The 2026 GAC M8 PHEV brings genuine luxury MPV comfort at a price that undercuts most established rivals.
Starting at AU$83,590 ($57,800) for the flagship Luxury trim, it costs less than half the Lexus LM 500h, which opens at AU$193,809 before on-road costs.
For the price of one LM 500h, you could park two M8s in the driveway and still have AU$26,629 left over.
Pricing and Positioning
Two versions of the M8 are sold in Australia: the Premium from AU$76,590 and the Luxury from AU$83,590.
It competes with the VW ID.
Buzz (from AU$87,990), LDV Mifa 9 (AU$63,501–AU$129,000), and Kia Carnival (AU$56,490–AU$79,540).
The M8 is the only plug-in hybrid MPV in Australia, pairing a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with a single electric motor and a 25.57 kWh battery for a combined 367 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Cabin Luxury and Second-Row Focus
The cabin feels plush with soft-touch leather on the dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and door panels.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.1-inch central display keep the layout traditional by Chinese car standards.
The second-row captain's chairs are superb, each with a small touchscreen for adjustments and seat massage.
Other highlights include a flat floor, heated-and-cooled cupholder, aircraft-style tray tables, two glass roofs, and a suede headliner.
However, the third row is tight, with poor legroom and headroom, making it unsuitable for adults on longer trips.
There is also no easy way to fold the second-row seats forward, limiting family practicality.
The driver gets heated and ventilated seats but no massage function, a notable omission.
Driving Experience and Efficiency
Despite the power figures, the M8 feels slower than its 8.8-second 0-62 mph claim.
The front-wheel-drive setup handles well without understeer, and the ride quality is superb, smoothing out harsh roads without excessive bouncing.
The cabin is beautifully quiet on the highway thanks to thick double-glazed windows. The exterior design, with its massive chrome grille, turns heads.
The battery provides an all-electric range of 106 km (66 miles).
Charging is slow at 6.6 kW AC and 39 kW DC, but the engine can recharge the battery quickly.
Over a mix of roads, we averaged 6.4 l/100 km (36.7 US mpg) and 4.6 kWh/100 km.
Verdict
The GAC M8 PHEV impresses as a first attempt.
It feels premium and drives like a luxury MPV should, for less than half the price of a Lexus LM 500h.
The tight third row limits its appeal for families, but as a chauffeur vehicle or for those who prioritize second-row comfort, it's a compelling value.
