GAC South Africa has announced the price and local specification details of the M8 Master, which it describes as the 1st plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPV to be offered in the South African new-vehicle market.
Salvador Caetano South Africa, the local distributor of GAC Motor, unveiled the M8 Master – the fledgling Chinese automotive brand’s rival to the Ford Tourneo Custom, Kia Carnival, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Hyundai Staria, and outgoing Volkswagen Caravelle – at the Festival of Motoring 3 months ago.
See also: Kia Carnival vs Ford Tourneo Custom – In-depth comparison
Distinctive GAC M8 Master – primed for high efficiency
Well, GAC’s distinctive 7-seater is now available to order. At 5 212 mm (with a 3 070 mm wheelbase) in length, the M8 Master is slightly longer than a V-Class, available in either an Elegant Black or Crystal White finish, and its design is highlighted by a “Star Diamond Prism” grille, “Lion Fang” LED lighting signature and elevated body lines.
The newcomer is powered by a 2.0T plug-in hybrid powertrain, which puts out combined outputs of 274 kW/630 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
GAC claims the M8 Master can accelerate from 0–100 kph in 8.8 seconds, return an average fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km, and deliver a combined range of over 1 000 km with up to 106 km of pure-electric driving from (what we believe is) a 26 kWh hybrid battery.
Opulent, tech-laden interior
Fuel efficiency aside, the M8 Master’s Nappa leather-trimmed interior (available in either Olympus Brown or Black & Red colour schemes) is sumptuously finished, GAC says, replete with “handcrafted Semi-Aniline top leather, a stitched dash and sculpted door panels, premium tactile switches (as well as) ambient trim (embellishments).”
Standard features include dual power-sliding doors (complemented by an electric tailgate), soundproof laminated glass, tri-zone climate control, and what GAC says is a “first-in-class” windless aircon system that delivers “silent, evenly diffused cooling”.
Technology abounds, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (we assume it will feature smartphone-mirroring) flanking a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other luxuries include power adjustment for the front seats (including lumbar, with massage function for the driver), keyless entry and start, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
2nd-row occupants get the best seats!
Audio comes courtesy of an 8-speaker Yamaha audio system and ADiGO virtual arena acoustics, but true indulgence is reserved for the occupants of the pair of First-Class seats in the 2nd row under the sectional panoramic sunroof… Those seats are 4-way power adjustable and offer “10-point air-pump massage, heating and ventilation”.
A wireless charging pad is standard and there are multiple USB-C ports across all rows.
Comprehensive safety spec
In terms of the safety specification, the GAC M8 Master is equipped with 7 airbags, including rear screen airbags and what is said to be longest-in-class curtain airbags.
Over and above the usual active safety systems (ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well an electronic stability program, incorporated in Active Vehicle Dynamic Control), the newcomer is equipped with L2+ semi-autonomous driving assistance systems.
These include adaptive cruise control (with traffic-jam assist), traffic-sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic braking, as well as automatic parking assist.
How much does the GAC M8 Master cost in South Africa?
| GAC M8 Master | R1 499 900 |
The price (correct in November 2025), includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 8-year/150 000 km warranty for EV battery components, 5 years of comprehensive roadside assistance, and most notably, a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the price of the GAC M8 Master in South Africa?
A: The GAC M8 Master is priced at R1,499,900 (correct in November 2025), which includes a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and an 8-year/150,000 km warranty for the EV battery components.
Q: What type of powertrain does the GAC M8 Master use?
A: The M8 Master uses a 2.0T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that delivers combined outputs of 274 kW and 630 Nm, paired with an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
Q: What is the claimed pure-electric driving range of the M8 Master?
A: GAC claims the M8 Master can deliver up to 106 km of pure-electric driving and a total combined range of over 1,000 km.
Q: What makes the GAC M8 Master significant for the South African market?
A: GAC South Africa describes the M8 Master as the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPV to be offered in the South African new-vehicle market.
Q: What luxury features are included on the 2nd-row seats?
A: The 2nd-row First-Class seats are 4-way power adjustable and offer a 10-point air-pump massage, heating, and ventilation.
