If you're looking for a luxurious and comfortable long-distance road trip vehicle, the new GAC E9 might be the perfect choice. This luxury MPV, which is also a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), boasts an impressive range of up to 1,032km on a full tank and a fully charged battery, making it possible to drive from Singapore to Penang without stopping to refuel or recharge.

GAC Group, also known as Guangzhou Automobile Group, is China's fifth-largest automobile manufacturer. While the brand is still relatively new to Singapore, it has been gaining recognition with its recently introduced sub-brands, Aion and Hyptec. Under its ‘One GAC’ strategy, these brands will be unified under the main GAC name, becoming GAC Aion and GAC Hyptec. All three brands are represented locally by Vincar EV.

The E9 is the first model launched under the GAC name in Singapore, entering the competitive luxury MPV segment. It competes with other large Chinese MPVs such as the Denza D9, Xpeng X9, and Zeekr 009. However, unlike its fully electric rivals, the E9 features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. Together, they deliver 368hp and 630Nm of torque. On electric power alone, the E9 can travel up to 106km, while the petrol engine extends the total range to 1,032km with a fuel consumption rate of 6 litres per 100km. The battery also supports DC fast charging, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes with a 50kW charger.

Inside, the E9 is designed for premium comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs recline up to 58 degrees and include a four-way adjustable leg rest, along with a 10-point massage system controlled via an LED screen in the armrest. An innovative ‘draught-free’ air-conditioning system, featuring two 1.5-metre-long ceiling vents with 840 micro-vents, ensures even air distribution throughout the cabin. Safety and driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The E9 also offers automatic park assist, which is especially useful for a vehicle of this size.

In Singapore, Vincar EV is offering two variants of the E9. The standard E9 GL is priced at $279,888 with COE, while the top-spec E9 GX, which adds a second-row massage function and park assist, is available for $305,888 with COE. Both prices include a $10,000 launch discount valid until April 9. With its impressive range, hybrid efficiency, and luxury features, the GAC E9 stands out in the premium MPV segment, offering an alternative to fully electric competitors while maintaining high levels of comfort and technology.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia