Smooth Operator: Riding & Driving the 2024 GAC M6 Pro MPV
Driving to Pampanga and back in GAC's new family MPV
In this line of work, we are fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of just about every new vehicle on the road. From econoboxes to high-end luxury vehicles, as well as pickup trucks and electric cars, we get to enjoy driving and testing countless vehicles. But sometimes, it does get tiring when you're always the designated driver.
Recently though, I finally had the chance to also chill out and experience a new vehicle while sitting like a boss at the back. GAC Motors Philippines invited us for a ride and drive of the M6 Pro, the brand's latest family MPV. Essentially an upgraded version of the GN6, the M6 Pro gets plenty of upgrades like a new turbocharged engine mated to a wet-type DCT, upgraded amenities, a more striking exterior, and intelligent driver aids for extra peace of mind.
In these kinds of vehicles, however, the one feature that can immediately catch your attention is the captain seats in the second row. While we already got to review the M6 Pro earlier this year, this is our first time to experience GAC's new MPV on a long road trip. With the chance of getting to relax in the captain seats, I joined the day drive to experience the M6 Pro on the open road.
The day began with me riding shotgun as we headed to Pampanga. But after taking on the driver's seat, that's where I was able to observe more on just how comfortable and refined the M6 Pro is.
Smooth DCT
Like most GAC models, the M6 Pro comes with a wet-type 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This is not my first time trying GAC's DCT as I already got to drive the Empow, GS3 Emzoom, and the Emkoo which all come with the same gearbox. They're good but I wish the DCT found in the aforementioned vehicles were more refined because they tended to deliver “shift shock” when switching gears.
GAC Motor appeared to have picked up on this as I noticed that the M6 Pro's wet-type DCT was rather silky smooth. From the first gear all the way to the seventh, there were relatively no shift shocks. I asked my colleague who was driving if they also felt the smooth gear changes of the vehicle to which they said they were also surprised by the transmission's performance.
Whether you're driving spiritedly or just cruising around town, the 7-speed DCT did not miss a beat. Curious, I asked one of the executives during the drive if the M6 Pro's transmission was unique. They shared that it's the same dual-clutch gearbox found in the other GAC vehicles but they tuned it to deliver smoother gear changes. Since it's a family MPV, they want to make sure the M6 Pro will be a smooth operator no matter the situation.
Turbocharged Refinement
Besides having a smooth gearbox, the M6 Pro gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine dubbed “Mega Wave”. It's the same unit found in the Empow, Emzoom, and Emkoo as it makes 177 PS and 270 Nm of torque. It's a potent engine that delivers sufficient performance but for the M6 Pro, GAC tweaked the engine to be refined and smooth as possible just like its dual-clutch transmission.
The result? It’s quick but it delivers power more linearly; it won’t snap your neck or slam your head against the headrest. There is torque at low revs but I was more impressed with how it was able to deliver the power efficiently minus the theatrics. That means those seated in the back will be able to relax more without having to think about the powertrain being rough while traveling in the city or on the highway.
Perhaps my only complaint with the powertrain is that you will sometimes need to time your overtakes since the engine and gearbox combo is not as snappy as the other GAC vehicles. But then again, you’re driving an MPV, not a sporty crossover or sedan.
Easy Rider
Now we get to my favorite part of this particular drive. After putting on some kilometers behind the wheel, it was now time to relax and sit on the captain seats. While they may not be power-adjustable, setting them to the desired position was easy and quick via the manual switches. More importantly, the seat cushions and backrests were not only comfy but were also supportive. Did I mention you get not one but two armrests?
Combined with the generous space in the back, you have acres of room to put your legs wherever you desire. Heck, I got to put my legs on a figure four which further highlights the amount of space available. With the world passing by while I was seated comfortably in the back, I decided to catch up on some sleep while the rest of my companions took turns driving the M6 Pro. The MPV seems to have great Noise, Vibration, & Harshness (NVH) deadening as my snooze time went undisturbed. Not bad for a stylish and quick compact MPV that's selling for less than PHP 1.6 million.
But should you not want to take a nap while in the back, what other amenities does the MPV have for the rear occupants? Well, there are two USB charging ports available to charge your mobile devices. One is located beside the right seat while the other charging port is behind the center console, near the rear aircon control panel. There are also cupholders in the middle that can hold a pair of drinks simultaneously.
All is well and good although I do wish GAC put folding tray tables behind the front seats. That way, those seated in the captain seats can either work on their laptops or eat a meal while on the road. Yes, the M8 luxury MPV already has them as standard although I'm sure it wouldn't cost as much if they were made available.
Safe & Sound
Another thing we liked about the M6 Pro is its wide array of intelligent driver aids. Also called Advanced Drive Assistance Systems (ADAS), the MPV is packed with driver aids like adaptive cruise control (ACC) with traffic jam assist (TJA), lane departure warning (LDW), forward collision warning (FCW) with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, and high-beam assist.
During morning rush hour traffic along Skyway, we were able to use ACC and TJA to get through the congestion with ease. Since TJA can automatically brake the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic (as well as accelerate from a standstill), it was a godsend during heavy traffic conditions. Then there's FCW which will warn drivers of a possible collision with another vehicle in front of them. Fortunately, the system did not warn us when we were driving although it's always nice to have this feature should the situation need it.
Points to Improve
While it seems I'm all praises for the M6 Pro in our day drive to Pampanga, there are some improvements GAC Motor could make to the MPV. Apart from the ones I already mentioned earlier, it has always puzzled me as to why the automaker has yet to make Android Auto available on their infotainment system.
With most brands offering Apple CarPlay & Android Auto as standard, I wish GAC Motor would make the latter available as soon as possible.
The climate control system is good but I wish GAC makes it more powerful in the M6 Pro. On the hottest of days, the climate control can sometimes struggle to keep the cabin cool, forcing you to lower the temperature or raise the fan speed constantly.
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With the compact MPV segment becoming busy as of late, the GAC M6 Pro presents itself as a comfortable, smooth, and high-tech people mover that will also keep its occupants safe. And with captain seats available in this top-of-the-line GL which is selling for PHP 1.598 million, it's quite the steal compared to the Toyota Zenix which starts at PHP 1.670 million, and the Hyundai Custin which starts at PHP 1.770 million.
For those looking to get a family MPV that's packed to the brim but won't break the bank, the GAC M6 Pro GL is something worth considering.
