Luxury mover matchup: GAC M8 vs. Toyota Alphard

Available options for Filipino car buyers looking for a luxurious mover just grew bigger.

Recently, GAC Motor Philippines launched the M8 — a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that promises its would-be owners a refined ride with looks and features aimed at comfort and convenience. Looking to give it a warm welcome is the Toyota Alphard, another nameplate known for its opulent appointments.

Today, we pit these vehicles against each other to see which of the two is the better luxury people mover.

Dimensions

The GAC M8 measures 4,793 millimeters (mm) long, 1,893mm wide, and 1,730mm tall. It also has a wheelbase of 3,070mm, which contributes to the vehicle’s good ride quality.

As for the Toyota Alphard, it has an overall length of 5,010mm, an overall width of 1,850mm, and an overall height of 1,950mm. Its wheelbase is at 3,000mm, allowing it to run smoother on potholes and speed bumps.

Exterior

Outside the GAC M8 is fitted with a large grille that encompasses the entirety of the MPV’s front fascia. The extended latticework is flanked by a pair of LED headlights with height automatic adjustment, alarm for its headlights on function, a follow-me-home feature, and adaptive driving beams.

To its sides are power sliding doors, a set of 18-inch tires, power-folding side mirrors, and skirts that add opulence to the already-elegant four-wheeled ferry.

Its rear is slapped with two LED tail lamps, a long light bar that connect the aforementioned lights, a discreet roof-mounted spoiler, and an induction electric tailgate.

Other notable exterior features of the GAC M8 include its front windshield as well as its front- and second-row windows that are equipped with soundproof glass. It also has a sectional panoramic sunroof, which makes the cabin of the MPV look roomy.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Alphard dons a similarly wide and large grille flanked by LED headlamps on each side. It ups the ante with its elegant chrome appliques that look like small square panels lining the radiator cover.

On each of its lower end corners are chrome accents that border the sides of its front fog lamps.

Additional chrome elements can be found on the surround of its windows as well as on its door handles. Like the GAC M8, it also has power sliding doors so ingress and egress can be done without so much breaking a sweat.

It also has power side mirrors and rides on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels with a beautiful two-tone design.

The rear of the Toyota Alphard is adorned by LED taillamps that seem to wrap the edges of the minivan. It wears a bold “ALPHARD” script coupled with Toyota’s logo and a long chrome trim that covers the full length of the vehicle’s back end. Reflectors can be found on the bottom corner of the people mover.

It also sports a power tailgate, which ensures seamless access to the Toyota Alphard’s rear cargo area.

Overall, the GAC M8 and Toyota Alphard are neck and neck when it comes to looks, which is why we’re calling this round a tie.

Interior

Inside, the M8 from GAC offers plenty of features that can make the driver’s journey more comfortable. To begin with, it has a 12-way power driver’s seat with memory and welcome home function as well as heating and cooling features. It also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a likewise ginormous 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity for Apple and Android-powered devices.

Charging smartphones without the need of a cable is also possible with its wireless charging dock. Keeping drinks cool or warm is also achievable thanks to the front-row central armrest cup holders with cooling and heating technology.

As for the passengers, the GAC M8 gets power captain second-row seats with leg rests and massage features. They are also fitted with memory and welcome home functions. Occupants in this row also get window sunshades and luminous welcome pedals.

Third-row passengers get ample seating space as well as a much-appreciated center armrest.

Cabin temperature is controlled by a tri-zone air conditioning system and air quality is maintained thanks to features like PM 2.5 sensors as well as a fragrance system.

Not to be outdone, the Toyota Alphard wows its occupants with plugs front-row leather seats, a leather steering wheel, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Passengers can enjoy its two second-row captain seats — also swathed in leather hide — with leg rests, power sunshades, a dual-zone climate control system, a 15-speaker JBL sound system.

It also gets third-row seating with ample space.

In general, both the GAC M8 and the Toyota Alphard offer good upmarket interior amenities, but the small extras the former has to offer allows it to gain a slight advantage over the latter.

That said, we give this round to the GAC M8.

Engine

Powering the GAC M8 is a 2.0-liter TGDi engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, said to be shared by the brand’s full-sized sport utility vehicle — the GS8.

On paper, it produces as much as 248 horses with 400 Newton-meters (Nm) of pulling power, which is not at all bad.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Alphard is now available exclusively as a hybrid model and packs a 2.5-liter mill paired with a continuously variable transmission. The said setup pushes out around 246 horsepower with 270Nm of torque.

While the GAC M8 produces slightly more power than the Toyota Alphard, we will give this round to the Japanese minivan since it can achieve almost the same number while remaining a little friendly to the environment.

Safety

The GAC M8 comes standard with a robust list of notable safety features like a surround-view camera system, electronic stability program, hill start and hill hold control, an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and blind spot detection.

Similarly, the Toyota Alphard comes with a handful of safety technologies worth mentioning like a pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, cruise control, vehicle stability control, rear cross traffic alert, a panoramic camera, as well as rear parking sensors.

With near-identical safety features, we call this round a tie.

Variants and pricing

GAC M8

• GAC M8 GL Master: P2.998 million (price offer valid only until March)
• GAC M8 GX Master: P3.948 million

Toyota Alphard

• Toyota Alphard 2.5 HEV CVT: P5 million

Verdict

Choosing between the two models, especially if budget is not an issue, all boils down to personal preference. The Chinese MPV comes with a wealth of luxurious features while the Japanese minivan offers not just opulent amenities, but also a capable hybrid powertrain.

Overall, they tick all the right boxes when it comes to a grand people carrier, fit to accommodate precious cargo like your family.

Photos from GAC Motor Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines

Also read:

Sophisticated shades: GAC M8 colors

Toyota launches all-new Alphard, Vellfire luxury minivans

Spotting the differences: GAC M8 GL Master vs. GX Master