LinkTour E-M8

Model Overview

The LinkTour E-M8 is an all-electric mid-to-large MPV rolled out by LinkTour. Officially launched in August 2024, it is the electrified derivative of the petrol-powered LinkTour M8. Positioned as an "all-electric multi-purpose MPV", the vehicle targets dual-use commercial and private markets such as passenger transfers, corporate commuting, large-family transport, and individual business operators. The 2025 model serves as the core line-up on sale, offering two CLTC pure electric range options of 320km and 401km across two trim levels: Luxury and Premium, with 7-seater, 8-seater, and 9-seater seating configurations. The official retail price ranges from RM141,800 to RM172,800. Built on the same technical platform as the BAW Ace EM7, the vehicle shares virtually identical exterior styling and dimensions, featuring rear sliding doors and a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the LinkTour E-M8 retains the foundational silhouette of the petrol-powered LinkTour M8, delivering a boxy and utilitarian profile. Up front, it adopts an EV-specific design highlighted by a polygonal front grille with dot-matrix chrome detailing, flanked by halogen headlamp clusters with manual levelling and follow-me-home delay-off functions. The clean front bumper profile gives the vehicle an imposing and practical road presence.

In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,240mm in length, 1,870mm in width, and 1,950mm in height, with a 3,200mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the mid-to-large MPV segment. Its generous length exceeding 5.2 metres, height of 1.95 metres, and long 3,200mm wheelbase provide an expansive foundation for interior packaging. With an approach angle of 21° and a departure angle of 18°, it delivers decent road clearance. Door configuration consists of standard front hinged doors and a single-sided manual sliding rear door, balancing passenger ingress/egress with cargo loading convenience.

Inside, the LinkTour E-M8 takes a function-driven approach. The Premium variant is fitted with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment display supporting AutoNavi navigation, Bluetooth hands-free, voice recognition control, and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality. A leather-wrapped steering wheel features tilt adjustment, paired with an electronic gear shifter. For seating upholstery, the Luxury variant comes with fabric seats as standard, while the Premium variant is upgraded to leatherette.

Powertrain and Performance

The LinkTour E-M8 is powered across the range by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a single-speed EV transmission in a rear-wheel-drive setup. Depending on the variant, two power outputs are available:

Luxury Variant (320km Range): Driven by a TZ180XSD02 electric motor producing a maximum power of 60kW (approx. 82 PS) and a peak torque of 220Nm, with a top speed of 100km/h. It is equipped with a 50kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by EVE Energy, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 320km. On DC fast charging, a 20% to 90% state-of-charge takes 0.75 hours (45 minutes), while regular AC charging requires 5.75 hours.

Premium Variant (401km Range): Powered by a TZ230XSR10 electric motor delivering a maximum power of 90kW (approx. 122 PS) and a peak torque of 270Nm, with a top speed of 100km/h. It packs a 65kWh LFP battery pack supplied by Gotion High-Tech, rated at a CLTC pure electric range of 401km. DC fast charging from 0% to 80% takes 1.0 hour, while regular AC charging takes 8.0 hours.

The battery pack employs an air-cooling thermal management system, and battery swapping is not supported across the range. Official power consumption per 100km is not published, but given its EV architecture, running costs remain substantially lower than those of equivalent petrol or diesel MPVs.

Chassis and Handling

The LinkTour E-M8 is built on a monocoque chassis with a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut independent setup, while the rear features a rigid axle non-independent suspension (leaf spring setup on the Luxury variant, rigid axle setup on the Premium variant). The rear suspension is tuned primarily for heavy-load duty cycles, catering to commercial cargo haulage and multi-passenger transport. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system offering a light steering feel. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear. The parking brake setup differs across trims: the Luxury variant gets a conventional mechanical handbrake, whereas the Premium variant features an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Tyre specifications are 205/65 R16 on the Luxury variant and 215/60 R17 on the Premium variant. Minimum ground clearance stands at 150mm.

Cabin and Equipment

Cabin practicality and seating versatility form the primary selling points of the LinkTour E-M8. Thanks to its 5,240mm overall length and 3,200mm wheelbase, interior legroom across rows is generous. Seating layouts are available in 7-seater (2+2+3), 8-seater (2+3+3), and 9-seater (4-row 2+2+2+3) configurations. In terms of maximum loaded mass, the Luxury variant is rated at 1,880kg and the Premium variant at 2,020kg. Real-world owner feedback highlights that the spacious cabin comfortably seats nine full-grown adults.

Cabin technology differs clearly between variants: the Premium variant features a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen with AutoNavi maps, voice command, 4G connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspot; the entry Luxury variant lacks a central touchscreen. A total of 8 USB/Type-C ports (2 front, 6 rear) are distributed across the cabin for passenger charging needs. A 2-speaker audio system is standard.

For comfort and convenience, the Premium variant adds leatherette upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, wireless smartphone charging, push-button start, and keyless entry. Manual air conditioning with dedicated rear air vents is standard across all variants. Practical storage cubbies and cup holders are placed throughout the interior for day-to-day usability.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the LinkTour E-M8 comes standard with dual front airbags (driver and front passenger). A tyre pressure monitoring alert system, front seatbelt reminders, and rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points are standard across the range.

In terms of active safety, the Premium variant comes equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA/BAS), Traction Control System (TCS/ASR), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP/DSC), and Auto Brake Hold. The Luxury variant is equipped only with basic ABS and EBD, omitting ESP and other advanced electronic aids.

For driver assistance, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are standard across the range, though cruise control and Level 2 ADAS features are not available. The Premium variant offers an optional Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system. In terms of hardware, the Premium variant is equipped with 3 exterior cameras.

Regarding battery safety, the LFP battery pack features an air-cooling system and automatic high-voltage cut-off upon collision as standard. The manufacturer vehicle warranty is 3 years or 60,000km.

According to complaints logged on the 12365auto consumer platform, several quality issues have surfaced for the LinkTour E-M8: multiple owners have reported abnormal differential noise and repeated differential failures during driving; real-world driving range falling significantly short of claims without adequate manufacturer support; and recurring PTC heater air-conditioning failures alongside spare parts shortages during servicing. These issues highlight shortcomings in build quality and aftersales support that prospective buyers should take note of.

Market Performance and Verdict

Since its market launch in August 2024, the LinkTour E-M8 has attracted attention in the entry-level commercial EV segment thanks to its starting price of RM141,800 and expansive interior space. Primary market rivals include the JAC Refine E4 (RM189,800 to RM199,800), Wuling Journey EV (RM145,800 to RM155,800), and BAW Ace M7 NEV (RM82,800 to RM189,800).

User feedback points to several standout strengths: class-leading interior room (5,240mm body length + 3,200mm wheelbase with 7/8/9-seat choices), low operating costs compared to petrol/diesel MPVs, and decent cabin features on the Premium variant (dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless charging).

On the flip side, weaknesses include limited brand presence, a sparse aftersales service network, and quality complaints regarding differential failures, real-world range discrepancies, and air-con defects; long repair turnaround times caused by slow parts supply; expected range drops on the 320km variant during cold weather; and the absence of ESP stability control on the entry Luxury variant, leaving basic active safety lacking.

In conclusion, as LinkTour's strategic entry into the all-electric MPV segment, the LinkTour E-M8 carves out a niche in the RM150,000 price territory through its high-value proposition of "5.2m+ length + flexible 7/8/9-seater layout + RM141,800 entry pricing". For commercial fleet operators and budget-conscious private buyers prioritising space, low running costs, and seating capacity, it offers notable utility. Nonetheless, potential buyers must weigh the reported risks surrounding differential reliability, real-world range delivery, and parts availability, and are advised to verify local dealer service capabilities before committing.