GAC is unusual among Chinese exporters in running four drivetrains across one range. That is useful, because you can keep one brand relationship and still sell into markets with very different fuel and electricity realities. It is also a trap, because the brochure figures are not comparable with each other.
Petrol — the 1.5T and 2.0T GDI
The GS3 EMZOOM, GS4 MAX, EMKOO and M6 PRO run the 1.5T GDI with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch. The M8, GS8 and NEW EMPOW run the 2.0T. These ask nothing of the local grid, every workshop can service them, and parts move through the ordinary aftermarket. GAC quotes 6.4 L/100 km combined for the EMKOO and 7.5 L/100 km for the M6 PRO.
Hybrid — the GS8's 2.0TM with Toyota THS
A full hybrid never plugs in. It recovers braking energy and runs the engine in its efficient band, which cuts urban fuel use without changing anything about how the vehicle is refuelled or serviced. For a seven-seat fleet doing stop-start city work, this is usually the lowest-risk efficiency gain available.
PHEV — the S7 and E9
A plug-in hybrid is the hedge. The S7 carries 36.3 kWh and covers 150 km on electricity alone (NEDC) before the engine takes over, for 1,020 km combined on CLTC. The E9 quotes 106 km of electric range on WLTC and a standard 600 km total. Buyers with home or depot charging get most of their daily running on electricity; buyers without it still have a car that works.
One caution: quote the test cycle. CLTC and NEDC are optimistic next to WLTP, and a buyer who was sold a CLTC number and measured a WLTP one will come back to you about it.
Battery-electric — the AION range and HYPTEC HT
- Confirm charging access before the order, not after — depot, home or public.
- Compare the quoted CLTC range against the longest trip the buyer actually makes each week.
- Check that at least one local workshop is trained on high-voltage systems.
- Ship at 30–50% state of charge with UN38.3 documentation; we handle this on our side.
- Weigh the purchase premium against three to five years of fuel at local prices.
If you are unsure which of the four suits a given market, tell us the route profile and the electricity situation and we will say which we would ship — including when the answer is the petrol car.
