Verdict
At RM328,800, the lower-priced GAC M8 is the rational Malaysian buy because the RM60,000 step to RM388,800 changes none of the specified mechanical, safety or cabin equipment. Both use a 187 hp/300 Nm turbo petrol engine with one 179 hp/300 Nm motor, a 25.57 kWh battery and 106 km EV range, reaching 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. Each also gets seven airbags, adaptive cruise control and a 16-speaker Yamaha system. On paper, the dearer car asks RM60,000 for trim distinction not identified by its equipment list.
Pick the RM328,800 GAC M8 if you want the same 106 km EV range, seven airbags and 16-speaker Yamaha audio for RM60,000 less.
Pick the RM388,800 GAC M8 if its unspecified trim distinction matters enough to justify paying RM60,000 more despite matching mechanicals and equipment.
Key differences
- Price: RM328,800 vs RM388,800, a RM60,000 gap
- Engine and motor output: 187 hp/300 Nm plus 179 hp/300 Nm vs 187 hp/300 Nm plus 179 hp/300 Nm
- Battery and EV range: 25.57 kWh and 106 km vs 25.57 kWh and 106 km
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds vs 8.8 seconds
- Audio: 14.6-inch touchscreen and 16 speakers vs 14.6-inch touchscreen and 16 speakers
PHEV Premium
- RM60,000 lower purchase price
- Same 25.57 kWh battery and 106 km EV range
- Same seven airbags and adaptive cruise control
PHEV Luxury
- 187 hp/300 Nm turbo petrol engine plus 179 hp/300 Nm motor
- 16-speaker Yamaha sound system
- Powered sliding doors and a powered boot
- RM60,000 more expensive
- No stated mechanical, safety or cabin-equipment advantage
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800✓ | RM388,800 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 179 hp | 179 hp |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57 kWh | 25.57 kWh |
| EV Range | 106 km | 106 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 40 kW | 40 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | 2-DHT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 5,212 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,893 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 3,070 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | 2,420 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | Power Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
PHEV Premium vs PHEV Luxury FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or GAC M8 better?
The RM328,800 GAC M8 is the better buy. It matches the RM388,800 version for powertrain output, battery capacity, EV range, safety equipment, acceleration and cabin features.
What is the price difference?
The price difference is RM60,000: RM328,800 for one GAC M8 and RM388,800 for the other.
Does the pricier GAC M8 have more range or performance?
No. Both have a 25.57 kWh battery, 106 km EV range, 187 hp/300 Nm petrol engine, 179 hp/300 Nm motor and an 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
