GAC approves V-Class rival and EV Aion model for South Africa

An official launch date for both models will be announced in due course.
Available since 2022 in China, the GAC M8 will debut in South Africa in 2025. Image: paultan.org
Having remained relatively quiet since announcing a price drop of up to R100 000 on its flagship model in January, GAC Motor South Africa importer, Salvador Caetano Auto, has confirmed two additional products for introduction this year.
M8
Its local line-up currently consisting of the Emzoom and Emkoo, the surprise first addition since the marque's arrival last year will be the M8 MPV, aimed at the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota Quantum VX and Kia Carnival.
Sold under the Trumpchi banner in China and not as a GAC, the dramatic looking M8 made its world debut in 2022 as a second generation model complete with petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
ALSO READ: GAC cuts Emzoom and Emkoo prices by as much as R100 000
The latter setup having resulted in it being called E9 and not M8, the former pair continue to be sold as M8 has measurements of 5 212 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 070 mm, height of 1 823 mm and width of 1 893 mm.
Incorporating a styling language called Soaring Wings 2.0, the M8 provides seating for seven in a 2-2-3 arrangement, with the second row consisting of a pair of captain-style chairs that can recline in an ottoman fashion.
According to Malaysia's paultan.org, notable specification items include a 12-speaker sound system or an optional 16-speaker audio developed by Yamaha, tri-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment system and two supplementary displays for the second row.
M8 has been described as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival. Image: paultan.org
Dual sliding electric doors, an expansive panoramic sunroof, semi-autonomous driving tech and a surround-view camera system are additional features models en-route to South Africa could be fitted with
On the power side, the petrol M8 makes do with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sending 185kW/400Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox
Leveraging off of GAC's partnership with Toyota, the self-charging hybrid combines the same engine with an electric motor and battery pack for a total output of 177 kW. A Toyota-made CVT is the sole transmission available.
Interior has little in common with the Emkoo and Emzoon on first glance. Image: paultan.org
>Introduced in 2023, the plug-in hybrid E9 pairs the 2.0-litre turbo with a 25.5-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor developing 132kW/300Nm on its own
With the combustion unit's 140kW/330Nm factored in, the E9 outputs a total of 274kW/630Nm directed to all four wheels via a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
The claimed all-electric range is 106 km, based on the NEDC ratings. With both combustion and EV mills operating, the E9 will travel a reported 1 032 km.
Aion Y Plus
All-electric Aion Y will make its long awaited debut later this year as well. Image: paultan.org
Announced during its formal market debut last year, the second new arrival will be long awaited all-electric Y sold under the EV-dedicated Aion brand.
Set to be known as the GAC Aion Y and not Aion Y as in China, the MPV-styled model, which is classified as a compact crossover, made its world arrival in 2021 and has since spawned an improved model called the Aion Y Plus which will seemingly be the variant heading to South Africa.
Updated in 2023 means the Aion Y carries the Plus suffix. Image: paultan.org
If so, the Y will have dimensions of 4 535 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 750 mm, height of 1 650 mm and width of 1 870 mm
A five-seater unlike the M8 specification, from Malaysia where sales commenced last year, amounts to two variants, with items comprising 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, ventilated and electric front seats and a surround-view camera system.
Interior has a typical minimalist design to it. Image: GAC Thailand
Also included is a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, to name a few.
On the power front, the Aion Y, again in Plus form, offers a choice of two battery packs; a 50.6-kWh module allowing for a range of 410 km, and a bigger 63.2-kWh unit that makes 150kW/225Nm and results in a range of 490 km
More soon
As is stands, no launch date has yet been announced, however, expect to this within the coming weeks and months
Additional information and images from paultan.org.
NOW READ: GAC Emkoo throws surprise spanner in Chinese vehicle works

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