Following a shift in economic needs and a growing understanding of environmental sustainability, the Philippine local car industry has begun its pivot towards EVs.
With many Filipinos slowly making the transition from pure fuel to electric, the demand for efficient hybrid vehicles has increased.
However, many Filipinos come at a crossroads on where to start and what model to choose based on their many needs, complicating the process and making it intimidating, especially for discerning buyers looking for an executive MPV that effortlessly matches the demands of today’s modern family.
Recognizing these real-world priorities, GAC Philippines recently introduced its expanded MPV Family, comprising the All-New GAC GN6 (ICE), GAC E8 HEV (Hybrid), and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive (Plug-in Hybrid). Built on GAC’s more than 10 years of MPV engineering experience and over 880,000 MPVs delivered worldwide, this lineup offers distinct mobility solutions for families at every stage of life.
Sitting right at the core sweet spot of this family ecosystem is the GAC E8 HEV. Designed as a self-charging bridge to electric driving, it is priced from ₱1.858 million to deliver all the modern conveniences, first-class luxury, and long-range utility active families need without requiring plug-in charging stations or drastic lifestyle changes.
Can one hybrid MPV truly check every box for active households? These five standout features of the GAC E8 HEV demonstrate why it delivers on every front:
1. A Cabin Space that Adapts 18 Different Ways
A family vehicle should easily adapt to changing plans, eliminating the choice between carrying loved ones or hauling extra cargo. The Magic Storage seating system transforms interior flexibility across three rows into 18 distinct configurations.
It simplifies daily logistics by letting drivers seamlessly transition from a seven-passenger school shuttle to a cargo hauler for furniture or balikbayan boxes. Stowing the third row completely flat into the floor expands trunk space from 345 liters to 1,917 liters while keeping legroom wide open, ensuring passengers never feel crammed.
The cabin also features Tea Break Mode, which transforms the third row into an outdoor-facing lounge. This turns traffic delays into relaxed downtime, creating an instant tailgate spot for weekend road trips.
2. First-Class Comfort with Cutting-Edge Technology
Modern hybrid mobility elevates daily comfort, making every trip feel like a high-tier travel experience. Second-row independent captain’s seats slide on extended rails, upgrading on the GX variant to One-Touch Zero Gravity Captain’s Seats with ventilation, massage functions, and power leg rests for full-body relief during long journeys.
Up front, the connected cockpit maximizes focus while eliminating low-battery anxiety across all three rows. Key metrics stay crisp on the 8.8-inch digital cluster, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display seamlessly on the central 14.6-inch touchscreen without cord clutter. Supported by wireless charging and seven dedicated USB ports, every family member can power their devices simultaneously.
Delivering 300 Nm of max torque, the GAC E8 HEV offers effortless, responsive performance for both quick errands and long-distance travel. The actual unit may vary from the photo shown.
3. Lightweight Driving Dynamics that Effortlessly Move 7 Passengers
Advanced hybrid engineering allows a full-sized seven-seater MPV to feel nimble, light, and easy to handle in any road condition. Powered by an electric drive motor with 300 Nm of instant torque and a 2-Speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), acceleration feels quick, responsive, and car-like for highway merging or city overtaking.
Simultaneously, the 2-Speed DHT removes shift jerks and noisy engine revs to create a smooth, linear acceleration curve, ensuring a quiet, motion-sickness-free ride for passengers.
4. A Hybrid System Made for Long-Distance Drives
Self-charging HEV powertrains offer maximum range security for spontaneous family getaways. Combining a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine with an electric motor to output 182 PS, the E8 HEV achieves an exceptional 5.58 L / 100 km fuel economy rating on a 60-liter tank.
This provides total route freedom and over 1,000 kilometers of range on a single tank without stopping for EV chargers. Fewer forced refueling stops mean uninterrupted, faster travel to provincial destinations.
5. Sustainability in Both Fuel and Environment
Hybrid electric vehicles deliver immediate financial and environmental advantages without requiring changes to daily refueling routines or home charger setups. Lower weekly fuel bills and reduced maintenance overhead provide instant relief to the household budget.
At the same time, low-speed electric driving creates a whisper-quiet cabin atmosphere, offering a peaceful ride alongside the satisfaction of eco-conscious travel.
The Verdict: An Effortless Entry into Electrified Family Mobility
Navigating the transition toward electric vehicles doesn’t require drastic compromises or a steep learning curve. The GAC E8 HEV addresses the real-world priorities of modern Filipino households by blending the zero-anxiety independence of a self-charging hybrid with flexible, first-class cabin utility.
Whether serving as a daily school shuttle, a mobile workstation, or a long-distance road trip companion, the E8 HEV demonstrates that the future of mobility is already practical, versatile, and within easy reach.
Pricing
Reservations for the GAC E8 HEV MPV are now open at GAC dealerships nationwide. The following Introductory pricing, starting at PHP 1.778 million1, is available for reservations made until September 30, 2026.
| GAC E8 HEV | ||
| GL Variant | GX Variant | |
| SRP | PHP 1,858,000 | PHP 1,998,000 |
| Intro Savings | PHP 80,000 | PHP 80,000 |
| Intro Price | PHP 1,778,000 | PHP 1,918,000 |
| Powertrain | 2.0L Hybrid (HEV) |
2.0L Hybrid (HEV) |
| Body Color
|
Crystal White, Elegant Black | |
| Interior | Black
(with Black ceiling) |
|
| 1 Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No.FTE B-264539 Series of 2026 | ||
The E8 is available in Crystal White and Elegant Black colors, with all-black interiors.
With manufacturing expertise shaped by over two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, and growing strength in electrification and intelligent mobility, GAC brings together proven craftsmanship and next-generation technology—Where Craft Meets Technology.
GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.
Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
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About GAC International Philippines
GAC International Philippines, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAC International, the global arm of the GAC Group—a Fortune Global 500 powerhouse ranked No. 181 in 2024. As a key market in GAC’s global expansion, GAC International Philippines, Inc. serves as the official steward of the brand’s commitment to delivering world-class, intelligent, and sustainable mobility solutions to Filipino consumers. Moving forward, the brand will place an even greater focus on enhancing customer experience at every touchpoint.
Under the “ONE GAC” strategic framework, GAC International Philippines, Inc. integrates a premium multi-brand portfolio including GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC. The company offers a versatile lineup that balances the reliable performance and fuel efficiency of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models with the cutting-edge technology of new energy vehicles, such as the ultra-safe Magazine Battery 2.0 and the ADiGO intelligent ecosystem.
GAC International Philippines, Inc. is dedicated to providing a “zero-anxiety” ownership experience through a localized and responsive support network. To better and faster meet the specific needs of Filipino consumers, a dedicated local spare parts warehouse has been established in the country, ensuring a stable supply of genuine components and significantly reducing service turnaround times. All operations adhere to the GSSW (GAC Global Sales & Service Way) standards, guaranteeing that every Filipino customer receives world-class technical support and high-quality service throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.