Beware Alphard? GAC Philippines launching M8 luxury van by March 2024

 

The 2024 GAC M8 is shaping up to be a serious rival to the renowned Toyota Alphard.

Vans have always been part of the elite lifestyle, with V8-powered conversion vans once ruling the roost for celebrities and politicians alike.

But that all changed when the Toyota Alphard rolled into town, offering super-smooth and relatively fuel-efficient powerplants, along with a road presence that was truly a class of its own.

Just a month after the launch of the all-new Alphard, GAC Motor Philippines is getting into the game with its eye-catching M8. The Chinese carmaker announced in a September 2023 press statement that it will launch its flagship luxury van within the first quarter of 2024.

"We're excited to present the GAC M8, a genuine fusion of opulence and innovation, to the Philippine market,” said GAC Motor Philippines brand head Franz Decloedt.

“Featuring cutting-edge technology, exquisite design, and unmatched comfort, the GAC M8 establishes a fresh benchmark in the premium MPV segment, and assures our customers an unmatched and pleasurable journey," he added.

Unmistakeable looks

PHOTO FROM GAC MOTOR PHILIPPINES.

When you see the GAC M8, you’ll know it’s an M8.

The enormous chrome waterfall grill dominates the front end, seemingly evoking a bit of Lexus. The LED headlights also reach into the lower bumper for a more eye-catching appearance.

PHOTO FROM GAC MOTOR PHILIPPINES.

Down the side, the M8 has two large character lines that cut into the sliding passenger doors. These and the huge glass area help cancel out the van-like appearance.

But the flagship GAC gets truly dramatic out back, with its full-length LED taillights mirroring the front by extending into the lower bumper. These are complemented by the intricate D-pillar and large tailgate spoiler.

Hybrid power available

PHOTO FROM GAC MOTOR PHILIPPINES.

Although GAC Motor Philippines has not yet announced what’s under the hood of the local M8, the van is available with three powertrains in other markets.

The first is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing 252 PS and 400 Nm of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The second is a full-hybrid version of the 2.0-liter engine, which has a combined output of 246 PS. This gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Finally, there’s the E9 PHEV (plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle) that has a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. The combined output is a whopping 373 PS and 630 Nm of torque.

Price-wise, we expect the 2024 GAC M8 to heavily undercut the hybrid Alphard, which starts at ₱4,980,000. So perhaps ₱3.5 million for the non-hybrid and ₱4 million for the hybrid?

Would you go for GAC Motor Philippines’ swanky new van?

Rate this story now using the five stars below. It will help us provide content that you enjoy!

Oops... Something broke.
    Channel:
Follow our socials:
VJ Bacungan

Senior Writer

An award-winning multimedia journalist, editor, and host for online and TV who has written in-depth stories on road safety an...

Get a deal on your trade in within 24 hours!

users traded-in for dream car
Add your car

Upgrade

Toyota Alphard

Latest News

Now with lower price! Volkswagen Philippines launches 2024 Tharu crossover, starts at P1.808M

The long wait is over as Volkswagen Philippines officially launched the 2024 Volkswagen Tharu on Sept. 29, 2023 in Alabang. The new model comes after a two-year wait, as the last new vehicle that the company launched locally was the Volkswagen T-Cross in 2021. While the German brand did debut the Volkswagen Cross Santana on February 2023, it was essentially a kitted-out version of the regular Santana GTS wagon. What started as several teaser images has finally solidified into the real thing, wit

Sluggish sales and the rise of local brands: Mitsubishi Motors to end vehicle production in China

Mitsubishi Motors is pulling out of the Chinese market. The Japanese automaker has already started final talks with its partner company, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). Mitsubishi said it is exiting the Chinese market because of sluggish sales, the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EV) and local brands stepping up their game. Other Japanese brands are also struggling against the homegrown competition, which may indicate that they must review their strategies for the Chinese market. Mitsu

Jetour Philippines chosen as official partner for MPT Biyaheng South Experiential Tour

Jetour Auto Philippines has officially partnered with Metro Pacific Tollways South Management Corporation, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Cavite provincial government for a unique two-day journey around the southern outskirts of Metro Manila for the Biyaheng South Experiential Tour. The Biyaheng South Experiential Tour The special tour, held from September 21 to 22, 2023, took 18 prominent influencers and content creators on a leisurely drive

Is the Volkswagen Tharu enough to keep local fans of the brand interested?

Volkswagen Philippines hasn’t launched an all-new vehicle since 2021 with the arrival of the Volkswagen T-Cross. While the German automaker also released the Cross Santana, it was just another variant of the station wagon, which doesn’t count. In the past two years since the T-Cross’s arrival, the German automaker has been quiet lately, with not much going on aside from announcing new colors for the crossover. It has been a thorn in the brand’s side as its model lineup has been steadily aging ov

Gotcha! Hydrogen fuel-cell 2024 Honda CR-V spied in Japan, features plug-in capability

As the world’s automakers scramble to launch the latest battery-electric vehicles (EV), companies like Honda Cars are still investing in hydrogen. Our friends from sister publication WapCar reported that a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) version of the latest Honda CR-V was spotted in the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan, some 110 km west of the capital Tokyo. The photos were posted on X (formerly Twitter) by TW MC, showing a CR-V wrapped in a bright blue livery with the word “Hydrogen”

Recommended Cars

PopularLatestUpdates
Hot
Jeep

Jeep Wrangler

₱ 3,690,000 - 4,190,000

View Model
Hot
Toyota

Toyota Veloz

₱ 1,185,000 - 1,225,000

View Model
BMW

BMW iX3

₱ 4,590,000

View Model
New Variant
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

₱ 3,290,000

View Model
Toyota

Toyota Lite Ace Pickup

₱ 570,000

View Model
Toyota

Toyota Lite Ace Panel Van

₱ 655,000

View Model

Related Car Comparison

Toyota Alphard
View Now