The past year has changed the local automotive landscape as a whole; buyers have shifted priorities to affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. A lot of automakers have been targeting different segments of the market, but a rejuvenated GAC brand is going after a highly competitive segment, launching three new MPVs that cater to a wide range of customers: the all-new GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive.
GAC Philippines says that these new models represent the core brand philosophy that “true comfort begins with true confidence.” Backing this up are three core characteristics that each MPV has, namely flexible space, thoughtful engineering, and reliable performance.
GAC GN6
Starting with the GN6, this is geared towards the budget-minded MPV buyer. According to GAC, it is for individuals seeking smart space, effortless passability, and multi-scenario versatility without sacrificing everyday drivability. In terms of packaging, the GN6 has a versatile seating and cargo layout; it has a three-row 7-seater configuration with all 7 seats up that still gives a sizeable 324 liters of trunk space, and with the 3rd row tucked away, space can go up to 1,100 liters.
Technology is a major part of GAC's branding; the GN6 comes with a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear controls. It also comes with advanced safety driving features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Powering the GN6 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission; in total, it makes 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
The GAC GN6 GX is priced at P 1,298,000 (P 1,198,000 introductory price).
GAC E8 HEV
Should you want a hybrid option, then the all-new GAC E8 HEV might be the one for you. The E8 has a slightly more upscale and premium overall feel compared to the GN6, but the main difference is the powertrain. The E8 features a 2.0-liter hybrid dedicated engine that makes 140 PS and is paired to an electric motor that produces a sizeable 182 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. It has a hybrid-specific two-speed transmission, with the overall package able to give a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, and a fuel consumption average of 5.58 liters per 100 kilometers.
Interestingly, GAC claims that the E8 has 18 different interior seating configurations, and a key highlight is the one-touch zero-gravity second-row seats that are powered, ventilated, and come with massage functions. The 3rd-row can also be folded backwards, providing bench-type seating the brand calls “Tea Break Mode.” Should you want more space, if the 3rd-row is folded, the E8 has a massive 1,917 liters of cargo capacity.
Lastly, the E8 has some premium touches and features in the form of acoustic laminated glass, dual sunroofs, power-sliding doors, wireless phone charging, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, and ADiGO intelligent driving technologies such as Traffic Jam Assist and Integrated Cruise Assist.
The GAC E8 HEV GL is priced at P 1,858,000 (P 1,778,000 introductory price), while the GAC E8 HEV GX is priced at P 1,998,000 (P 1,918,000 introductory price).
GAC GN8 PHEV
The headliner of this MPV trio is the flagship GN8 PHEV Executive, a full-size MPV to rival the likes of the Toyota Alphard, BYD EMAX 9, and Denza D9. The GN8 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a combination of a turbocharged gasoline engine and a battery motor. Combined output is listed at 373 HP and 630 Nm of torque. Since it’s a PHEV, it can run on pure electricity only; in this case, the 25.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a full charge can go 120 kilometers; combined range is 1,038 kilometers. It also has DC fast charging capabilities, with 30 to 80 percent done in just 45 minutes.
Since the GN8 PHEV is geared towards VIP treatment, it comes with features like the Zero Breeze Airconditioning System, which uses 1,600 micro-vents to distribute gentle, draft-free airflow. The seats also come with hidden six-directional seat vibration dampers that absorb bumps to make the ride even smoother. Sticking with the seats, the 2nd-row captain seats also come with power leg rests, position memory, heating, ventilation, fold-out tray tables, and massage functions.
Audiophiles will rejoice in the GN8 PHEV; the 16-speaker sound system is tuned by Yamaha, while the interior is kept fresh with a fragrance system and illuminated by the Starlight Panoramic Roof.
The GAC GN8 PHEV Executive is priced at P 3,488,000 (P 3,338,000 introductory price).
The special introductory prices can be availed of until August 31, 2026.
Words and Photos by Pablo Salapantan
2027 GAC GN6 Philippine Specifications
Dimensions & Weights
- Overall Length: 4,792 mm
- Overall Width: 1,837 mm
- Overall Height: 1,750 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,660 kg
- Seating: 7
- Trunk Capacity: 324 L to 1,100 L
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 L
Powertrain
- 1.5 Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Minimum Octane: 92 RON
- Maximum Output: 177 PS @ 5,500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 270 Nm @ 1,400-4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 7 DCT w/ Adaptive Cruise Control
- Top Speed: 187 km/h
Suspension & Brakes
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- Front & Rear Brakes: Disc
- Electric Power Steering
- Electronic Gear Shifter (Column-Mounted)
Exterior Features
- Wheels & Tires: 215/55R17
- Automatic LED Headlights w/ LED Daytime Running Lights
- Interior Features
- Front Dual Zone Climate Control, Rear Single Zone Manual AC
- Rear AC Control Panel
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Day/Night Rearview Mirror
- PVC Leather Seats
- 6-way Power Adjust Driver’s Seat
- 4-way Manual Adjust Front Passenger Seat
- 2nd Row Seats: 2-way Adjust w/ Armrest
- 3rd Row Seats: 60/40 Split-Fold
- Power Sunroof
Infotainment & Technology Features
- 10.25-inch LCD Instrument Cluster
- 14.6-inch Multi-Function Touchscreen
- 6 Speaker System
- USB Ports x 7
Comfort & Convenience Features
- Keyless Entry with Push Start
- Rear Parking Sensors
- 360-degree Camera
- 6 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill-start Hold Control + Hill Descent Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Tire Inflator
- ADAS
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
2027 GAC E8 HEV Philippine Specifications
Dimensions & Weights
- Overall Length: 4,920 mm
- Overall Width: 1,928 mm
- Overall Height: 1,760 mm
- Seating: 7
- Trunk Capacity: 345 L to 1,917 L
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 L
- 2.0 ATK Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Euro IV)
- Engine Output: 140 PS @ 4,500 rpm
- Engine Torque: 180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 2-speed DHT
- Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control for GX)
- Electric Motor Output: 182 PS
- Electric Motor Torque: 300 Nm
- Combined Output: 182 PS
- Top Speed: 160 km/h
- Fuel Consumption (WLTC): 17.92 km/L
- Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Regenerative Braking
- Electric Power Steering
- Electronic Gear Shifter
- LED Headlights w/ Height Adjust, Follow-Me-Home
- Automatic Headlights w/ LED Daytime Running Lights (GX only)
- Power Adjust + Heating + Fold Sideview Mirrors
- Wheels & Tires: 225/55R17 (225/50R18 for GX)
- Rain-Sensing Front Wipers (GX only)
- Dual Zone Climate Control w/ PM2.5 Air Filter
- Leather Steering Wheel
- PVC Leather Seats
- 6-way Power Adjust Driver’s Seat w/ Memory
- 4-way Power Adjust Front Passenger Seat (GX only)
- Front Seat Ventilation (GX only)
- 2-Way Adjust 2nd Row Seat (4-way Adjust 2nd Row Seat for GX)
- 2nd Row Seat Ventilation + Massage (GX only)
- 2nd Row Power Leg Rest (GX only)
- 2nd Row Zero Gravity Function (GX only)
- 60/40 Split-Fold 3rd Row w/ Magic Storage Function
- 3rd Row “Tea Break” Mode
- Sunroof (Dual Sunroof for GX)
- 8.8-inch LCD Instrument Cluster
- 14.6-inch Multifunction Touchscreen w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless Charging (GX only)
- 6 Speakers (8 Speakers for GX)
- USB Type A x 5, USB Type C x 2
- Keyless Entry with Push Start
- Dual Manual Sliding Doors (Dual Sliding Doors for GX)
- Power Tailgate (GX only)
- Acoustic Front Glass (GX only)
- 2nd Row LED Reading Lamps (GX only)
- Glove Compartment Lamp (GX only)
- 6 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill-start Hold Control + Hill Descent Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Acoustic Vehicle Alert System
- Rear Parking Sensors
- 360-degree Camera
- ADAS (GX only)
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
Dimensions & Weights
- Overall Length: 5,247 mm
- Overall Width: 1,893 mm
- Overall Height: 1,823 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,070 mm
- Seating: 7
- Curb Weight: 2,420 kg
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 3,000 kg
- Ground Clearance: 143 mm (Empty) / 120 mm (Full)
- Front Wheel Drive
- 2.0-liter Turbo Miller-Cycle 4-Cylinder PHEV
- Engine Output: 190 horsepower
- Engine Torque: 330 Nm
- Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
- Electric Motor Output: 182 horsepower
- Electric Motor Torque: 300 Nm
- 2-speed DHT
- Combined Output: 373 horsepower
- Combined Torque: 630 Nm
- Battery Type: 25.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate
- EV Range (NEDC): 120 km
- Combined Range: 1,038 km
- Max AC Charging Rate: 6.6 kW
- Energy Modes: Hybrid / Pure Electric / Power Reserve
- Drive Modes: Eco / Sport / Comfort
- Automatic LED Headlights w/ Auto Height Leveling + Follow-Me-Home Function
- Adaptive Driving Beam
- Power Folding Side Mirrors w/ Reverse Tilt Function
- Panoramic Glass Roof w/ Startlight Decoration
- Automatic Tailgate
- Soundproof Glass Front & 2nd Row
- 225/60R18 Alloy Wheels w/ Acoustic Tires
- 8-way Power Adjust Driver’s Seat w/ Memory
- 4-way Power Adjust Front Passenger Seat
- Ventilated + Heated Front Seats
- 2nd Row Power Adjust Captain Seat w/ Leg Rest
- 2nd Row Ventilated + Heated + Massage
- 2nd Row Heating + Cooling Central Armrest Cup Holder
- 2nd Row Tray Tables x 2
- 2nd Row Side Window Shades
- 3rd Row 60/40 Split-Fold Seat
- Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- PM2.5 Air Quality System
- Fragrance System
- 12.3-inch LCD Instrument Cluster
- 14.6-inch Multi-Functional Touch Screen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wireless Charger
- 16-speaker System
- USB Type A x 5, USB Type C x 2
- 12V Accessory Socket
- 8 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill-start Hold Control + Hill Descent Control
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- ADIGO Smart Drive: Fusion Automatic Parking Assist, Lane Departure Warning + Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking + Forward Collision Warning
Staria Hybrid better
ReplyDeleteI am just wondering why GAC kept changing the name of its nameplate from GN6 to M6Pro and back. Same goes for GN8 to M8 to GN8. It is confusing. Strong brands normally have a long lineage of generations. See Toyota as an example, there are very few one gen (one-off) or few gen nameplates in our country. This shows Toyota know what products will be successful in the market.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of the M8, it shares the same model name as a direct competitor in China and a "potential" competitor in the Philippine market (in the future). The same issue could eventually arise with the M6. Since the M8 badge has already been dropped, it would be more consistent to adopt the GN-series naming convention across the lineup going forward.
DeleteVan with 1.5-liter engine? Too small…
ReplyDeleteI drive a 7 str crossover with a 1.5L 3 cylinder engine, it has turbo with light hybrid, kaya naman to easily overtake 2.8 diesel crossovers. The only complain I had is its week rear wheel power to drive up an small incline. Test drive one to know if your impression is valid. One con is don't expect the 1.5L to have low FC like those from Japanese entry end cars with 105ish or less horses.
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