Verdict
At RM328,800, the GAC M8 costs RM219,200 less and brings a 25.57-kWh plug-in hybrid battery, 179-hp motor and quoted 106-km range. It is also 202 mm longer, with a 70-mm longer wheelbase. The Toyota Alphard’s RM548,000 asks much more, but its 274 hp and 430 Nm, 510-litre boot and 19-inch wheels make the case for buyers who prioritise luggage capacity and higher outputs. The M8 is the sharper financial choice if charging suits your routine; the Alphard justifies itself with more equipment and space behind the third row.
Pick the GAC M8 if you want a seven-seat executive MPV with 106 km of plug-in hybrid range and RM219,200 left in your pocket.
Pick the Toyota Alphard if you need the 510-litre boot, 274 hp and 430 Nm, plus its broader rear-seat and driver-assistance kit.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; Toyota Alphard RM548,000.
- Power and torque: GAC M8 187 hp and 300 Nm; Toyota Alphard 274 hp and 430 Nm.
- Boot capacity: GAC M8 280 litres; Toyota Alphard 510 litres.
- Length and wheelbase: GAC M8 5,212 mm and 3,070 mm; Toyota Alphard 5,010 mm and 3,000 mm.
- Powertrain: GAC M8 has a 25.57-kWh battery, 179-hp motor and 106-km range; Toyota Alphard is petrol-only.
- Fuel tank: GAC M8 56 litres; Toyota Alphard 75 litres.
M8
- RM219,200 cheaper to buy.
- 25.57-kWh plug-in hybrid battery with 106-km quoted range.
- Longer 3,070-mm wheelbase and 5,212-mm body.
- 280-litre boot is 230 litres smaller.
- 187 hp and 300 Nm trail the Alphard’s 274 hp and 430 Nm.
- Five-year warranty is capped at 150,000 km, unlike the Alphard’s unlimited-mileage cover.
Alphard
- 510-litre luggage compartment.
- 274 hp and 430 Nm outputs.
- Gets Ottoman middle-row chairs, head-up display and powered rear sun shades.
- Costs RM219,200 more.
- No plug-in hybrid battery, electric motor or quoted electric range.
- Shorter 3,000-mm wheelbase and 5,010-mm body.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM328,800✓ | RM548,000 |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM754 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Plug-in Hybrid Assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharger and Intercooler with Dual VVT-i |
| Capacity | — | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 274 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 430 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 87.5 mm |
| 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-DHT | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic with Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | — | 9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 5,010 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Weight | 2,420 kg | 2,235 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 75 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 280 litres | 510 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 225/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Michelin Primacy SUV+ |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Windshield | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 6 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, TSS Pre-collision Braking (4-120 km/h) with Pedestrian Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory, Passenger Side Shoulder Switch |
| Rear Seats | Second row Individual Captain's Seats, 60:40 Split-folding Third row | Ottoman Captain's Chairs Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding, 60:40 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof, Rear |
| Power Sockets | — | 2 Front, 1 Console Box, 2 First Row, 2 Second Row |
| 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 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade and Rear Window Shades | Powered Rear Sun Shades, Powered Panoramic Roof Shades |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 16-Speaker Yamaha Sound System | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 15-speaker JBL Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side 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 Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Steering Assist and Curve Speed Reduction |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Power Sliding Doors | Power sliding with soft close function |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 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 M8 & Alphard for sale
M8 vs Alphard FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or Toyota Alphard better?
The GAC M8 is better value, costing RM219,200 less while adding a 25.57-kWh plug-in hybrid battery and 106-km quoted range. Choose the Toyota Alphard if its 510-litre boot, 274 hp and 430 Nm matter more.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM328,800 and the Toyota Alphard costs RM548,000, so the Alphard is RM219,200 more expensive.
Which MPV has the larger boot?
The Toyota Alphard has the larger boot at 510 litres, compared with 280 litres in the GAC M8. That is a 230-litre advantage for the Alphard.
