GAC Trumpchi E8 New Energy

Model Overview

The GAC Trumpchi E8 New Energy (E8 PHEV) is a mid-size plug-in hybrid MPV under GAC Motor's Trumpchi brand. Pitched as a "smart electric luxury flat", it is tailored for both multi-child family commutes and corporate chauffeur duties. As a strategic core product in the brand's new energy MPV line-up, the E8 has swiftly emerged as a segment benchmark since its debut in November 2023, thanks to its sharp market positioning and versatile all-round capabilities. By the end of 2025, cumulative sales had breached the 90,000-unit mark, retaining the mid-size MPV sales crown for 17 consecutive months. It also clinched first place in customer satisfaction within the hybrid MPV category under the 2025 China New Energy Vehicle Customer Automobile Satisfaction Index (NEV-CACSI), alongside topping the residual value charts for Chinese-brand PHEV MPVs in the first half of 2025—earning it "triple-crown" status in the mid-size MPV arena. The current line-up comprises the 2025 PRO+, E8+ National Games Edition, and 2026 MAX+, with official retail pricing ranging from RM216,800 to RM232,800, and a limited-time promotional price starting from RM209,800. For 2026, GAC Trumpchi rolled out the heavily upgraded "Xiangwang E8 PHEV", boasting LiDAR-based advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a 281 km pure electric range to further sharpen its competitive edge.

Design Language

The exterior of the Trumpchi E8 New Energy carries over Trumpchi’s signature design language, striking an imposing yet dynamic road presence. Up front, it features a prominent trapezoidal grille paired with full-width starry LED light bars and an illuminated emblem, flanked by aggressive fanged air ducts for a sportier aesthetic. The lighting setup adopts a split layout—slim daytime running lights (DRLs) sit up top, while the main high and low beam projector headlamps are integrated into the bumper, with automatic headlamps and adaptive high beam fitted as standard across the range. Along the sides, sleek character lines define the profile, complemented by a floating roof design, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, and dual power sliding doors as standard for effortless ingress and egress. Out back, a full-width LED taillight cluster houses 264 individual LEDs, delivering high visual recognition at night.

In terms of dimensions, the E8 measures 4,920 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,760 mm tall, riding on a 2,930 mm wheelbase. This footprint is hailed as the "golden proportion"—more nimble and manageable in urban parking spots and tight alleys than full-size MPVs, yet maximising cabin efficiency with a generous 5.2 m² of usable floor space. The Xiangwang E8 introduced in 2026 grows further to 5,000 mm in length and a 3,000 mm wheelbase, available in four exterior shades: Super Star Silver, Obsidian Crystal Black, Blade Shadow White, and Bright Moon Grey.

Inside, the E8 sports a dual-tier wrap-around cockpit, offered in Sunlight White, Warm Rhythm Brown, and Dusk Pillow Black. Standard across the range are an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen infotainment unit powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset (upgraded to the 8295 chip in the 2026 Xiangwang E8) running the ADiGO SPACE operating system, deeply integrated with the DeepSeek AI voice model and universal smartphone connectivity. A leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel pairs with a steering column electronic gear selector (for the 2026 model), while the redesigned centre console frees up more smartphone storage space.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Trumpchi E8 New Energy is powered across the range by a plug-in hybrid setup combining a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The 4B20L1 engine produces 103 kW (140 PS) and 180 Nm of torque, while the electric motor churns out 134 kW (182 PS) and 300 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h.

Energy is supplied by a 25.57 kWh ternary lithium battery pack (sourced from Jiangsu Zhengyu), providing a CLTC pure electric range of 150 km and a WLTC electric range of 116 km. Total combined cruising range is rated at 1,200 km, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 1.13 L/100 km and a battery-depleted fuel economy of just 5.7 L/100 km. On DC fast charging, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% takes 30 minutes, whereas AC slow charging requires 3.5 hours. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external discharge feature is standard across the range, meeting outdoor camping electricity demands.

The Xiangwang E8 PHEV variant launched in 2026 takes performance and efficiency further: adopting a 1.5-litre turbo engine (125 kW) and a 200 kW electric motor, paired with a larger 38.88 kWh battery. This yields a 281 km CLTC pure electric range, cuts depleted fuel consumption to 3.98 L/100 km, stretches combined range to 1,537 km, slashes 30-80% DC fast charging time to 15 minutes, and supports a higher 6 kW V2L output.

Chassis and Handling

The Trumpchi E8 New Energy rides on a front-wheel-drive architecture with MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam setup. Suspension tuning leans heavily towards plush ride comfort, which, coupled with the 2,930 mm wheelbase, yields composed high-speed cruising stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and rear solid discs (on selected variants), alongside an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. It rides on 225/50 R18 tyres. The 2026 Xiangwang E8 upgrades to a fully independent front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension setup, augmented by SDC electromagnetic adaptive dampers and the ASTC 2.0 traction control system for sharper composure and road grip.

Cabin and Amenities

Configured in a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout, seating versatility is one of the E8's headline strengths. The second row features twin "Super Zero-Gravity" captain chairs equipped with ventilation, heating, and massage functions, capable of reclining up to 168° into a single-touch "space lay-flat" lounge mode. The front seats also feature heating, ventilation, and massage, and can fold flat with the second row to create a "camper bed" setup. The cabin accommodates 6 distinct seating permutations: expansive four-seater lounge, full seven-seater family hauler, a 90-degree rear-facing "observation tea seat", or full underfloor stowage of the third row for a completely flat cargo bay. Boot capacity stands at 345 litres with all seats up, expanding to a cavernous 1,917 litres.

Creature comforts across the range include dual sunroofs, dual power sliding doors, a powered tailgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Higher-end trims tack on a 17.3-inch rear ceiling-mounted entertainment monitor, an on-board smart hot-and-cold fridge, a 22-speaker ADiGO Sound premium audio system, and fold-out tray tables.

Safety and Intelligent Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the E8 New Energy is built around a high-strength cage structure, with high-strength steel making up 75% of the body. Six airbags are standard across the range, covering driver, front passenger, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags—the latter spanning 2.9 metres, the longest in its class. Standard active safety equipment includes tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

For ADAS, the E8 New Energy comes standard with the ADiGO PILOT Level 2 driver assistance suite, powered by a 9-sensor array consisting of 6 cameras, 1 millimetre-wave radar, and 2 ultrasonic sensors. Key functions include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Integrated Cruise Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward/Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, and a 540-degree panoramic camera with transparent chassis view. The 2026 Xiangwang E8 takes it up a notch with roof-mounted LiDAR and the Momenta R6 reinforcement learning AI model, enabling mapless urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) and automated valet parking capabilities.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its introduction, the Trumpchi E8 New Energy has been a resounding sales success, dominating the mid-size MPV category. By the end of 2025, total sales crossed 90,000 units, maintaining its sales leadership for 17 consecutive months. Between January and August 2025, it shifted 18,231 units, making it the only mid-size MPV to break into the top ten of overall MPV sales charts. Its "triple-crown" status is backed by winning the 2025 NEV-CACSI user satisfaction award in the hybrid MPV category and topping the 1H 2025 residual value ranking for Chinese-brand PHEV MPVs. Its complaint-to-sales ratio sits at an exemplary 5.7 per 10,000 units.

Owner feedback highlights several key selling points: the MPV's "golden dimensions" coupled with 5.2 m² of cabin real estate, offering urban agility without sacrificing passenger comfort; the 150 km pure EV range and 1,200 km combined range that eliminate range anxiety; zero-gravity seating, modular cabin practicality, and rich amenities tailored for families; along with Level 2 ADAS and robust crash structures. On the flip side, some owners noted noticeable engine noise under depleted-battery conditions, alongside isolated build quality complaints such as seat cushion sagging and condensation in the taillight clusters.

Key rivals include the BYD Song MAX DM-i, Honda Odyssey, and Buick GL8. With its 281 km pure EV range, LiDAR-assisted autonomous driving, and upgraded independent rear suspension, the 2026 Xiangwang E8 variant cements an even wider gap over competitors. As GAC Trumpchi's flagship spearhead in the new energy MPV segment, the E8 New Energy has firmly entrenched itself as the "go-to family mover", continuing to lead the development of the mid-size MPV market.