GAC M8 PHEV

Model Overview

The Trumpchi M8 PHEV is the plug-in hybrid variant of GAC Trumpchi's flagship large MPV line-up. Positioned as a "luxury flagship PHEV MPV", it represents a core pillar in GAC Trumpchi's comprehensive electrification drive and serves as the latest signature offering from the self-proclaimed "Chinese MPV Specialist". Built on GAC's bespoke EV+ new energy architecture, the model incorporates GAC's proprietary GMC400 super hybrid system alongside the I-GTEC 2.0 technology suite, targeting the premium executive and family MPV segments.

GAC began rolling out the M8 PHEV range in earnest in 2025, establishing a five-variant line-up: the Trumpchi M8 Master PHEV (from RM249,900 post-subsidy), HarmonySpace Cockpit Edition (RM329,900), M8 Qiankun Series (RM359,900–RM409,900), Trumpchi Xiangwang M8 PHEV L (opened for booking on 25 May 2026), and the 2026 Trumpchi M8 HEV hybrid (from RM219,800). Guided by a "first-class comfort for every seat" ethos, the series combines expansive cabin space with cutting-edge in-car tech to challenge established premium new energy MPVs such as the Denza D9, Buick GL8 Luzun PHEV, and Voyah Dreamer, aiming to capture a dominant share of the RM300,000 to RM400,000 MPV segment.

Design Language

The Trumpchi M8 PHEV range embraces GAC's "Yipin Qilin" oriental aesthetic design philosophy, delivering an imposing and stately road presence. Front fascia styling varies across the model range. The Xiangwang M8 PHEV L sports an imposing "Yipin Qilin" front grille flanked by densely stacked horizontal chrome diamond accents that merge seamlessly into "7"-shaped matrix LED headlamp clusters, evoking the majestic aura of the mythical oriental beast. Other variants, such as the Master series, adopt a prominent trapezoidal grille with dot-matrix chrome inserts and a roof-mounted watchtower LiDAR pod, balancing executive aggression with high-tech flair.

In terms of dimensions, the variants feature slight variations: the Xiangwang M8 PHEV L measures 5,264 × 1,898 × 1,848 mm (L × W × H) with a 3,070 mm wheelbase, making it 52 mm longer than standard models; meanwhile, variants such as the HarmonySpace Cockpit Edition and Qiankun Edition measure 5,217 × 1,893 × 1,823 mm, retaining the identical 3,070 mm wheelbase. Across the board, the M8 PHEV family features dual powered sliding doors, a floating roof design, and full-width LED taillights. Exterior colour options include Classic Black, Blade Shadow White, Star River Blue, and Phantom Speed Silver, complemented by bespoke two-tone paint schemes for a more distinguished business profile.

Inside, the cabin centres around a wraparound layout with premium appointments tailored across trims. The Xiangwang M8 PHEV L is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.3-inch floating central touchscreen running on the ADiGO 6.0 operating system with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset and four-zone voice command support. The Qiankun Series and HarmonySpace Cockpit Edition feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by Huawei's HarmonySpace OS (with select trims fully integrated into the HarmonyOS ecosystem). For rear occupants, top-spec variants add a 17.3-inch roof-mounted entertainment screen, enabling an interconnected seven-screen digital experience. Upholstery palettes include Jockey Club Manor Brown, Misty Horizon Grey, and Ink Painting Deep Blue, elevated by extensive Nappa leather, a microfibre suede roof lining, and ambient cabin lighting. The 2+2+3 seven-seater layout features second-row dual zero-gravity captain chairs with 16-point or 24-point full-body SPA massage, ventilation, heating, and multi-directional electric adjustment.

Powertrain and Performance

The Trumpchi M8 PHEV offers two powertrain options depending on the variant: a 1.5T PHEV and a 2.0T PHEV setup:

The vehicle comes standard with front-wheel drive; the HarmonySpace Cockpit and Qiankun Editions complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 175 km/h, while the 4WD variant pushes total output to 410 kW for effortless performance. Pure electric range under the CLTC cycle spans 235 to 248 km, corresponding to 202 km on the WLTC cycle. On a full tank and full charge, the Qiankun Edition delivers a WLTC combined range of 1,177 km, with newer variants topping 1,500 km. Battery-depleted fuel consumption stands at 6.15 L/100 km under WLTC testing (6.05 L/100 km for 2WD models). DC fast charging from 30% to 80% state of charge takes just 14 to 15 minutes, and a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply comes standard across the range for camping and outdoor electrical gear.

Chassis and Handling

The Trumpchi M8 PHEV rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, achieving a balanced compromise between handling poise and executive ride comfort. The multi-link rear axle effectively cushions road imperfections, taming rear-end bounce to enhance passenger ride refinement.

Higher-spec models are further upgraded with SDC intelligent electromagnetic adaptive suspension (dual-valve SDC dampers), which monitors road surfaces thousands of times per second to vary damping rates automatically: softening over broken surfaces to absorb vibrations, and stiffening at highway speeds to minimise body movement. Selected variants also feature Huawei's road preview scanning system, which detects speed bumps and road irregularities ahead to pre-adjust damping, significantly mitigating cabin pitch and bounce. In addition, the low centre of gravity achieved by placing the traction battery pack beneath the floor pan reins in cornering roll, providing a reassuringly planted, glued-to-the-tarmac feel at speed. Steering is handled via an electric power steering (EPS) rack, with an electronic parking brake (EPB) standard across the line-up.

Cockpit and Features

The cabin of the Trumpchi M8 PHEV is equipped with an extensive array of premium tech and comfort features. Infotainment is driven by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P or 8155 processor running ADiGO 6.0 or HarmonyOS, supporting four-zone voice commands, Huawei HiCar smartphone mirroring, dual-mode GPS + BeiDou navigation, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Cabin comfort is a defining strength of the M8 PHEV. Standard kit across the range includes tri-zone automatic climate control, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof with power blind, dual power sliding doors, a powered tailgate, acoustic laminated glass for the front two rows, and rear privacy glass. On higher grades, the first two rows are trimmed in full-grain Nappa leather; the second-row zero-gravity airline seats boast 18-way power adjustment alongside 8-point or 24-point massage functions, with selected models featuring graphene-heated neck cushions delivering 270-degree wraparound heating across three temperature settings. Other amenities include dual 50W wireless smartphone charging pads for rows one and two, second-row fold-out tray tables, window sunshades, an onboard cooling/heating refrigerator (-6°C to 50°C), a 16- or 20-speaker Yamaha-tuned sound system, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and customisable ambient lighting. Boot capacity has increased by 45 L over previous iterations, complemented by an additional 90 L underfloor storage well.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

For occupant safety, the Trumpchi M8 PHEV utilises an "eight longitudinal and nineteen transverse" high-strength safety cage construction, with high-strength steel comprising 81.7% to 85.6% of the body structure. This is reinforced by a box-section front crossmember, CBS composite crash structures, and an independent dual-chamber rear bumper beam. High-spec models are equipped with a comprehensive 360° airbag network, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, 3.2-metre full-length curtain airbags, and an industry-first 1.5-metre rear windscreen airbag designed to shield third-row passengers in rear-end collisions.

Driver assistance systems are tiered across the range:

• The HarmonySpace Cockpit Edition features Level 2 driver assistance providing core active safety and cruising aids.

• The Qiankun Series comes equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS 3.0 (incorporating CAS 3.0 omnidirectional collision avoidance), providing full 360-degree active collision mitigation.

• The Master LiDAR Edition features a 126-line RoboSense LiDAR, three millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and seven HD cameras driven by an NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X SoC with Momenta high-level autonomous driving software, enabling Level 2++ features such as Navigation Driving Assist (NDA) for highway and urban driving, remote parking, and automated valet parking.

Standard safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and a 360-degree surround-view camera with a transparent chassis display.

Market Performance and Reception

The Trumpchi M8 has long been a frontrunner in China's MPV market. In 2025, total Trumpchi M8 deliveries reached 53,176 units, securing seventh place on the nationwide MPV sales leaderboard, with December registrations coming in at around 4,146 units. In January and February 2026, core M8 models maintained a monthly run-rate of approximately 5,445 units, serving as GAC Trumpchi's primary volume driver. Cumulative sales of the Trumpchi MPV family have now surpassed 800,000 units, heavily anchored by the M8 range. In addition, the M8 boasts a three-year residual value retention rate of approximately 59.1%, consistently topping the charts among Chinese domestic brand MPVs.

From a critical reception standpoint, the M8 PHEV has drawn strong praise for its cavernous interior, supple chassis tuning, and pampering massage seats, with owners highlighting its planted high-speed stability, composed cornering stance, and superb dampening of road vibrations. Nonetheless, the M8 faces mounting pressure in an increasingly electrified and intelligent MPV market: full-year sales dropped by around 12,000 units year-on-year in 2025 as new energy rivals like the Denza D9, Li MEGA, and XPeng X9 ate into its market share. Auto industry analysts have noted that Trumpchi's pace of autonomous and smart cockpit upgrades has been comparatively conservative, requiring accelerated product updates. Even so, backed by proven MPV credentials, an imposing oriental luxury design, and a versatile mix of electrified powertrains and smart features, the M8 PHEV series remains a formidable contender in the upper-mid PHEV MPV segment, reinforcing Trumpchi's status as a leading MPV specialist.