If you want a vehicle for your family that can seat seven with A-list style and comfort, this GAC GM8 might be the one for you.
This ‘Premiere’ is the newest variant of GAC’s GM8 luxury van, sitting alongside the more expensive GT. Its name is apt as it serves to be the gateway to a premium riding experience without burning more zeroes in your bank account.
The GM8 Premiere doesn’t look less premium than the GT despite being more affordable. It has the same LED headlights and DRLs, foglamps, taillights, and running boards. It isn’t until you look down on the tires closely and read it’s R17 notation that you’ll realize it’s not the almost 3-million van.
Under the hood it runs on the same engine as the GT – a 2.0L turbo with 200hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic.
Open the sliding door and two captain chairs will greet you on the second row, while a 60:40 split three-seat bench is at the back. There’s also a three-zone automatic climate control with second row control panel and air vents that reaches the third row.
Upfront are a 6-way power adjustable chair for the driver while the passenger gets 4-way power adjust. At the center of the dash is 10-inch LCD display with an 8-speaker sound system, while the driver has a 7-inch LCD display for his trip computer. If that’s not enough, the key fob lets you to start or stop the engine – a nice touch.
The GM8 Premiere also has a full suite of safety features that will put your mind at ease whenever you’re on the road. It’s equipped with with a slew of letters like ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), TCS (Traction Control System), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HHC (Hill-start Hold Control) and HDC (Hill Descent Control). This is on top of the standard front airbags, side curtain airbags, ISOFIX tethers, and even an anti-rollover system – neat!
The GAC GM8 Premiere goes for Php 2,188,000 which is a far cry from its P2.8m GT Luxury sibling. It’s backed by GAC Philippines’ 5-year/150,000km warranty.