At this year’s Manila International Auto Show, GAC Philippines arrived with its boldest electrified statement yet.
Held on April 9, 2026, the brand used the country’s biggest automotive stage to officially launch the GS8 HEV and to preview an expanded range of hybrid and electric vehicles, signaling a more aggressive push into the Philippine new-energy vehicle market.
More than a product showcase, GAC MIAS 2026 feels like the start of a new chapter for the brand—one that leans heavily into electrified mobility, premium design, and broader consumer confidence in hybrid and EV ownership.
“This MIAS 2026, we are thrilled to showcase GAC’s most advanced mobility solutions on the country’s biggest automotive stage for the Filipino people,” said Steven Wang, Senior Vice President of GAC International.
The GS8 HEV Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the display is the new GS8 HEV, a premium seven-seater hybrid SUV built for buyers who want refinement, space, and performance without fully stepping into all-electric ownership.
The GS8 HEV immediately commands attention with its sharp, square-edged silhouette and strong road presence. GAC’s “Star Diamond” design language gives it a polished but muscular look, led by the bold chrome grille and striking LED headlamps.
Inside, the story shifts from aggression to comfort.
The cabin feels intentionally premium, with leather seats, diamond stitching, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that adds openness to the already spacious three-row layout.
This is clearly positioned as a family SUV, but one that still wants to feel executive.
Hybrid Performance Built for Real Roads
Where the GS8 HEV becomes more interesting is under the hood.
Powered by GAC’s 2.0T Mega Wave Powertrain paired with the 4th Generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), it delivers 140 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque.
That partnership with Toyota’s hybrid architecture is a strong confidence builder for Filipino buyers who may still be warming up to electrified mobility.
The E-CVT transmission keeps the drive smooth and quiet, while the intelligent E-Four AWD system gives the SUV flexibility in city traffic, on long drives, and on rougher provincial roads.
For a market like the Philippines, where a car often needs to do a bit of everything, that matters.
Beyond the SUV: A Full Electrified Family
But the GS8 HEV is only part of the bigger story.
GAC used MIAS to showcase what feels like a broader vision for its electrified future.
The E8 HEV, previewed during the event, leans into family-focused practicality with a seven-seat MPV layout and an impressive claimed range of up to 1,200 km.
Meanwhile, the GN8 PHEV takes things further up the scale, designed as an executive luxury MPV with massage captain seats, premium sound, and plug-in hybrid capability. Then there’s the full EV side of the booth.
The HYPTEC HT and AION V reinforce GAC’s intent to compete more seriously in the growing electric SUV segment, with both models offering over 600 km of range and fast charging support.
This wider lineup makes GAC MIAS 2026 feel less like a single-car launch and more like a declaration of intent.
Pricing That Pushes Value
Pricing remains one of the most important parts of the story.
The GS8 HEV launches at an introductory price of ₱2,338,000, while the GN8 PHEV comes in at ₱3,238,000.
The AION V starts at ₱1,418,000, while the HYPTEC HT begins at ₱2,160,000.
These introductory offers run until May 31, 2026, with additional discounts available during MIAS through BPI.
More Than a Launch, A Confidence Play
Perhaps the most important part of GAC’s MIAS story is not the specs but the ownership-confidence message.
The company highlighted its 30-dealership national network, dedicated Manila parts warehouse, and long-term warranties for both fuel and electric vehicles.
For buyers still hesitant about after-sales support for newer brands, this is the reassurance angle GAC clearly wants to emphasize.
And honestly, it’s the right move. Because this launch isn’t just about cars. It’s about trust.
And at GAC MIAS 2026, the brand seems to be telling Filipino buyers that it’s ready to stay for the long haul.
