GAC M8 to make Its debut in the Philippines in early 2024

The Philippines has become a prominent market for the luxurious Toyota Alphard minivan, which is evidenced by its frequent appearances on local roads and the increasing difficulty buyers face when seeking to acquire a brand-new unit. However, an enticing alternative had been the GAC GN8, but regrettably, it has been discontinued in the local market. Fortunately, GAC Motor Philippines, operating under Astara Philippines' distributorship, has exciting news to share. They have announced their plans to introduce the all-new GAC M8 to the Philippines early next year.

Franz Decloedt, the Brand Head of GAC Motor Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm about this forthcoming launch, highlighting the M8 as a fusion of opulence and innovation that sets a new standard in the premium MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment. The vehicle boasts cutting-edge technology, exquisite design, and unparalleled comfort, promising customers an unmatched and enjoyable journey.

The GAC M8 made its initial debut in China the previous year at the 2022 Chengdu Motor Show as the second generation of the GAC GN8, also known as the GM8. While the GN8 didn't witness significant sales success in the Philippines, the all-new M8 is garnering positive attention, with several gray market examples already operating locally.

In terms of its exterior, the GAC M8 is an imposing presence, featuring a large front grille, LED headlights, and wraparound LED taillights at the rear. The interior exudes modernity, characterized by spacious screens and premium materials. It even offers aircraft business class-like seats reminiscent of those found in the Toyota Alphard.

While GAC Motor Philippines has not disclosed specific details about the powertrain options for the M8 in the Philippines, looking at the Chinese specification version provides some insight. It may come equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 251 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Another option, positioned to compete with the Toyota Alphard directly, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine generating 190 hp, paired with a 181 hp electric motor sourced from Toyota. This latter option could mark GAC Motor's first foray into hybrid vehicles in the Philippines.

Safety is another critical aspect, and the GAC M8 is expected to feature the advanced driver-assist safety technology suite known as ADiGO, akin to the rest of the local GAC Motor Philippines lineup. This suite may include features like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, among others.

The official launch of the GAC M8 is scheduled for the first quarter of the following year. The big question that remains is whether the GAC M8 possesses the attributes to challenge the segment dominantly occupied by the Toyota Alphard. Only time will tell if it can make a significant impact in this competitive market, but judging that there are already a few gray market imports being sold locally, this might as well be an instant success once it officially lands in the Philippines.