MIAS 2026 | GAC PH shows off electrification prowess with launches of new GS8 HEV and GN8 PHEV, preview of E8 HEV

The GAC Motor brand may have lost a bit of steam in our market in recent years as they changed hands once more, now under the management of GAC International Philippines, Inc., a direct subsidiary of GAC Motor of China, but they’re aiming to get back in the game with their refreshed lineup.

And refreshed their lineup is, particularly when it comes to electrification, as they just held the side-by-side launches of the new GS8 HEV and GN8 PHEV, along with the preview of the new E8 PHEV at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Let’s start with the GS8 HEV. This midsize SUV is no stranger to our market, having become one of the brand’s more popular offerings when it came out locally. It’s priced at Php 2,488,000, or an introductory price of Php 2,388,000 (until May 31, 2026).

Powering this is still a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but this time paired with GAC’s Mega Wave THS hybrid system which was co-developed with Toyota, and is paired to a 1.73kWh nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery.

Outputs are 190 horsepower and 320Nm of torque from the engine. Meanwhile, its dual electric motors produce 182 horsepower and 270Nm (front), and 54 horsepower and 121Nm (rear), for a combined electric motor output of 237 horsepower and 391Nm. These are sent to all four wheels via a CVT instead of an eight-speed automatic.

It’s largely similar as the previous non-hybrid version, but with a redesigned front grille which features larger openings, a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels that come with a “floating” center cap that stays upright while driving, and slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers. Its interior retains most of its minimalist layout with large screens and a generally upright design.

Features are headlined by the same 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system as before, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Alpine sound system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features also remain the same such as a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control; front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions; multi-color ambient lighting, and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

Next is the GAC GN8 PHEV, previewed at last year’s MIAS as the M8 PHEV, and is priced at Php 3,388,000 while aiming directly for the BYD eMax 9 DM-i and Toyota Alphard.

While it retains most of the same features and other equipment as the standard GN8 (or M8), it comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor and 25.57kWh battery. Total combined output is 367 horsepower and 630Nm of torque, and it can run on full electric power alone for up to 106km, or up to 1,038km on a single full charge and full tank of gas.

Finally, we have the new GAC E8 HEV, which will be coming to our market likely within the year and will compete directly with the newly-introduced MG G50 PHEV, Toyota Zenix HEV.

Final specifications and features will be announced by GAC Philippines at a later date, but we can expect it to come powered by a 2.0-liter engine that makes 140 horsepower and 180Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor that makes 182 horsepower and 300Nm. 

It was also confirmed that it will be available with a seven-seat capacity, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, second-row seats that are equipped with ventilation and massage functions, a maximum trunk capacity of 1,917L, and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

GAC Philippines also showcased alongside these newly-launched and previewed models other members of its local lineup such as the Hyptec HT, Aion V, and even the non-electrified Emzoom.

Now, if you want to see in the metal the new GAC GS8 HEV, GN8 PHEV, and E8 HEV, along with the other members of the local GAC Motor lineup, they are all present at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show which is happening at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City until April 12, 2026 (Sunday).