GAC Group launches in Australia with electric SUV, PHEV people-mover and compact SUV: pricing, specs & release date

What is GAC? Australia's latest Chinese automaker

GAC (pronounced “G-A-C”) is one of China’s largest car manufacturers, known for its rapid growth and focus on EV and hybrid technology.

State-owned and based in Guangzhou, GAC sold over 2 million vehicles in 2024, ranking it among China’s top five vehicle manufacturers. The company has global partnerships with leading manufacturers including Toyota and Honda in China, giving it access to world-class manufacturing and hybrid tech.

While GAC operates multiple sub-brands in China – Aion for electric models, Trumpchi for mainstream fuel cars, and Hyper/Hyptec for high-end vehicles, in Australia all vehicles will carry the same GAC brand. Where other Chinese brands such as BYD Automotive and Xpeng have launched via a local distributor agreement, GAC arrives as a factory-backed operation, promising to launch with 30 dealers.

GAC’s ambitions are bold: it aims to introduce eight models in Australia by 2027 and join fellow Chinese brands including BYD, MG and GWM in the Australian top 10 sales chart. 

Which GAC vehicles will launch in Australia?

GAC’s initial line-up for Australia comprises three models, each targeting a different segment:

GAC Aion V - an all-electric 5-seat medium SUV that headlines GAC’s launch. Australia will receive the second-gen Aion V from GAC’s dedicated electric division. It arrives in the most in-demand segment and will be up against the soon-to-be-updated Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and electric BYD Sealion 7.

GAC M8 PHEV - a luxury 7-seat people-mover with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining petrol and electric power for efficiency. It offers three rows of seating and plenty of bling features

GAC Emzoom - a petrol-powered small SUV similarly sized to Australia’s favourite compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona. It’s a stylish and tech-laden and expected to be priced for attention.

More: Australia's best electric cars, SUVs and utes

When will GAC launch in Australia?

GAC’s Australian launch is confirmed for November 2025.

Australia will be among the first export markets for these GAC vehicles outside Asia. After launch, additional vehicles are expected to join the range including another battery electric hatch, a hybrid SUV, and even a ute by 2027.

What will the GAC models cost in Australia?

Pricing for GAC’s first three vehicles is expected to be very competitive with final prices and vehicle specification expected closer to launch.

GAC has indicated it will price below equivalent Japanese/Korean rivals but on par with other Chinese brands, positioning the brand as another value option for Australian motorists, similar to MG and Chery.

Aion V: GAC has publicly hinted the Aion V will be priced under $45,000 plus on-road costs That positioning would make it one of the most affordable EVs on the market. For context, its most obvious competitor, the BYD Atto 3 starts around $44,990 plus on-road costs for the extended range model while the Geely EX5 starts at $40,990 plus costs. A sub-$45,000 tag for Aion V would undercut most and attract attention. Even if drive-away pricing lands in the high-$40,000 range, the Aion V’s combination of size and anticipated 480 km range (WLTP) is likely to be compelling.

M8 PHEV: This people-mover will be the priciest of the trio. The closest comparisons are popular petrol models like the Kia Carnival (which costs between $52,070 - $74,830 plus costs) or hybrid large SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Given the M8’s promised luxury features and complex powertrain, similar pricing to the Kia Carnival seems likely. Even at $70,000, an M8 PHEV would be substantially cheaper than premium import like the Lexus LM.

Emzoom: We expect the Emzoom to land below $30,000 when it launches here. Small Chinese SUVs are its natural competitors and include the Chery Tiggo 4 Plus and the GWM Haval Jolion, both of which start from just $23,990 drive-away. 

What powers the GAC Aion V, M8 PHEV and Emzoom?

Under the skin, GAC’s three models showcase three different powertrain technologies reflecting the company’s multi-energy approach to our market.

GAC Aion V Electric: The GAC Aion V is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). While the spec is yet to be confirmed for Australia, in China it features a 150 kW permanent magnet electric motor driving the front wheels, with torque of 240 Nm. The battery is a decent 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack. Official range is 602 km on the optimistic NEDC cycle but expect to see a claim closer to 480 km WLTP. Notably, the Aion V supports fast charging up to 180 kW DC, allowing a rapid 30–80% recharge in about 16 minutes– one of the fastest charging rates in its class. 

GAC M8 PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid: The M8 PHEV combines a petrol engine with electric drive for a best-of-both-worlds approach. In China, it uses a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. The combined output is a potent 274 kW and 630 Nm. The battery (around 25 kWh capacity) allows the M8 to drive up to roughly 100 km on pure electric power before the engine is needed. The M8 can run in electric mode, petrol mode, or a combination (hybrid mode), and it can recharge its battery via the engine or by plugging in (it accepts DC fast-charging up to 40 kW). 

GAC Emzoom – Petrol: The Emzoom runs on a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine – a small-displacement turbo typical of many compact SUVs. Outputs are expected to be around 125–130 kW and 270 Nm.. This is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest size, the turbo engine gives the Emzoom sprightly performance; expect 0–100 km/h in roughly 8 seconds.. Fuel economy should be competitive thanks to the efficient engine and lightweight design. 

More: EV vs PHEV vs Hybrid - what's best for you?

GAC vehicles exterior design

Each GAC model has a distinct design, shaped by GAC’s global studios (Los Angeles, Milan, Shanghai, etc.). The Aion V features a sleek, aerodynamic EV look – no big grille, just a smooth nose with slim LED headlights and a full-width tail-light. Its profile is modern with a floating roof and flush door handles, emphasizing efficiency and interior space.

The Emzoom takes a sportier approach: it’s a compact SUV with aggressive lines, an angular grille, and a coupé-like roofline. Expect LED lighting and bold colours aimed at a younger crowd.

Meanwhile, the M8 PHEV is big and imposing – a van with Lexus-like presence. It has a massive chromed grille, upscale LED headlamps, and sliding side doors for easy access. Chrome accents, large alloy wheels, and a generally boxy silhouette communicate its luxury MPV status. 

GAC vehicles interior design and features

Inside, GAC has loaded its cars with technology and comfort features. While Australian details are still to be confirmed, China's cars give us a hint of what we might expect.

The GAC Aion V cabin is tech-forward with a minimalist EV ethos. It is expected to have a large central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. AI voice controls and connected apps will likely feature. The dedicated EV platform allows a spacious, flat-floor interior. Expect vegan leather or high-quality fabric seats, plenty of USB ports, wireless charging, and ambient lighting. Design touches seen in the Chinese spec vehicles include front seats that can fold flat into a bed and possibly a V2L outlet.

The GAC M8 PHEV is the showstopper and will deliver business class levels of comfort. It features captain’s chairs in the second row with power adjustment, heating/ventilation, and extendable leg rests. High-end upholstery with diamond quilting, genuine wood or metal trim, and multi-colour ambient lighting will contribute to the luxury ambiance. Little touches like deployable footrests, airline-style headrest cushions, and a built-in fragrance diffuser (offered on the China-spec) could appear if GAC really wants to get Australian motorists' attention buyers. Despite all the opulence, the M8 remains practical, its third-row seats can fold flat to provide huge cargo space when needed, and entry/exit is aided by power sliding doors.

The GAC Emzoom interior is aimed at a younger demographic, so style and connectivity are key. It will have a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A standard sunroof, synthetic leather trim, and even a 360° camera system are available in China and, given the competitive set, are likely to also feature in Australia. Despite its compact size, clever layout will maximise rear legroom and boot space (expect around 370 L boot). Detailing like contrast stitching, sporty colour options, and a flat-bottom steering wheel give it a fun vibe. Tech like adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and auto emergency braking are likely standard, making it competitive on safety.