GAC M8 GX Master GAC has made a bold entry into the luxury minivan market with the M8 Master. Intending to challenge the dominance of the Toyota Alphard, the M8 Master mimics the Japanese carmaker's approach to shuttling around in style. It offers an appealing and familiar combination of style, performance, and luxury features the market is accustomed to, but at a more competitive price point.
Does it deliver on its promises? Let's dive into a test drive. The GAC M8 Master comes in two main variants: the GX Master and the GL Master. While both models offer a luxurious experience, the GX Master stands out as the top-tier variant, distinguished by its advanced interior amenities that offer a luxurious experience.
Design and aesthetics The GX Master exudes a commanding presence with its striking design elements. Features like the "Awakening Eye" LED headlights and diamond-cut exterior design demand immediate attention. The front end showcases a grille with a waterfall-like design, framed by sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights, giving it a sophisticated look.
At the rear, a light bar with cascading turn signals broadens the visual impact of the vehicle. The 18-inch turbine-style wheels with floating hubcaps inspired by Rolls Royce add a touch of luxury and sophistication. Inside, the M8 Master's interior rivals that of high-end sedans with its generous use of dark leather, suede, and chrome accents.
The cabin is designed to impress, featuring quilted leatherette floor mats, LED mood lighting, and a panoramic roof. The seats, trimmed in gray and scarlet, offer power-adjustable cushions and leg rests for maximum comfort. Performance and handling Under the hood, the M8 Master is equipped with a turbocharged 2.
0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 248-Ps at 5,250 rpm and 400-Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. Power is smoothly delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission for a responsive and dynamic driving experience. The M8 Master features independent suspension, powerful disc brakes, and 225/55 R18 Michelin tires, which provide a well-balanced and comfortable ride.
The vehicle's handling is further enhanced by the electric power steering system, which offers adjustable steering weights across different driving modes - Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Despite its size, the M8 Master feels agile and composed, even on uneven roads and fast sweepers. Technology and features The M8 Master comes packed with advanced technology and features aimed at enhancing convenience and safety.
The 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity. The infotainment system, powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, ensures smooth operation and crisp display quality.
The cabin is outfitted with an eight-speaker audio system that provides high-quality sound. Safety features are comprehensive, including multiple airbags, an electronic stability program, hill-start hold control, hill descent control, tire pressure monitoring system TPMS, and a suite of advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Comfort and practicality With painstaking attention to luxury, the M8 Master's cabin combines dark leather, suede, and chrome accents to create a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather and feature intricate stitching that enhances the vehicle's upscale appeal. The M8 Master is a truly impressive vehicle with its spacious and comfortable seating arrangement. The second-row captain's chairs come equipped with multiple adjustments, including power-adjustable leg rests, ventilation, heating, and even a massage function.
These seats provide the same level of comfort as first-class airplane seating, offering a truly indulgent experience. The third-row seats can accommodate up to three passengers, though they are best suited for two adults to ensure optimal comfort. These seats can be folded flat to expand the cargo space, and they also come with ISOFIX child safety seat anchors.
For climate, it comes with a tri-zone automatic air-conditioning system that allows passengers to set individual temperature preferences. The vehicle also includes a fragrance system that disperses a pleasant aroma and features cooled compartments for storing drinks The interior is designed with numerous storage options, including multiple charging ports (Type A and Type C) spread across all three rows. The vehicle also includes retractable window shades for the second-row seats.
The panoramic sunroof with a sectional design adds to the airy and open feel of the cabin, allowing natural light to flood the interior. This feature, combined with the soundproof glass windows, ensures that the cabin remains quiet and serene, even at high speeds. Fuel efficiency In terms of fuel efficiency, the M8 Master performs reasonably well for its class.
It achieves approximately 5-km/L in city traffic and about 10-km/L on the highway. These figures are competitive, considering its powerful engine, luxury features, and weight. While it does not offer hybrid capabilities like some competitors, its performance and fuel efficiency strike a balanced compromise.
Verdict The M8 Master in GX trim offers another option in the luxury minivan segment with its striking design, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort. While it clearly draws inspiration from the segment leader in terms of looks and features, GAC is counting on its more attractive pricing model to lure its target market. The GX variant is priced at ₱3,948,000 while the GL variant comes in at ₱2,998,000.
It competes effectively against established rivals like the Toyota Alphard by offering a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and practicality..
