This trio of new GAC MPVs are coming to PH very soon
The GAC Motor brand’s rebranding is in full swing here in the Philippines. After being reestablished by its Chinese parent company and introducing new electrified offerings, new models are coming and returning to the brand’s local lineup.
Coming to our market before the end of July are a trio of updated and new models. These are the refreshed GAC GN6 and GN8, and the new GAC E8 HEV. Two of these, the GN8 and E8, were already seen by the public during their initial local preview at the 20th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April.
Starting from the smallest of the three, the GAC GN6 nameplate makes a comeback after a few years of using the M6 Pro nameplate. Still competing with the likes of the Toyota Innova and Toyota Zenix, and MG G50, the GN6 gets a refreshed exterior with a larger and wider front grille, redesigned bumpers, and a new wheel design.
It still retains its seven-seater capacity in a 2+2+3 layout, but with a redesigned dashboard that gets a layered design, a new two-spoke steering wheel, and a new tablet-style 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It also retains its powertrain, a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that makes 177 horsepower and 270Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). GAC also quotes a fuel economy figure of 14km/l, and a driving range of up to 728km.
Those looking for something larger than the GN6, and electrified, can take a look at the new GAC E8 HEV. This will also compete with the Toyota Zenix and MG G50, powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that makes 140 horsepower and 180Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor that makes 182 horsepower and 300Nm of torque. GAC says this should be able to drive up to more than 1,000km on a full tank of gas.
The GAC E8 HEV will be available in two variants in the Philippines–GL and GX. On the outside, it wears striking design elements such as split L-shaped headlights, blade-style 17- or 18-inch wheels, and a slim rear lightbar for the taillights.
Just like the GN6, this also has a capacity for seven occupants in a 2+2+3 layout. It gets second-row captain seats with both manual and power adjustments. Its dashboard makes use of simple horizontal lines, with an integrated 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also gets a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) on the GX variant.
Last but not the least, the GAC GN8 nameplate returns as well, after a few years of using the M8 name. The brand’s flagship offering in our market, it looks largely the same as before but with a major change in the powertrain department as it is now a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
It still gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but that is now paired to an electric motor, producing a combined 373 horsepower and 630Nm of torque. A 25.5kWh LFP battery allows for an all-electric driving range of up to 120km, or up to 1,038km on a single full charge and full tank of gas.
As it remains identical to before, features and equipment also remain the same, including 18-inch alloy wheels, luxurious second row captain seats with leg rests and massage function and ventilation, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, flip-down rear entertainment screen, among many others.
If you’re curious, pricing for the three models will be revealed at their launch which again will be happening before the month ends. Are you excited for the launch of the new GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV?
Photos by Sam Surla
