The attendees during GAC Motor Philippines’ thanksgiving for the motoring media were all ears while brand head Franz Decloedt divulged the company’s exciting roadmap for next year.
“Our journey begins here with the exclusive preview of two new MPVs, the all-new GAC M8 (which was first presented last September) and an all-new M6 Pro, which you will all view for the first time,” he said.
The M8 is a seven-seater MPV that is meant to compete with the likes of Toyota Alphard, Hyundai Staria, and Kia Carnival. It features a very massive grille complemented by sweptback headlights that are integrated with fang-like daytime running lights.
Its equally striking rear feature distinctive taillights that come with a tri-bar indicator and signal lights.
-
- PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHARLES E. BUBAN FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE GAC’S M8 is a seven-seater MPV that is meant to compete with the likes of Toyota Alphard, Hyundai Staria, and Kia Carnival.
While no price was yet announced, it was hinted that the seven-seater (2-2-3 configuration) van could be between P3 million and P4.1 million and will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The setup produces 248 horsepower with 400 Nm of torque.
Inside, the M8 will be equipped with a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple Carplay connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, and a keyless start system.
Safety is guaranteed by dual front and curtain airbags, electronic parking brake, hill-start hold, hill descent control, a surround view camera system, and an advanced driver assistance system.
The M6 Pro (which will be replacing GAC’s GN6) was then next revealed to the audience. Billed as a “true 7-seater MPV,” it will be priced between P1.2 million and P1.6 million and will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (generating 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque).
The M6 Pro will feature leather-feel PVC seats, captain’s seats on the second row with manual adjustments, dual zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and ambient interior lighting. The dashboard headlines a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen connected to an 8-speaker system, and USB Type A and Type C ports.
Both the M8 and the M6 Pro will come in two variants.
