GAC Motor South Africa, a subsidiary of the Salvador Caetano Group that handles its distribution and retail operations in the country, has announced three new models that will be introduced locally in the coming months.
Related: GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5 T R Style (2024) Review
The M8
The M8 competes with the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the more premium Toyota Quantum model, targeting a niche but growing premium market segment. While GAC has already introduced its GS3 Emzoom and Emkoo SUVs, the M8 will be a departure, as it's a large, luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed to compete with established players in the segment. The GAC M8, the Trumpchi M8 in China, is a luxury MPV with an unmistakable design. It's built to offer high comfort, technology, and space.
The GAC M8 has been confirmed for a 2025 launch in South Africa as part of the brand's aggressive expansion strategy. While a specific date hasn't been announced, it is a key new model for the year. It will be offered as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in South Africa. This is a significant move for GAC, as it introduces new energy vehicles to its local range. The PHEV variant features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor for combined outputs of 274kW and 630Nm. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 8.8 seconds, and with a 25.5 kWh battery, the M8 should offer significant all-electric range.
Key features noted:
Captain-style second-row seats.
Large 14.6-inch central infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
A full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
Tri-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
Emzoom Nova
Aion Y
