gutsy powertrain can deliver a good shove when required with mighty peaks of 274kW and 630Nm, it’s nose is surprisingly pointy when making abrupt changes in direction and, with mostly air above the floor level and battery, the M8 has a low centre of gravity and decidedly un-van-like body control. Electromagnetic adaptive dampers also help.

A toilet break or mealtime is most likely going to stop you before the range of the M8 does with a very respectable 106km possible on electric power alone. When the engine is working in unison with a full battery, GAC claims it’ll do 1032km between charging and refuel, which is impressive for such a beast.

It also allows up to 40kW DC charging, which is relatively fast and allows a top up of 10 per cent to 80 per cent in half an hour – absolutely fine for a quick pit stop on the run, while an overnight charge at home on grid power is no issue either. The M8 also supports V2L, allowing users to power electrical items from its battery.

Then there’s the accommodation. With examples such as the fake crystal gear selector ornament, the M8 isn’t without some chintz but its cabin is well appointed and designed to cosset and comfort.

A prevalent dark theme contrasts the vast space and makes the interior feel cosy but not claustrophobic, while the choice of materials is generally classy and premium.

It’s in the second row of the Luxury where the M8 really stands out. Here you’ll find a pair of electrically adjustable standalone chairs complete with their own miniature touchscreens, heating, massage and ventilation. It’s a lovely experience for any length of journey.

Further back, the third row can’t compete for luxury, yet offers a genuine three-seat space for (friendly) adults, while the square shaped interior would be excellent for hauling things on days off from people moving. Speaking of which, even with all seats in place, the M8 has a 280-litre boot, but it’s a tall and square space making it very useful for a stack of carry-on bags.

Sliding side doors are also a delight when boarding with a large portal on each side and electric operation as well as offering the ultimate ease of use in tight carparks and spaces.

While the 2025 GAC M8 PHEV Luxury is, on average, very well equipped, its central touchscreen measures just 10.1 inches. Its huge proportions and cabin make that measurement seem a bit smaller, as does the 14.6-inch screen fitted to its sibling models – the Aion V and Emzoom.

It is complemented by a decent driver’s digital display, but both appear a little dated in their graphics and resolution. The information and entertainment system is also similarly feeling its age in an ultra-competitive and fast-moving digital era.

For most duties, the front-wheel drive powertrain is perfectly liveable and its lack of all-wheel drive is one reason for the M8’s good fuel efficiency. But its impressive torque output combined with the M8’s mass and resulting inertia makes just a pair of driven wheels struggle without much provocation.

We only drove the M8 in favourable conditions, but we’re certain a bit pf moisture would have that traction control light flashing like it’s Christmas.

And while we love the Luxury captain’s chairs, they are designed to maximise their own occupant’s comfort and there’s no clever system for accessing the rearmost seating, making other passengers feel a little third class as well as third row.

Given the relatively small numbers the M8 is expected to sell in, it’s highly unlikely GAC will go through the grinder of putting the M8 through the ANCAP safety assessment process. At the time of writing it had not been tested, nor had any other Australian-relevant tester such as Euro NCAP had a look.

That might be a concern for potential owners looking to use the M8 as a large-family freighter, but it does at least offer some high-level safety systems as standard. They include autonomous emergency braking, rear collision warning and braking, a curtain airbag which protects occupants in all three rows and a 360-degree camera – particularly important in a car of this type and size.

Unfortunately, there’s no option or variant that allows the pair of captain’s chairs to be swapped out for a more conventional bench with extra seating capacity or load space with folding functions. If there was, the M8 could be the ultimate all-rounder offering huge passenger capacity and a van-like practicality when required.

There are several options if occupant capacity is the top priority such as the Hyundai Staria and Volkswagen Multivan but the M8 weighs into the esoteric segment with confidence. It has some compelling luxury touches, an undeniably unique road presence and a competitive price.

But if you’re after something that does all the above and is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, there’s simply no other option. Sure, you could trawl a number of grey import forecourts for a JDM alternative, but good luck matching the GAC price.

So, for the time being, the M8 is not only a highly likeable and well executed MPV, it’s also in a class of its own. Quite literally.

2025 GAC M8 PHEV Luxury at a glance:
Price: $76,590
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol electric
Output: 140kW/330Nm
Combined output: 275kW/630Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Battery: 26kWh lithium-ion
Range: 1032km (106km electric only)
Fuel: 1.3L/100km
CO2: 228g/km
Safety rating: Not tested

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