- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
GAC M8. New name for the second generation
The GAC M8 is a full-size minivan that has been produced since the end of 2022. The vehicle belongs to the business class, so it looks and is equipped accordingly. In fact, it represents the second generation of the model, which was released back in 2017 and is known as the GN8 in the home market. This minivan was considered very successful in its segment: it ranked 3rd in terms of sales in the Chinese market. In addition to a new name, the modern M8 has acquired a different exterior and interior, as well as a hybrid version.
Exterior
In general, the first generation style has been preserved: the 2023 GAC M8 retains a recognizable ‘face’ with an extensive chrome grille that has become even larger and more expressive. The vehicle looks more aggressive thanks to narrow LED headlights, the corners of which are underlined by diode stripes. This is what the Master top-end version looks like, the entry-level models are simpler, featuring 17-inch wheels instead of 18-inch ones. Besides, the M8 is noticeably larger than its predecessor: the length of the minivan was increased by 104 mm (up to 5,193 mm), which made it possible to increase the wheelbase to 3,070 mm (70 mm longer), the width grew by less than a centimeter (1,893 mm), and the height remained the same (1,823 mm).
Interior
The minivan features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, as well as a 14.6-inch multimedia system display that hides Yamaha’s audio and climate controls. There are no more buttons. Moreover, the new GAC M8 comes with a two-story center console, the lower tier of which is a shelf.
The debut top-end Master version is seven-seater. The second row provides excellent comfort thanks to two separate seats that can offer you anything you may want (electric drive, heating, ventilation, vibration massage and footrests). The armrests are equipped with touch screens to control all of these benefits. Plus, there is a large flip-down ‘TV’ on the ceiling, replacing the individual screens that adorned the backs of the front seats of the predecessor. A sense of light and space is added by two large hatches. The rear seats are a three-seater backseat, divided in a ratio of 60:40, all parts of which have separate adjustments.
Powertrains
The 2023 GAC M8 offers two powertrain options. The first version comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI direct fuel injection engine, which develops as much as 252 hp and 390 Nm. This unit was borrowed from the GN8, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox by Aisin. The second version is a new hybrid modification with the same engine, derated to 190 hp and 320 Nm to comply with the Atkinson cycle. Plus, there is an electric motor that adds 181 hp and 270 Nm. The engines are paired with a new THS (Toyota Hybrid System) electromechanical variator. The maximum speed of the hybrid is 180 km/h, while the gasoline version offers 200 km/h. The second generation minivan comes with a MacPherson front suspension at the strut and a multi-link suspension at the rear.
