Could the GAC E8 plug-in hybrid MPV work in PH?
2024 GAC E8 combines luxury MPV styling & amenities with PHEV tech
GAC Motor Philippines is set to enter the electrified arena with the Emkoo Hybrid. First previewed at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the hybrid electric crossover packs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that's assisted by an electric motor. It has a combined system output of 238 PS along with 300 Nm of torque.
It's set to make its debut this June although the automaker has yet to reveal a price. With GAC Motor PH looking to make a statement in the hybrid crossover market, perhaps they might also want to add an electrified MPV into the mix. Yes, GAC Motor already has the E9 in China which is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the M8 we get here. But perhaps the company could do with another MPV that could possibly slot between the M6 Pro and the aforementioned M8.
This is the GAC E8, and before you say it's essentially the PHEV variant of the M6 Pro, it isn't. We actually thought it was when we first looked at but then we found out it's the plug-in hybrid version of another GAC, the yet-to-be-revealed M7. Back to the E8, this MPV combines stylish looks with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that GAC says can cover up to 1,200 km.
At the heart of the E8 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 140 PS with 180 Nm of torque. It is then assisted by an electric motor that makes 182 PS and gets its power from a 25.57 kWh ternary lithium battery. Its combined system output was not revealed although it highly likely makes similar power as the Emkoo Hybrid which puts out 238 PS and 300 Nm of pull.
On a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, GAC claims the E8 can cover 1,200 km. On the other hand, the E8's electric range is rated up to 116 km. It also has regenerative braking which gathers energy while braking or coasting to recharge the battery while on the go. Speaking of recharging, the battery can be fully recharged in 3.5 hours via an AC charger or in just 30 minutes from 20% to 80% with a DC charger.
Need to power up a campsite or a worksite, the E8 comes with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that's rated for 3.3 kW external discharge. On the other hand, it can also help recharge another electrified vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) function and is rated to deliver 5.5 kW of charge.
Inside, the E8 offers a lounge-like cabin with captain chairs in the second row. Even better is the fact that the front passenger seat can be folded in order to give rear passengers the ultimate reclining function while inside the GAC E8. In addition, the PHEV comes with sliding doors on each side for easier ingress/egress. For extra comfort, the E8 has double-layered soundproof glass, quiet-running tires, and improved NVH to deliver a library-like NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) experience.
Other features worth mentioning are the panoramic glass roof, full leather upholstery, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a large 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a power tailgate, and intelligent driver aids for peace of mind while on the road.
Should GAC Motor Philippines be thinking about expanding its vehicle lineup, perhaps the E8 could serve as a go-between the M6 Pro and M8. It might even signal the brand's intent to offer PHEVs in the not-so-distant future.
