GAC offers EV at a petrol price

Yet another Chinese carmaker is bringing its wares to the Australian market, with the Guangzhou Automobile Company (GAC) introducing three new models for its local launch.

Its initial offerings will span a variety of segments, with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol Emzoom compact SUV (from $25,590), battery electric Aion V medium SUV (from $42,590), and M8 PHEV plug-in hybrid people mover (from $76,590, all prices before on-road costs).

GAC products will be backed by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty for petrol models and an eight-year unlimited kilometre warranty on its EVs.

The brand is launching with nine dealerships in Australia and expects to increase that number rapidly over the next two years.

GAC marked its official entry into Australia with a gala event at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal on November 18, with all three vehicles on display.

“GAC proves that true innovation doesn’t have to be out of reach and our pricing announced today reflects the high standards of quality and reliability that we uphold ourselves to,” said Cheney Liang, deputy GM for GAC Australia. “Whether it be the Aion V, M8 PHEV or Emzoom, GAC offers models that blend advanced technology, smart design, and everyday attainability for Australian car buyers.”

GAC Aion V

GAC expects the Aion V to lead its charge into Australia. The five-seater SUV has a 75kWh battery and motor on the front axle producing 150kW and 210Nm.

Claimed WLTP range is 510km and the battery can charge at up to 180kW, for a DC fast charging time (10-80 per cent) of 24 minutes. The Aion V is also vehicle-to-load (V2L) capable.

It is available in two variants: Premium for $42,590 and Luxury for $44,590. While the Aion V is down on power when juxtaposed with comparable rivals, it is also much cheaper, undercutting the Nissan Ariya ($55,840), Kia EV5 ($56,770) and Tesla Model Y ($58,900) by more than $10,000.

The Premium is extremely well equipped for the price, too, with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument screen, 14.6-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android auto and digital radio, nine-speaker sound system, heated steering wheel with leatherette trim, power adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and reclining back seats, dual-zone air conditioning, a wireless phone charger, and 360-degree camera.

The Luxury lives up to its name with leather/PVC upholstery, massage function for both front seats, larger vanity mirror, and a refrigeration unit in the centre console that has a 6.6-litre capacity and can cool/heat as low as -15ºC or as high as 50ºC. It can maintain 4ºC for 24 hours while using just 0.5kWh.

GAC Emzoom

Getting into the ring with some heavy-hitting compatriots such as the MG ZS and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, the GAC Emzoom is a small SUV designed to appeal to budget buyers.

GAC has limited the Emzoom to a single but well-specified trim for $25,590 before on-road costs.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 125kW/270Nm. Mated to a seven-speed DCT transmission, the front-wheel drive unit has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km.

Standard features include alloy wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.6-inch central touchscreen, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six-speaker audio, 360-degree camera, powered panoramic sunroof with shade, powered tailgate, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, PVC seat upholstery, leather steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with ventilation, and dual-zone air conditioning with a vent for the second row.

GAC M8 PHEV

Perhaps GAC’s boldest entry into the Australian market is the M8 PHEV, a seven-seater people mover that will look to take on the might of the Kia Carnival.

This is a low-volume sector utterly dominated by a single brand, with the Carnival’s 948 sales during October 2025 totalling more than every other marque combined.

While the Carnival starts at just $52,070, its high-spec GT-Line hybrid retails for $76,630, putting it almost on par with the M8 PHEV, which is available in Premium ($76,590) and Luxury ($83,590) trims.

This pricing also puts the M8 up against the VW ID. Buzz EV (from $87,990), but well short of the $100,000+ Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

The plug-in hybrid drivetrain consists of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor managed by a dedicated two-speed transmission driving the front wheels.

With a 25.5kWh battery, the M8 PHEV can travel for a claimed 106km on electric power alone and up to 1032km in hybrid mode (claimed fuel consumption is 6.0L/100km).

With 274kW and 630Nm, it can do 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds, which is quick for a people mover that will easily exceed 2500kg.

It has both DC (39kW) and AC (6.6kW) charging capability, with a 0-80 per cent DC charging time of 30 minutes.

GAC claims it has been “the leader in sales for luxury MPVs in China for 39 consecutive months” and it is positioning the M8 PHEV as a people mover that provides space and luxury without the usual $100k+ price tag.

Throughout the cabin are 15 storage boxes, 15 hooks, and 14 cup holders, while there is a 240-litre cargo area with all three rows up and 1500 litres available when the third row is folded down.

Sound-deadening measures include 108 insulation panels, soundproof glass, and cavity partitions to reduce wind noise. GAC says the M8 PHEV also has ‘draught free’ air conditioning, which moderates the cabin temperature without blowing air directly at occupants.

Notable inclusions in Premium grade are aluminium alloy wheels, dual sliding electric doors with remote operation, keyless entry and start, an electric tailgate with sensor opening, three-zone air conditioning, power adjustment for the front seats, multi-adjustable second-row seats, leather upholstery on the first two rows, a third-row armrest, 12.3-inch driver’s screen, 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android auto, eight-speaker audio, wireless phone charger, USB-A and USB-C ports dotted around the cabin, and an integrated panoramic camera.

Luxury dials things up in comfort and convenience with a second-row carpet light, heated steering wheel, second-row window shades, a front row tray table, fragrance system, more electric adjustment for the seats, leather upholstery throughout, V2L capability, electric second row seats with massage function, intelligent ambient lighting, and more safety and parking functions.