The GAC M8 Master PHEV is set to be released later this year.
Image: Supplied
Chinese manufacturer GAC and its importer, Salvador Caetano Auto, have lifted the lid off two more vehicles set to be released locally soon.
Following their entrance into the sub R400,000 segment with the Emzoom Nova that we reported on earlier, they have released details of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) M8 Master and the fully electric Aion Y.
If you think BMW’s large grille is a talking point, it’s got nothing on the M8’s in-your-face offering.
Aimed directly at people carriers like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Tourneo and Kia Carnival, it’s set to launch in Q4 of this year.
Front of house is obviously the grille in what GAC calls a premium mobile lounge.
It’s powered by a 2.0T GDI petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission producing 140kW and 330Nm combined with a 25.57kWh battery and a 134kW/300Nm electric motor for a combined output of 274kW and 630Nm going to the front wheels.
GAC says it will get to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.
It stands on 18-inch wheels with weighted centre hubs (meaning they stay motionless as the rim turns).
The interior is said to be plush and includes Semi-Aniline Nappa leather seating, second-row captain’s seats with heating and cooling, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a panoramic sunroof.
The GAC Aion Y will be a fully electric car.
Image: Supplied
Aion Y
Also set to launch in Q4 this year, the electric offering is fitted with a 63.2kWh battery coupled to an electric motor producing 150kW and 225Nm with a claimed range of 490 kilometres.
Standing on 17-inch alloys, the five-seater gets a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, L2 driving assistance with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, a panoramic sunroof, hidden door handles, and Angel Wings LED headlights.
Pricing for both will be announced at launch.
Currently, GAC has 28 dealerships with plans set to reach 40 by the end of 2025.