The GAC M8 has been confirmed for South Africa, with the Chinese firm seemingly suggesting its boldly styled MPV will make local landfall at some point in 2025…
Chinese automaker GAC Motor says it plans to not only expand its dealership network in South Africa in 2025 but also introduce fresh models. And it seems a boldly styled MPV called the M8 (a trademark BMW holds locally, of course) is very much on the menu for Mzansi.
As a reminder, the GAC Motor portfolio in South Africa currently comprises the GS3 Emzoom (which marked the brand’s local arrival in August 2024) and the Emkoo (which touched down the following month). The fully electric Aion Y is also on the cards for SA.
In addition to adding new derivatives to its current range (perhaps including a plug-in hybrid option), GAC Motor says it plans to launch the M8. Sold under the “Trumpchi” sub-brand in China, the M8 wears GAC badging in international markets.
Measuring 5 212 mm from snout to rump, the 7-seater GAC M8 is a little longer than the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, though its wheelbase of 3 070 mm is 130 mm shorter than that of the Stuttgart-based firm’s luxury MPV. The 2nd row features a pair of captain’s chairs.
The M8 is available in the world’s 2nd most populous nation with a choice of 3 powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. However, most international markets currently receive a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.
That motor generates peak outputs of 185 kW and 400 Nm, with the latter on tap from 1 750- to 4 000 rpm. From what we can tell, the front axle is driven by an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from Aisin.
The PHEV powertrain, however, is also available in countries like Malaysia and Thailand, where it generates peak power of 274 kW and maximum torque of 630 Nm. Featuring a 26 kWh battery pack, this version has an all-electric range of 120 km and a total range of more than 1 000 km (both based on the NEDC testing procedure).
In overseas markets, features for the M8 include powered sliding doors on each flank, a large sunroof, triple-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically adjustable front seats (with heating and ventilation), a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system and various driver-assistance features.
Look out for more local info ahead of the GAC M8’s arrival in South Africa…
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