GAC M8 PHEV, GS8 Hybrid coming soon to PH?

GAC Motor PH gets regulatory approval for two new passenger vehicles with 1991cc engines

GAC Motor Philippines distributor Astara officially joined the electrified car market with the Emkoo Hybrid that they launched last year. With a price tag of PHP 1.698 million, the hybrid compact crossover is more affordable than its closest rivals, like the RAV4 Hybrid and the CR-V e:HEV. Unfortunately, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i PHEV undercuts the competition with its PHP 1.548 million sticker price.

With electrified vehicles continuing to grow in popularity, GAC Motor Philippines is not resting on its laurels as it plans to launch new vehicles this year. We already have an idea of what to expect from the automaker after we spotted the Empow Hybrid, GS8 Hybrid, and the M8 PHEV on the Department of Energy's (DOE) list of recognized electrified vehicles.

Now, we recently spotted GAC Motor Philippines receive new regulatory approvals for two new vehicles. Both mystery vehicles get 1991cc gasoline-powered engines which translate to a displacement of 2.0 liters. One has a reference weight of 2130 kg, while the other is slightly heavier at 2520 kg.

After crunching the numbers and doing some research, it looks like the GS8 HEV and the M8 PHEV are on their way to the Philippines. Starting with the latter, the GS8 HEV is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four that's assisted by a 1.6 kWh battery and an electric motor. It delivers a combined system output of 237 PS and 391 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to a CVT.

Next is the M8 PHEV (AKA the GAC E9) which also gets a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike the GS8 HEV, however, the plug-in hybrid M8 is assisted by a 25.57 kWh lithium ternary battery pack and an electric motor. This translates to a combined system output of 373 PS and 630 Nm of pull. Power is then transferred to a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). On a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery, GAC claims the E9 can travel up to 1,032 km. On battery power alone, the E9 is estimated to cover more than 130 km without using a drop of fuel.

As hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue to gain popularity in the country, the E9 and GS8 HEV would make great additions to GAC Motor PH's lineup. We'll be curious to know if the automaker plans to preview or launch them at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show, which is set to happen next week at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed that is exactly what will happen once the show opens to the public.