GAC builds a 1,032 km Alphard PHEV that Toyota didn't

Over the weekend, GAC launched the GAC E9 MPV. The E9 is the first of GAC’s electrified E-series of MPVs.

For the Chinese market, GAC is offering 3 variants of the E9, namely the Pro, Max, and Grandmaster. All 3 variants are 7 seaters.

Prices of the GAC E9 start from CNY 329,800 (~RM 213k) for the Pro variant, while the Max variant goes for CNY 369,800 (~RM239k). The top-spec Grandmaster goes for CNY 389,800 (~RM252k).

All three variants feature a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine hooked up to GAC’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. The engine is good for 190 PS and 330 Nm, while the electric motor does 182 PS and 300 Nm. Combined system output is 372 PS and 630 Nm.

Crucially, all 3 variants of the GAC E9 MPV get a 25.57 kWh battery pack that juices the electric motor. It allows for a 106 km of pure electric range under the WLTC test cycle. Combined range is a whopping 1,032 km.

Also Read: GAC subjects Trumpchi M8 MPV to crash test with 8.6-tonne truck, passengers unharmed

It takes 30 minutes to quick charge the battery, and 3.5 hours to slow charge. GAC did not provide the charging rate.

The GAC E9 feature’s the GMC 400 two-speed DHT transmission, which helps the 2.4-tonne MPV complete the century sprint in just 8.8 seconds.

Being a people mover, the GAC E9 is well equipped – there are dual 12.3-inch displays up front, one for the driver’s digital instrument cluster, the other for the front passenger. Infotainment duties are taken care of by a large 14.6-inch display.

The second-row seats are captain seats which are properly luxurious, offering creature comfort features like power adjustment, massage function, as well as memory function.

The back row gets a 15.6-inch display, replete with karaoke and video playback features.

Closer to home, Tan Chong is now betting on GAC to return to its 50k sales peak. GAC has promised to introduce a slew of new right-hand drive models, including sedans, MPVs, and SUVs.

Also Read: Nissan losing ground in ASEAN, Tan Chong bets on GAC to return it to 50k annual sales peak