MIAS 2025 | GAC M8 gets electrified with new PHEV variant
GAC Motor Philippines, under Astara Philippines, may have become silent for a bit but they’re determined to bounce back with what they’ve brought to the 20th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
The Chinese automaker is previewing the electrified GAC M8 PHEV. And yes, GAC Motor Philippines has gone straight to bringing us the plug-in hybrid and skipped the regular hybrid. They’ve even one-upped Toyota Motor Philippines which has been receiving clamor for the Alphard PHEV by getting ahead of them.
The main highlight here is of course its powertrain. That’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired to an electric motor and a 25.57kWh battery. It produces a total combined output of 373 horsepower and 639 Nm of torque, and can drive on full electric power alone for an estimated 130km. Total combined range is claimed to be over 1,000km.
Overall design and features are identical as to that of the standard M8. You get the aggressive and stately exterior with striking LED lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and power-operated sliding doors. Of course, the very luxurious cabin is there with large screens and a pair of captain’s chairs that will not look out of place in a passenger aircraft.
Pricing for the GAC M8 PHEV is still unknown at this point as this is still a preview. We won’t be surprised though if this were to be priced only slightly higher than the currently available pure-ICE variants which range from Php 2.998-million to Php 3.948-million.
Photos by Julian Panlilio
