Chinese automotive giant GAC Motor is all set to unveil two new vehicles in the Vietnamese market tomorrow, August 20, 2024. The highly anticipated models, the M8 and GS8, have already arrived at local dealerships ahead of their official launch.
The GAC M8 and GS8 have arrived at dealerships ahead of their official launch in Vietnam tomorrow.
As previously reported, the GAC M8 is a large MPV that will compete directly with the Kia Carnival. On the other hand, the GS8 is a large SUV that rivals the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer.
The GAC M8 boasts impressive dimensions with a length of 5,212 mm, a width of 1,893 mm, a height of 1,823 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. Compared to the Kia Carnival, the M8 is 57 mm longer, 102 mm narrower, and 48 mm taller, with only a 20 mm shorter wheelbase.
The GAC M8 is a large MPV that rivals the Kia Carnival.
Externally, the M8’s design is reminiscent of the Toyota Alphard, often referred to as the “land aircraft.” It features a large chrome-accented grille, LED lighting all around, electric sliding doors, and 17- to 18-inch alloy wheels.
The GAC M8 sports a large, chrome-accented grille.
The interior of the GAC M8 offers a spacious 7-seat layout with three rows of seats. The middle row features two captain’s chairs, providing easy access to the third row.
In overseas markets, the M8 is equipped with a host of features, including a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, an 8-speaker audio system, massaging middle row seats, and a panoramic sunroof with a starry sky effect that syncs with the multi-color ambient lighting.
Interior of the GAC M8.
On the safety front, the M8 is equipped with blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
In the Chinese market, the M8 is offered with three engine options: a conventional gasoline engine, a hybrid (HEV), and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The Vietnamese-spec M8 is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 251 hp and 380 Nm of torque.
The GAC M8 in Vietnam is likely to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Turning to the GAC GS8, this large SUV has dimensions of 4,980 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. Beyond its sheer size, the GS8 impresses with its imposing presence. It features a large chrome grille, vertically oriented headlights, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The GAC GS8 is a large SUV, similar in size to the Hyundai Palisade.
A closer look at the front of the GAC GS8.
The interior of the GS8 also features a 7-seat layout with three rows of seats. To enhance the premium feel, GAC has equipped the GS8 with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a head-up display with augmented reality technology. The GS8 also shares the same safety features as the M8, along with an automatic parking system and a 540-degree surround-view camera.
Interior of the GAC GS8.
Similar to the M8, the GS8 is also offered with multiple engine options. The Vietnamese-spec GS8 is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels.
It is intriguing that GAC Motor has chosen to introduce the M8 and GS8, both large vehicles, as their first offerings in the Vietnamese market. This strategy is somewhat puzzling, given that these models are expected to carry a premium price tag, and the GAC brand is relatively new to Vietnamese consumers who have historically been cautious about Chinese automobiles.
Photos: An Dương
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