Chinese brand GAC has expanded its local product portfolio with the arrival of the head-turning M8 Master MPV.
Showcased at the 2025 South African Festival of Motoring, GAC’s imposing-looking M8 Master looks set to ruffle a few feathers in SA’s popular people-mover segment. Standing 5.2-metres long, the M8 Master announces itself via its so-called Star Diamond Grille and ‘Lion Fang’ LED signature lighting arrangement.
Imported by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the latest addition to GAC’s local product portfolio, joining the G23 Emzoom and Emkoo SUV, is a seven-seater people-mover featuring the brand’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Able to drive for up to 106 km in all-electric mode, this setup sees a 26 kWh battery pack paired with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Offering a combined 274 kW, GAC claims an average fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km, with an operating range of more than 1 000 km.
2025 GAC M8 Master Price in SA
The GAC M8 Master is available from R1 499 900 and ships with a five-year/150 000 km warranty, an eight-year/150 000 km warranty on EV battery components and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Featuring a set of heated and ventilated “captain’s chairs” with massage functionality in the second row, the single-derivative M8 Master ships with electrically powered sliding side doors and tailgate, multi-zone climate control, a sectional panoramic sunroof, a premium Yamaha-sourced audio system, and a 10.1-inch instrument cluster.
Available with a choice between Elegant Black or Crystal White exterior colours, the interior of this people-mover can be optioned with either Olympus Brown or Red and Black leather upholstery.
The bus’ comprehensive standard specification includes a so-called “360-degree all-round airbag matrix”, which adds rear windscreen airbags and “longest-in-class” curtain airbags. There are seven airbags in total.
Active safety systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross traffic braking. GAC says its L2+ semi-autonomous driving assistance system features technology like traffic sign recognition and “Fusion Automatic Parking Assist”.
“The GAC M8 Master represents more than innovation; it is our statement of intent. We are not simply bringing vehicles to market; we are shaping how South Africans will experience mobility in the decade ahead. This is a new standard of intelligent luxury, where design, performance and sustainability meet flawlessly,” said Brian Smith, Marketing and Product Director of Salvador Caetano South Africa.
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