Remember when GAC Motor Philippines showed off the M8 MPV and its tentative prices last December? Prospective buyers of the luxury MPV will be excited to know that the automaker has managed to meet its set prices, just as it announced at the official launch today.

The M8 will come in two variants, the GL Master and the GX Master. The former is priced at P2,998,000, while the latter is at P3,948,000.

Both variants are available in three finishes: Crystal White, Elegant Black, and Temple Gold.

Measuring 5,212mm long, 1,893mm wide, and 1,823mm tall, the M8 has a very commanding road presence with its humongous “Oriental lion-inspired” front fascia, lots of chrome brightwork, and intricately detailed front and rear LED lighting.

Both variants come with dual sliding doors and 18-inch wheels, but the GX has “master-specific” wheel designs, side mirrors with memory position and reverse tilt, a power tailgate, and soundproof glass.

The interior that seats seven is available in two finishes: Black and Red, and Light. The GX even gets its own master-specific interior with a different dash insert and ambient lighting.

The cockpit has a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and an infotainment screen of up to 14.6 inches (10.1 on the GL). This comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eight audio speakers, and triple-zone climate control.

The GX Master also gets a built-in navigation system, a wireless charger, additional USB ports, and a fragrance system.

On the GX, the front seats are power-adjustable—12-way for the driver, four-way for the passenger, and with memory function for the driver. Both have heating and cooling for the seats and center-mounted cupholders.

The GL makes do with an eight-way power-adjust driver seat, a manual-adjust passenger seat, and bog-standard cupholders.

The two second-row captain’s seats have power adjustment, power ottomans, heating/cooling, and massaging functions as standard.

But step up to the GX and this adds second-row tray tables, a “boss button” that slides the passenger seat forward, more power adjustment with seat memory, sunshades, and a “Starlight Decoration” panoramic sunroof.

The third-row bench accommodates three people, and can fold in a 40/60 split if you need to carry more cargo. The GX also offers additional third-row USB ports and a center armrest.

Propulsion is courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline mill, so there is no electrification business here. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends 248hp and 400Nm to the front wheels.

The car also has a full suite of driver and safety systems, including hill-hold and hill-descent control, tire-pressure monitoring, lane departure and keeping system, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

Stepping up to the GX adds a 360° camera with a digital rearview mirror, automated parking assist, door-open warning, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and braking, and emergency lane-keeping.

Considering the price that heavily undercuts a certain Japanese luxury MPV, this segment of people movers is going to be a very interesting space to watch.

And for those who can afford these luxo-barges, GAC Motor Philippines will support them with a five-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever comes first).