Verdict
The Denza D9 costs RM29,800 less at RM299,000, yet brings a 103.36-kWh battery, 520 km EV range and 166-kW DC charging against the GAC M8’s 25.57 kWh, 106 km and 40 kW. It is also 38 mm longer and has a 410-litre boot, 130 litres up on the M8. The GAC counters with a quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time, a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain and 16-speaker Yamaha audio. For buyers able to charge regularly, the Denza’s electric range and rear-seat kit make the stronger case.
Pick the Denza D9 if you want 520 km of EV range, faster 166-kW DC charging and ventilated, massaging second-row captain’s seats for less money.
Pick the GAC M8 if you need a petrol plug-in hybrid with a 56-litre fuel tank, a quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time and Yamaha 16-speaker audio.
Key differences
- Price: Denza D9 RM299,000; GAC M8 RM328,800.
- Battery and EV range: Denza D9 103.36 kWh and 520 km; GAC M8 25.57 kWh and 106 km.
- DC charging: Denza D9 166 kW; GAC M8 40 kW.
- Acceleration: Denza D9 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds; GAC M8 in 8.8 seconds.
- Boot space: Denza D9 410 litres; GAC M8 280 litres.
- Length: Denza D9 5,250 mm; GAC M8 5,212 mm.
D9
- 520 km EV range from a 103.36-kWh battery
- 166-kW DC and 11-kW AC charging, plus 6-kW V2L
- Ventilated, massaging second-row seats with ottomans
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 9.5 seconds versus 8.8 seconds
- 14-speaker Dynaudio system versus the M8’s 16-speaker Yamaha system
- Four front parking sensors versus six
M8
- Petrol plug-in hybrid with a 56-litre fuel tank
- Quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- 16-speaker Yamaha sound system and six front parking sensors
- Costs RM29,800 more
- Only 106 km EV range versus 520 km
- 280-litre boot is 130 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM299,000✓ | RM328,800 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance |
| Horsepower | — | 187 hp |
| Torque | — | 300 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp✓ | 179 hp |
| Motor Torque | 360 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 103.36 kWh✓ | 25.57 kWh |
| EV Range | 520 km✓ | 106 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW✓ | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 166 kW✓ | 40 kW |
| V2L | 6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 2-DHT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,250 mm | 5,212 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,893 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 3,070 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,420 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 410 litres✓ | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 225/60R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Multi-spoke Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Frequency Selective variable dampers | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Middle and Outer Third Row Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Second-row Captain Seats with Ventilation, Massaging and Ottoman Support, 60:40 Split-folding Third Row | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Front Single-pane Sunroof, Panoramic Rear Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 Wireless Chargers Rear, 4 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shades | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 14-speaker Dynaudio Sound System | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Rear Sliding Doors | Power Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Heated and Cooled Compartment, Second Row Tray Tables | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used D9 & M8 for sale
D9 vs M8 FAQ
Is the Denza D9 or GAC M8 better?
The Denza D9 is the better fit for regular charging, with 520 km EV range, 166-kW DC charging, a 410-litre boot and a lower RM299,000 price. Choose the GAC M8 for its petrol plug-in hybrid backup and quicker 8.8-second sprint.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM328,800 and the Denza D9 costs RM299,000, so the M8 is RM29,800 more expensive.
Which MPV is better for long electric driving?
The Denza D9. Its 103.36-kWh battery delivers 520 km of EV range, compared with 106 km from the GAC M8’s 25.57-kWh battery. It also accepts 166-kW DC charging, against 40 kW for the M8.
