China’s GAC M8 Turns BMW Grille Meme Into Reality

GAC presented the second generation of the M8, a full-size minivan for the Chinese market set to rival the Buick GL8. The model is focused on luxury, tech, and space, offered with petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Predictably, the production-ready GAC M8 doesn’t look nearly as futuristic as the New Space minivan concept from a few months ago, but it does look more upmarket than its predecessor. The front end is dominated by the Lexus-style chrome-infused grille which GAC calls “Soaring Wings 2.0”. The thin LED headlights are inspired by a lion – reminiscent of Peugeot’s fangs – while the prominent skirt tries hard to communicate sportiness.

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The profile has typical minivan proportions with small-diameter wheels, a large greenhouse, and sliding doors. The bodywork however is more sculpted than other models from the same segment. The rear end with the massive tailgate gets fancy LED taillights, a chrome skirt, and a prominent rear wing. The GAC M8 is larger than its predecessor, measuring 5,212 mm (205.2 inches) long, 1,893 mm (74.5 inches) wide, and 1,823 mm (71.8 inches) tall, with a generous wheelbase of 3,070 mm (120.9 inches).

The interior represents the most striking upgrade over the previous generation in terms of design, materials, and tech. The highlight is the 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The high-mounted center console has an illuminated gearknob, matching the color of the ambient lighting.

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There are two available themes for the cabin – a more discreet black and white combination and the fancier “Royal Opera” with red, gold, and white shades. The upholstery on the seatbacks and the door panels is inspired by Cantonese embroidery, combined with semi-aniline leather for the rest of the interior. The seating layout can be customized thanks to the folding third row and the sliding second row, converting the seven-seater MPV into a four-seater mobile business meeting room.

The company didn’t announce the detailed specifications of the powertrains, but said it will offer the M8 in petrol-only, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid guises, just like the previous generation. The electrified variants will use the tried-and-tested Toyota Hybrid System, most likely in combination with a locally-produced 2.0-liter engine.

GAC has high hopes for the new M8, as the first generation (2017-2022) is one of the segment’s best-sellers with more than 200,000 units sold. The second generation will be available in China from November 2022.