GAC E9 PHEV Review: The Thoughtful Executive Transport

Luxury MPVs have traditionally thrived on one key promise: to make travel effortless. They are not meant to excite, provoke, or demand attention. Instead, they succeed by fading gently into the background while passengers arrive rested, unflustered, and quietly impressed.

The GAC E9 PHEV understands this brief well; yet it also suggests that maturity does not have to mean monotony.

Powering the E9 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a sizeable 25.7kWh battery. GAC has rather boldly stamped the words “Mega Wave Power” onto the engine cover - an unusually expressive flourish for a vehicle of this class. Marketing bravado aside, the engineering beneath is genuinely interesting.

The petrol engine and electric motor are linked via a two-speed automatic transmission; a rather interesting choice in a segment dominated by e-CVTs. This setup allows the E9 to operate efficiently at lower speeds while maintaining a more direct mechanical feel when higher speeds are demanded. In practice, it translates to smoother progress in Singapore’s stop-start traffic and a more composed, less strained character when on the expressway.

Its combined output stands at 367 bhp and 320 Nm of torque - figures that appear ambitious, until contextualised by the E9’s considerable mass. At over 2.4 tonnes, physics remains undefeated; this is not a vehicle designed to be driven aggressively, nor should it be. However, compared to rivals such as Toyota’s Vellfire, the E9 feels notably more responsive and alert, particularly when called upon to overtake or merge decisively.

Three drive modes - Eco, Comfort and Sport - offer clearly defined personalities. Eco prioritises efficiency and electric operation, ideal for urban commuting. Comfort is where the E9 feels most aligned with its purpose: Calm, supple, and quietly confident. Sport mode sharpens throttle response considerably, lending the E9 a surprising sense of urgency. It is not transformative, but it is reassuring - the E9 is never caught off-guard when extra pace is required.

Where the E9 truly excels is inside the cabin. The second-row seats are exemplary, offering a level of comfort that borders on indulgent. With extensive electric adjustments, ventilation, massage functions and generous cushioning, they rival business-class airline seating… minus the turbulence. One could be forgiven for wishing to swap roles mid-journey; the temptation to abandon the driver’s seat for a power nap plus massage is very real.

Our test car featured a wine red and black interior, a combination that lends the cabin a sense of occasion without tipping into excess. The atmosphere is plush, composed, and quietly luxurious, evoking shades of ultra-luxury SUVs without attempting direct imitation. It is a confident design choice, and one that suits the E9’s positioning well.

The third row continues the theme of usability rather than compromise. An average-sized adult will find sufficient legroom and commendable headroom, making it suitable for extended journeys rather than occasional use. This is a genuine seven-seater in the truest sense.

Boot space is equally well considered. With the third row in place, there is enough room for daily luggage or airport runs. Fold it down, and the E9 reveals a large, practical cargo area capable of swallowing everything from business equipment to holiday baggage with ease.

Despite its dimensions, the E9 remains remarkably easy to manoeuvre, thanks in part to an excellent park assist system. It handles tight car parks with precision and calm assurance, removing much of the stress typically associated with vehicles of this size; particularly relevant in Singapore’s urban environment.

Conclusion

As a whole, the GAC E9 PHEV represents a thoughtful and credible entry into the luxury MPV segment. It prioritises comfort, refinement and real-world usability, while offering performance that is quietly capable rather than ostentatious.

For business owners or families who frequently undertake long-distance journeys up north, this is a vehicle that delivers comfort, efficiency and confidence in equal measure. Oh, and with more than 1,000 kilometres of claimed WLTP range, the E9 makes long-distance luxury feel almost effortless.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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