Astara promised to bring us a luxurious new van this year, and now it’s delivered. Ladies and gents, say hello to the all-new GAC M8—the Chinese carmaker’s answer to the likes of the Toyota Alphard.
If you didn’t see this when it was previewed during the holidays, then now’s the perfect time to have a look. The M8 bears with it this massive gaping grille, big enough to challenge Lexus’ signature spindle grille design. These chrome slats on the M8’s front fascia are flanked by massive, aggressive-looking, L-shaped headlights that give the minivan a very snazzy look.
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The inside of the M8 is adorned by a plethora of premium materials, including white leather on the seats and dark leather bits on the dash, center console, and door panels. Up front there’s a massive touchscreen display, and up top there’s a huge panoramic sunroof.
At the back, you get the best seats in the house—a pair of captain seats with butterfly headrests, leather-clad armrests, and retractable ottomans. These come with seat heating and ventilation as well as massage functions.
Powering the M8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that puts out 248hp at 5,250rpm and 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm. This setup is standard across the range which, by the way, consists of two variants with a P1,000,000 price difference between them. For the added premium, you get a ton of amenities such as power adjustment for the seats, multiple-zone climate control features, and sunshades for rear passengers. For a better look, you can check out the full price list below.
GAC M8 2024 prices:
- GAC M8 2.0L GL Master – P2,998,000
- GAC M8 2.0L GX Master –P3,948,000
“This launch underscores our dedication to offering a diverse array of vehicles tailored to meet the unique needs of every market segment,” said Astara Philippines brand head of GAC Motor Franz Decloedt. “With the M8, we provide our customers with an unparalleled blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, all underpinned by our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. Its refined aesthetics, opulent interiors, and exceptional performance redefine the benchmark for sophistication and innovative design.”
What say you about GAC’s posh new people-hauler? You reckon this will give the Alphard a run for its money?
More photos of the new GAC M8 2024:
