Things to know about Davido, Chioma’s wedding gift: GAC M8 2024 MPV

Last month, Davido and Chioma’s wedding was a carnival. Only that the participants were the rich and mighty. If you were neither but attended, then it was a rare privilege. One of the high points of that event was when Davido and Chioma got a GAC M8 2024 Multi-Purpose Vehicle, MPV. It was a gift from CIG, a representative of GAC Motors in Nigeria.

It could be the first Chinese-made vehicle the Davido family will be adding to their fleet of luxury cars. They might also be the first to ride this one in Nigeria. Davido is used to Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz and the like. So this might be a big marketing strategy for the GAC brand. But we want to look at the value of this wonder on wheels. What does it cost to get one? What luxury does the car offer? How does the engine perform? And other things on offer.

The GAC M8 2024 MPV

A unique vehicle in every sense, CHIVIDO’s new minivan comes with an array of unique features. The M8 boasts an aggressive-looking face. GAC describes the look as the ‘Awakening Lion’, with the longitudinally distributed stripes extending deep into the bumper. The headlamps are made up of 388 LED lamp beads. This is a fusion of opulence and innovation that set a new standard in the premium MPV segment. It is slightly smaller than the Toyota Sienna but packed with an array of features.

The vehicle boasts cutting-edge technology, exquisite design, and unparalleled comfort.
Available in GL and GX Master models, the M8 was launched in China in November 2022 with a price range of 269,800 to 342,800 Chinese RMB ($37,000 to $47,000). Five models are available with petrol and hybrid configurations. It comes with 18-inch wheels but with low ground clearance. The size of the M8 is 5212/ 1823 mm with a 3070 mm wheelbase.

Hybrid engine, cameras and radars

The M8 is available with either a petrol or a hybrid engine. The petrol version comes with a 2.0 turbo, which delivers 185kw and 400Nm, matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version is equipped with the Toyota hybrid system and comes a 140kw and 330Nm 2.0 turbo with an eCVT. It has a maximum cruising range of over 1,000km.

The supper minivan is one of the safest vans in it class. It is equipped with 20 intelligent driving sensors, including 12 ultrasonic radars, four 540-degree panoramic cameras, one forward-facing camera, one forward-facing radar, and two rear radars. It has level two driving assistance, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.

Let’s get inside this ride

Inside the Davido and Chioma’s GAC M8 is a cocoon of luxury featuring a wide array of amenities, including a pair of digital displays and a pair of captain seats in the second row. The seats are power-adjustable with tray tables along with heated/ventilated seats complete with massage functions. Its panoramic sunroof with starlight decorations, as seen in high-end luxury cars, confirm the M8 luxury vehicle status.

The interior exudes modernity, characterised by spacious screens and premium materials. These include: a three-zone automatic climate control, multi-colour LED ambient lighting, a 14.6-inch touch screen media system with Apple Carplay, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-speaker system from DTS smart keyless entry,  among others

The second and third-row passengers have access to a 15.6-inch screen for entertainment. The sound system is supported by 16 Yamaha speakers.

The second-row seats even have a spa mode. When activated, these seats automatically recline and support massaging. The third row can be folded to create more storage space.

Other features include dual power sliding doors, power-folding side mirrors with position memory and reverse tilt function, multi-function LED headlights, and sunroof glass that aids in noise reduction to the cabin.

So when you see this ‘Awakening Lion’ bearing down on you, fear not, it’s OBO, or Chef Chi, riding the GAC M8 2024 MPV — a blend of style, comfort, safety. And, wait, the fuel tank capacity is 65 litres. Just in case you want to drive to space.