Another affordable luxury MPV for you sir? GAC’s E9 PHEV offers class-leading range, and first-class comfort

Singapore – If you are looking for a full-sized MPV today, you’d be spoilt for choice. The GAC E9 MPV is just one of many which originate from China, which you can choose from. But what sets it apart from the competition is that it is the only one with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The E9 MPV is built upon what GAC calls the ‘Serene and Peaceful Mobile Mansion’ design concept. The Chinese carmaker says that the face of the E9 was inspired by that of a lion, for the best of impacts. As for the interior, the seats are slathered in top-grade semi-aniline leather, combined with suede.

Like most well decked-out MPVs, the middle row is the best in the house. The LCD control panel on each seat, allows control of a four-way adjustable leg rest, and for seat recline angles of up to 58-degrees. What truly takes the cake is the E9’s One-Touch SPA mode, which features a 10-point, 3-mode massage function.

Adding to the serene experience, the E9 is equipped with an Electromagnetic Damping Suspension (EDS) as standard, which makes adjustments to the ride, based on road conditions in real-time. The Adaptive Vehicle Dynamics Control (AVDC), which works quietly in the background, complements the electromagneticly-aided suspension, by intelligently picking out road situations and makes adjustments to throttle inputs and ESP. To further ensure cruise quietness, GAC has employed the use of dual-sealed sliding doors, and acoustic soundproof glass on the windshield and four side windows.

To aid in piloting the MPV, the E9 is equipped with advanced intelligent parking, which automates the whole parking process. The system is also able to track-back to the original path with one-click, very similar to how BMW’s Reversing Assistant works.

The GAC E9’s powertrain consists of a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 188hp and 330Nm. This is paired to an electric motor, rated at 180hp (134kW) and 300Nm. The combination, which produces a system output of 367hp (274kW) and 630Nm, is paired to a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

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The ternary lithium-ion battery which GAC terms the Magazine Battery 2.0, powers the 3-mode PHEV system, and has a capacity of 25.57kWh, which provides the E9 with an EV-only range of 106km. Combined, the E9 boasts a maximum range of 1,032km, and fuel economy of 16.5km/l.

‘The E9 has already won the hearts of many customers in Hong Kong. With its spacious interior and advanced technology, we believe that its class leading driving range, top safety with industry first 3rd row rear curtain airbag and the first-class comfort, the E9 will win over Singaporeans searching for a premium travel experience’ says Mr Tong Wei, GAC’s Product General Manager.

The GAC E9 is available in two variants. The “base” GL starts from $279,888, while the more luxurious GX retails at an effective price of $305,888.