Let us be honest about it: Other than its lack of pedigree, the GAC M8 is well-equipped and powerful enough to compete with the mighty Toyota Alphard. That was the case until the latest version of the latter was launched.

While 248hp and 400Nm of torque from the M8’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger is impressive, the new Alphard had an ace up its sleeve. More than the legendary reputation of the Japanese brand, it has a powerful yet fuel-efficient and more environment-friendly hybrid powertrain.

But that advantage might soon be gone, as Astara Philippines, the distributor of GAC in the country, teased a different version of an existing model that it plans to bring here soon. At the 2025 Manila International Auto Show, GAC previewed a plug-in hybrid version of its M8 luxury minivan.

Sure, there were other GAC models on display. There were the Aion Y EV, the M6 Pro minivan, the GS8 flagship SUV, the Emkoo hybrid, and the brand’s bread-and-butter, the Emzoom. But the undeniable star at the Chinese automaker’s booth could be seen front and center: the upcoming M8 PHEV.

Unless you’re eagle-eyed, there seems to be nothing so special about this model. The front clip is relatively the same, just like the van’s rear end. The only notable difference from its exterior is the new set of rims.

Inside, the major difference from the “regular” M8 is the new color of the leather seats. So, what’s the big deal with this van?

Well, the biggest upgrade can only be seen when you pop open the hood. Yes, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger is still there. But this time, it is paired with an electric motor.

Based on the video playing inside the van on display, the new powertrain combo bumps up the power and the torque to 367hp and 630Nm—119hp and 230Nm more than a regular M8.

This is sent to the front wheels courtesy of a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. Since this is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the battery pack can offer up to 106km of pure electric driving range, and the vehicle is capable of up to 1,032km worth of driving with just a full tank of gas.

The estimated average fuel efficiency for the M8 PHEV is 17km/L, one of the most efficient ones in the market today. These figures easily match—or even exceed—those of the competition’s hybrid power unit.

It is also loaded with all of the creature comforts and the safety systems that you can think of, including the latest in advanced driver-assistance systems. GAC plans to officially launch the M8 PHEV by the third quarter of this year, with a projected price of just P4,300,000, which is still a few hundred bucks lower than the competition.

Looks like those in the market for a hybrid luxury van will be in for a treat this 2025. And we can expect GAC to continue surprising us this year.