Check out the massive grille of the new GAC M8

GAC has one-upped Lexus in the grille department. Their new Trumpchi M8 is giving us Mad Max vibes and looks to devour everything in its path. If you aren’t yet familiar with the local lineup, the M8’s counterpart is the GN8. The automaker has positioned its luxury minivan against the Kia Carnival, and Toyota Alphard here in our local market. 

The current GN8 model we have is GAC’s prime people mover. There are two variants being offered here in Manila. First is the entry-level GE model costing PHP 2.27 million and the higher-end GT model with a hefty price tag of PHP 2.96 million. Both look identical with the main difference found in the cabin, tech, and seating inside the minivan.

Since the GN8 follows its China cousin the M8, we may be getting a design refresh soon. GAC has released the refreshed GS4 and GS8 models, and it looks like the GN8 will follow. The current GN8, like the M8, only has one engine variant. Both local models use a turbocharged 2.0 engine pumping out 199 PS and 320 Nm of torque which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new M8 might be getting a hybrid. 

The next iteration of this van is rumored to have two engine options. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine will output 251 PS now and will have more torque as it’s rated at 380 Nm. The hybrid version will have an electric motor mated with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The petrol engine in the hybrid system will output 190 PS but GAC hasn’t released the total output of the hybrid system. These new engines will be mated to an 8-speed gearbox.

Size-wise, the new M8 will come in with a 3070 wheelbase. It will also have a length of 5193mm, a width of 1893mm, and a height of 1823mm. The gasoline version will be lighter at 2060 kilograms as the hybrid variant will come in at 2245 kilograms. The new design has that massive grille in front and sleek LED headlights.

The turning LEDs actually drop down from the headlights on the mini van’s side and somehow look like air vents to cool the brakes. The rear taillights follow the theme and are designed vertically. You also get the teardrop effect on both sides where the extended red lighting goes. There is also a special hybrid badge on the lower right. 

The Guangzhou Auto Show slated in mid-November is where the M8 will probably make its grand debut. China is GAC’s home turf and in this country, most of the car brands are grille-crazy, so we expect the automaker to go big or go home.