MIAS 2026: GAC PH expands HEV lineup with hybrid GS8 SUV, E8 MPV

For quite a while, the Emkoo Hybrid was the only HEV offering of GAC in the Philippines. This year, not anymore.

In its first participation in the Manila International Auto Show as a direct subsidiary, GAC Philippines has revealed the GS8 SUV and E8 MPV as its newest and upcoming hybrid models in the country.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen the GS8 SUV in MIAS, but this year marks the first time the SUV is presented at the show, featuring an electrified powertrain under the hood.

There’s a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that produces 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque, working with a 182 PS / 270 Nm front electric motor, and a 54 PS / 121 Nm rear electric motor that forms its dual motor hybrid AWD system. A 1.73 kWh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery provides all-electric driving for a few kilometers, with a CVT managing the transfer of power to the wheels.

As far as looks go, the hybrid GS8 only looks different from its pure combustion counterpart with its larger front grille. But elsewhere, the GS8 HEV carries over the same body design, LED lights, and 20-inch wheels.

Inside, customers can expect the same feature list in the hybrid GS8, such as a power tailgate with auto remote function, a panoramic sunroof, a three-zone climate control, full leather seats, power-adjustable front seats with cooling function, LED ambient lighting, a 14.6-inch touchscreen display, a 7-inch digital display, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree camera.

On the other hand, the E8 HEV bridges the gap between the gas-powered M6 Pro and the M8 PHEV. Measuring 4920 mm long, 1928 mm wide, and 1760 mm tall, the E8 HEV is close in size to the Hyundai Custin.

As for its electrified powertrain, the E8 HEV shares the 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, its electric motor, its 1.8 kWh battery, and the 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission with the Emkoo Hybrid. The setup makes a combined output of 238 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

The E8 HEV has dual sliding doors that welcome you to its second-row captain seats. The top spec version even comes with a massage function, power adjustment on the seats, and a dual sunroof for a premium experience.

Other features include a dual-zone climate control system in front, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7 USB charging ports, and a 360-degree panoramic camera.

The GAC GS8 HEV has been officially launched at MIAS at a special introductory price of PHP 2,338,000, while the E8 HEV is set to have its market launch later in the year. The two models are on display at GAC’s booth in MIAS from April 9 to 12, 2026, at the World Trade Center Manila.