GAC M8 Master PHEV (2025) Quick Review

At a price point of R1 499 900, it positions itself as a tech-forward alternative to established giants like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival. The brand offered my wife and me a ride through Johannesburg to experience the back row of the newcomer.

Exterior

The M8 Master makes an immediate impression with its "Star Diamond Prism" grille and "Lion Fang" LED signature lighting. Measuring 5 212mm in length, it has a massive footprint that rivals the largest executive MPVs. The design is attention-grabbing and makes the M8 memorable, which is what you want from a luxury MPV.

Powertrain

The real talking point is beneath the skin. The M8 Master utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 274 kW and a massive 630 Nm of torque.

• Efficiency: It offers a pure electric range of up to 106 km.

• Long Distance: With the petrol engine engaged, the combined range is claimed at around 1 000 km.

• Performance: The claimed 0-100 km/h time is 8.8 seconds.

Interior

Inside, the "Master" moniker is earned through a cabin designed to mimic a private jet.

• Second-Row Luxury: The middle row features "First-Class" captain’s chairs with 10-point air-pump massage, heating, ventilation, and 4-way power adjustment.

• A "windless" air-conditioning system diffuses air silently, avoiding drafts common in large cabins.

• Materials: Passengers are enveloped in semi-aniline leather, with interior palettes like Olympus Brown or Black & Red. The unit we experienced features a brown leather interior, and from my experience, these are among the best seats I've encountered in a car.

• Tech: A 14.6-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster are paired with an 8-speaker Yamaha audio system.

The V-Class question

Positioned at R1 499 900, the GAC M8 Master undercuts the Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive (priced at R2 301 578) by a staggering R800 000. Here is how the newcomer stacks up against the long-standing king of the "luxury bus" segment.

Performance

The M8 Master introduces South Africa's first Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in this segment. While the Mercedes relies on a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, the GAC uses a high-tech hybrid setup.

Key Takeaway: The GAC offers significantly more power and torque, plus the ability to commute silently on electric power. However, the Mercedes remains the sprinter, reaching 100 km/h a full second faster, and its diesel efficiency remains the gold standard for long-distance highway cruising.

The Interior

Both vehicles offer a sanctuary for passengers, but they approach luxury differently.

GAC M8 Master

The M8 leans into "minimalist luxury." It features handcrafted semi-aniline leather and second-row seats that are essentially mobile spa chairs with 10-point massage functions, heating, and ventilation. The "windless" air conditioning and 360-degree "airbag matrix" (including a rear-window airbag) are world-class innovations for occupant wellbeing.

Mercedes-Benz V300d

The V-Class is the master of modularity. Its seats can be rotated to face each other for mobile board meetings, and it features a fold-out table. While "Luxury Seats" with massage are available for the Mercedes, they are an expensive R95 000+ option, whereas they come standard on the GAC. The V300d excels in perceived brand prestige and the integration of the MBUX infotainment system.

Dimensions and Practicality

The GAC is the physically larger vehicle, but the Mercedes has a longer wheelbase, which translates to a different kind of stability and interior floor layout.

• GAC M8 Length: 5 212 mm

• V-Class Length: 5 140 mm

• V-Class Wheelbase: 3 200 mm (vs. GAC's 3 070 mm)

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz V300d Exclusive remains the choice for those who value the status of the three-pointed star, a diesel engine, and a highly flexible seating arrangement. It is a proven, high-prestige tool for the hospitality and corporate sectors.

However, the M8 is an undeniable disruptor. It offers more power, more standard luxury features, pioneering hybrid tech and impressive quality for nearly R1 million less. 

Tyres from Michelin and self-levelling wheel centre caps are nice luxury touches!

Safety

GAC has not skimped on safety, offering a 360° all-round airbag matrix that includes a unique rear-windscreen airbag to protect third-row passengers. The L2+ semi-autonomous driving suite includes everything from Adaptive Cruise Control to Fusion Automatic Parking Assist.

Quick facts

Our drive from the east to northern Johannesburg resulted in impressive consumption

Verdict

The GAC M8 Master is a high-stakes entry into the premium segment. For those who want the luxury of a V-Class but demand the efficiency and forward-thinking tech of a hybrid, the M8 Master is a formidable, fully-equipped contender that requires zero optional extras to feel special.