The Ultimate Tease: GAC Showcases Two Upcoming Models for the Vietnamese Market, With Price Still a Mystery

TC Services Vietnam, the official distributor, has revealed upcoming launches in the Vietnamese market, adhering to GAC’s global standards, shortly after announcing the introduction of gasoline-powered motorcycles. The GS8 and M8, belonging to the SUV and minivan segments, respectively, are the two models introduced.

The GAC M8, the second generation of the GAC GN8, made its Chinese debut at the 2022 Chengdu Auto Show. With its first generation launched in 2017, the GN8 has dominated the domestic Chinese market for luxury MPVs for 34 consecutive months.

The M8’s exterior has drawn comparisons to the Toyota Alphard and the more luxurious Lexus LM due to their similar designs. It boasts dimensions of 5,212 x 1,893 x 1,823 mm in length, width, and height, respectively, and a 3,070 mm wheelbase.

The M8’s interior features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen on the GX trim and a 10.1-inch screen on the GL trim, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes an eight-speaker audio system and tri-zone climate control. The GX Master trim further integrates navigation, wireless charging, and USB ports.

The second-row seats offer business-class comfort with power adjustment, heating, cooling, and massage functions. Additionally, the GX trim includes a second-row tray, a button to slide the passenger seat forward, memory functions, sunshades, and a panoramic sunroof. The third row can be folded in a 60:40 split to accommodate additional cargo, and the GX trim provides USB ports and an armrest for the third row.

In the Vietnamese market, this minivan is likely to compete with the Kia Carnival and VW Viloran, rather than aiming for the segment above 4 billion VND, dominated by the Toyota Alphard.

The GS8, on the other hand, is an SUV with a bold and robust style. Built on GAC’s GPMA platform, it has dimensions of 5,015 x 1,950 x 1,780 mm in length, width, and height, respectively, and a 2,920 mm wheelbase.

The front of the GS8 features a large grille with the option of a dragon-scale or wing-shaped pattern. At the rear, it sports distinctive H-shaped taillights and large square exhaust pipes for a sportier look.

The interior boasts a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a large floating central control screen, and a full LCD instrument panel with various functions. The vehicles utilize the 8155 chip for swift and seamless information processing. Higher-end variants feature second-row business-class seats with a center armrest housing a control panel.

The GS8 is also equipped with a range of safety and driver-assistance features, including low-speed collision avoidance, driver assistance, and pre-collision warning systems. Additionally, the Megastar chassis, developed independently, enhances the driving experience and provides stable and safe handling on all journeys.

The GS8 offers two powertrain options: a gasoline engine producing 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission and all-wheel drive; and a hybrid system combining a 190 hp gasoline engine with an 182 hp electric motor, coupled with an E-CVT gearbox.

In the domestic market, the GS8 is available in four trim levels, with prices ranging from 186,800 to 246,800 CNY, equivalent to 603 to 797 million VND.