/ Review

2024 GAC M8 GX Master Review

GAC’s taking a swing at the luxury minivan segment once more with the M8, but have they hit the mark? Read this review to see what we think.

Jerome Tresvalles
GAC M8 GX Master Review

Years ago, GAC ventured into the luxury minivan segment with the GM8, this move meant that it was in the sights of the Toyota Alphard. Though the GM8 did provide a more affordable yet luxurious alternative to the Alphard, it still wasn’t enough to sway the public out of the Toyota. 

This time, GAC has brought the GM8’s successor into the market and it's called the M8. In this review, we’re taking a look at the top-of-the-line M8 GX Master to find out if GAC’s latest attempt at luxury minivan is worth your consideration, even with its near P4,000,000 price tag.

4.0 / 5
2024 GAC M8 GX Master Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.0/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 3.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
What You Will Like
  • Interior is packed with features
  • Exceptional cabin space
  • Ride is supple coupled with excellent noise insulation
What You Won't Like
  • Infotainment system doesn't have Android Auto
  • Seat anchors in the third row eat up trunk space
How We Do Our Reviews
GAC M8 Engine

Before we head into the deeper details of the M8, let’s start with what kind of firepower it’s bringing to the luxury minivan war. Under the hood, the M8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Now, it’s got a lot of power to haul itself and a full load of people, but what does that mean for fuel efficiency? Inside the city with nightmarish traffic, the M8 managed to net 5 km/l while on the highway where it can stretch its legs, consumption went down to about 9.5 km/l, pretty respectable for a gasoline-powered minivan. 

GAC M8 Front
GAC M8 Rear Quarter
GAC M8 Grille

Moving on the looks, the M8 looks rather elegant and well-sculpted, even with the proportions of a minivan. Of course, the loud front grille and sleek headlights mean it will be likened to the Alphard, however, the M8 sports some unique design features that set it apart.

On the front we’ve got headlights that appear to drape from the hood to the middle of the front bumper, perfectly framing the waterfall-like designed grille. It may not look like much in the day, but at night with the headlights and DRLs on, the M8 looks exquisite.

GAC M8 Profile

At the sides, GAC has given the M8 a few design touches from the sharp body lines to the curves on the windows and chrome garnishes. Plus, the 18-inch turbine-style wheels give the M8 lots of charisma.

The rear of the minivan is the same story, it’s got cuts and curves everywhere you look complemented by chrome and matte accents on the outer edges of the vehicle. 

GAC M8 Trunk

The GAC M8 measures 5,212 mm long, 1,893 mm wide, and 1,823 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 3,070 mm. Thanks to its front-wheel drivetrain, the interior has a flat floor with ample space for cargo in the back of the minivan. The only downside in regards to the cargo bay is the fact that the seat anchors for the third row protrude from the floor when you tumble them forward. There’s still a lot of usable space in the back with this configuration, but do expect some items to sit unevenly when you do.

GAC M8 Third Row

Moving inside, starting at the third row, the M8 already impresses with its comfortable seats and amenities which include armrests, bottle holders, and charging points on either side of the vehicle.

GAC M8 Second Row
GAC M8 Tray Table
GAC M8 Cupholder

Heading up the cabin, the second row can only accommodate two passengers but the comfort and amenities go way up. Second-row passengers are treated to powered captain’s chairs with a massage function. Amenities in the second row include retractable window shades, a reading lamp, aircon controls, multiple charging points, and a tray table that can embarrass first-class airplane seats.

GAC M8 Front Row

At the business end of the minivan, the M8 sports a ton of features for the driver, to the point that some people might get lost in the sea of design elements. The easy ones to spot are the large crystal in the shifter, the mountain design on the car’s dashboard, and unfortunately, the center console which has a ton of piano black plastics.

The driver is also treated to an expansive infotainment screen that spans 14.6 inches paired with the also large digital instrument cluster. As for connectivity, the M8’s infotainment system supports Apple Carplay but not Android Auto, instead, passengers can pair their phones using the CarBitlink app which is clunky in practice but can get the job done.

GAC M8 Instrument Cluster
GAC M8 Steering Wheel
GAC M8 Infotainment

The infotainment system also houses a majority of the car’s controls. This system also has redundancies built in which allow the driver to control other features in the second and third row. We think it's rather overkill to include this functionality in the vehicle as well as a missed opportunity, because if GAC can introduce controls like these, why not Android Auto?

Riding in the second row of the M8 feels reminiscent of a business class plane seat thanks to the comfortable chairs and quality upholstery. On the move, being a passenger inside the M8 is a delight to the senses because the ride is supple and serene without any intrusion from outside noise and even the engine. Of course, the ride quality is not perfect, passengers will still feel imperfections on the road depending on how severe road conditions are, but when compared to crossovers and even sedans on the same road, the M8 romps ahead in terms of comfort.

GAC M8 Wheels

Piloting the M8, GAC’s minivan lets you know that it has a lot of power on tap. Getting up to speed is no problem thanks to 248 hp and 400 Nm and power is transferred smoothly with the traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. We’re quite happy with the M8’s powertrain and we’re sure it will satisfy anyone getting behind the wheel of this minivan. A selection of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, is also available. However, it's unclear why you would need Sport mode in a people carrier unless you’re a villain from a James Bond film.

The M8 is miles ahead of its predecessor, the GM8, in terms of styling, performance, and features. However, the M8 GX Master is far from perfect. The infotainment system needs a rethink, and the P3,948,000 price is pretty steep. Even though it’s a P1,000,000 bargain compared to the Toyota Alphard, the price is still a significant ask, even for those who are accepting of Chinese brands.

Setting the brand aside, if you consider the M8 for its offerings—such as the luxurious interior, capable powertrain, and comfortable cabin—you will be more than satisfied with the GAC M8.

Specifications

Engine

2.0 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

248 hp @ 5,250 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name GAC M8 2.0T 8AT GX Master
Body Type Minivan
Price ₱3,948,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

GAC M8 Crystal White Crystal White
GAC M8 Elegant Black Elegant Black
GAC M8 Temple Gold Temple Gold

Get the best deal - Choose multiple dealerships to compare offers!

  • Select up to 5 dealerships and compare their offers
  • Over 70% of dealers reply within 1 hour
  • 100% hassle-free with no obligation to purchase

Latest Review

View More Articles

Popular Articles