Alphard-fighting GAC M8 launched in PH with Php 2.998M starting price

The Toyota Alphard is quite popular to buyers looking for a minivan that offers extra comfort and luxury, without cramming too many passengers inside the cabin. For quite some time, it has pretty much held a monopoly in the segment, especially when the GAC GN8 was discontinued last year.

It’s no longer alone again in the luxury minivan scene as GAC Motor Philippines, under the distributorship of Astara Philippines, has rejoined the segment, this time with the M8 which is essentially the second generation of the GN8. 

With its arrival already having been announced in September last year, and having had a local preview in December, the GAC M8 was first unveiled in China last year, during the 2022 Chengdu Motor Show. The model it replaces did not really sell that well though there are a handful of examples on our roads. Surprisingly, the all-new M8 seems to be having good reception already with several gray market examples already running locally so this launch surely comes at the right time.

Looking at its exterior, it is definitely imposing with the large front grille, and headlights with daytime running lights which run all the way down to the bumper. There are also wraparound taillights at the rear which give it a unique look. Enter the cabin and you’ll find an interior that is very modern with large screens, matched with premium materials. Of course, the pièce de résistance in the cabin are the second row seats which just like on the Toyota Alphard, are similar to aircraft business class seats.

Two variants are available and the GAC M8 does have quite the comprehensive standard feature list. The lower GL Master variant comes standard with the following exterior equipment:

• Full LED headlights with automatic height adjustment, follow-me-home function, and adaptive driving beam
• Welcome headlight and taillight function
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Dual sunroof
• Dual power sliding doors
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Moving up to the GX Master variant will give you:

• Memory and reverse tilt side mirror functions 
• Sunroof Starlight decoration
• Power tailgate
• Soundproof front windshield glass
• Soundproof front and second row windows

Three exterior color options are available: Crystal White, Temple Gold, and Elegant Black. As for the interior, two color schemes are available: Light and Red and Black. The interior color options depend on the variant.

Meanwhile, standard interior equipment starting from the GL Master are:

• 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• Ventilated and heated driver’s seat (optional)
• Heated and ventilated second row seats
• Second row seat massagers
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8-speaker audio system

Going for the GX Master adds:

• Master Specific design elements
• 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Ventilated and heated front seats
• Power-adjustable second row seats
• Heated and cooled cupholder
• 3rd row center armrest
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Fragrance System
• 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and built-in navigation

Powering both variants of the GAC M8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine that produces 248 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Familiar, that’s the same powertrain found on the GAC GS8, the brand’s flagship SUV.

Safety is also not forgotten as the GAC M8 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard on the GL Master are adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed limit function, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, and traffic jam assist and integrated cruise assist. The GX Master adds blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert with rear emergency braking and car approaching warning, and emergency lane keeping.

Other features exclusive to the GX Master variant are a streaming-video rear view mirror, 360-degree surround view camera, door opening warning, and Fusion automatic parking assist.

As for pricing, the GAC M8 undercuts its Toyota Alphard rival by a huge margin. The GL Master is priced at Php 2,998,000 while the GX Master is priced at Php 3,948,000. For comparison, the Toyota Alphard is priced at Php 4,980,000 without dealer markups. Customers will also be able to take advantage of a Five year or 150,000 kilometer general vehicle warranty, whichever comes first.

What do you think of the GAC M8?