Chinese brand GAC is preparing to shake up Australia’s people mover market with the launch of the 2026 GAC M8, the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover to be sold locally. With orders now open and two trim levels available, the M8 enters a segment long dominated by the Kia Carnival.
GAC says the M8’s combination of an efficient PHEV powertrain, long claimed driving range, and generous features list could help expand the segment rather than simply compete within it.
+2 Photos
GAC M8 pricing & early bird offers
| Model | Price |
| 2026 GAC M8 Premium | $76,590 |
| 2026 GAC M8 Luxury | $83,590 |
The Australian M8 lineup offers two variants, both backed by an 8-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty.
While servicing pricing is still to be confirmed, the M8’s eight-year vehicle and battery warranty puts it among the longest-covered people movers on the market.
A launch offer from GAC gives buyers who order the M8 before December 31, 2025, a free 22kW home wall charger, $1000 cashback, and a $500 fuel or charging card.
GAC M8 key features
Two trim levels are available for the premium people-mover, each offering a comprehensive equipment list.
GAC M8 Premium highlights:
- Dual power-sliding doors
- Hands-free power tailgate
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry and start
- 12.3-inch digital cluster
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Leather upholstery (first & second rows)
- PVC upholstery (third row)
- Tri-zone climate control
- Second-row seats with power leg rests
- 60/40 split-fold third row
GAC M8 Luxury adds:
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Reverse Driver Assist
- Acoustic tyres
- Second-row “welcome light carpet”
- Fragrance system & ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear tray tables
- Massaging, heated, ventilated second-row captain’s chairs
- LCD control screens
- Semi-aniline leather upholstery (first & second rows)
Plug-in hybrid with over 1000km range
The GAC M8 arrives exclusively as a plug-in hybrid offering, pairing a turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and a two-speed hybrid transmission. Below is a breakdown of performance, drivetrain, and key specifications of the GAC M8.
| Specification | GAC M8 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo petrol + electric motor |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57kWh |
| Power | 274kW |
| Torque | 630Nm |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 8.8 seconds |
| Combined driving range (claimed) | 1032km |
| Electric only range | 106km |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.05L/100km |
| Fuel tank | 56L |
| AC Charge rate | 6.6kW |
| DC Charge rate | 35kW |
| AC charge time | 0-100% in 3.5 hours |
| DC charge time | 0-80% in 30 minutes |
Only the flagship Luxury grade gains Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, capable of powering accessories or small appliances at up to 3.3kW.
Safety and driver assistance
The GAC M8 is yet to receive ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety ratings, but the standard features cover everything you’d expect for the price. It includes:
- AEB (forward and reverse)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist & emergency lane-keeping
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Integrated Cruise Assist & Traffic Jam Assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Surround-view camera
+1 Photos
The GAC M8 Premium uses four parking sensors front and rear, while the Luxury upgrades to six sensors at each end. GAC also claims an “industry-leading” 3.2-metre curtain airbag designed to protect third-row passengers, along with rear windscreen airbags.
Australian launch timeline
The 2026 GAC M8 PHEV is now on sale, with first deliveries expected shortly after launch. With no direct plug-in hybrid rival and pricing that undercuts most fully electric people movers, GAC hopes the M8 will carve out a unique niche in Australia’s growing family-vehicle market.
Comments
New Comment