Verdict
The RM9,912 gap is small, but these cars serve utterly different Malaysian buyers. The GAC M8 is a 5,212-mm, seven-seat executive MPV with 280 litres of boot space, powered front seats and power sliding doors; its 25.57-kWh battery also brings a claimed 106 km EV range. The MINI Convertible is a 3,879-mm four-seat B-segment drop-top that is far quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds against 8.8 seconds. Choose the M8 for people-moving and electric commuting, the MINI for a compact open-air car with sharper straight-line pace.
Pick the GAC M8 if you need seven seats, power sliding doors and a 106-km plug-in hybrid EV range.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you want a four-seat convertible that reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; MINI Convertible RM318,888.
- Seating and boot: GAC M8 has 7 seats and 280 litres; MINI Convertible has 4 seats and 215 litres.
- Performance: GAC M8 does 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; MINI Convertible does it in 6.9 seconds.
- Dimensions: GAC M8 is 5,212 mm long with a 3,070-mm wheelbase; MINI Convertible is 3,879 mm long with a 2,495-mm wheelbase.
- Electrification: GAC M8 has a 25.57-kWh battery and 106 km EV range; MINI Convertible has no battery or EV range.
- Rear accommodation: GAC M8 has captain’s chairs and third-row seating; MINI Convertible has a 50:50 split-folding rear seat.
M8
- Seven seats and 280 litres of boot space.
- 106 km EV range from a 25.57-kWh battery.
- Power sliding doors, powered front seats and rear AC vents.
- Slower 0-100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds versus 6.9 seconds.
- RM9,912 more expensive.
- No paddle shifts, head-up display or auto parking.
Convertible
- Quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time and 237 km/h top speed.
- Convertible body in a 3,879-mm-long package.
- Gets paddle shifts, auto parking, navigation and a head-up display.
- Only four seats and 215 litres of boot space.
- No plug-in hybrid system, EV range or charging capability.
- No rear AC vents, power sliding doors or powered front seats.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800 | RM318,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | Convertible |
| Segment | Executive | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 204 hp at 5,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm at 1,450 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 179 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 25.57 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 106 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 40 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 237 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 3,879 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 44 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 7 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres✓ | 215 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 150,000 km Warranty (Battery) | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years |
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 M8 & Convertible for sale
M8 vs Convertible FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or MINI Convertible better?
The GAC M8 is better for carrying up to seven people and covering short trips on electric power, with 106 km of EV range. The MINI Convertible is better for open-air driving and performance, reaching 100 km/h 1.9 seconds sooner.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM9,912 more than the MINI Convertible: RM328,800 versus RM318,888.
Which one is more practical for a family?
The GAC M8 is decisively more practical. It has seven seats, a 280-litre boot, rear AC vents, second-row captain’s chairs and power sliding doors. The MINI Convertible has four seats and a 215-litre boot.
