GAC E9 plug-in hybrid luxury MPV launched in Singapore

Businessmen with a need for a big business van have another option to consider now that the GAC E9 is in town. Launched earlier today at The Warehouse Hotel by EV Hub, a division of the Vincar Group, the E9 is the first plug-in hybrid luxury MPV to be sold in Singapore by an authorised dealer.

Two versions of the E9 are being offered: The GL, which is currently priced at $279,888, and the higher-spec GX, which costs $305,888. Both figures are inclusive of COE and the $10,000 launch discount.

From afar, the GAC E9 could be mistaken for a Toyota Alphard or Vellfire, but approach it and it's immediately obvious that it's something else. The E9's mien is dominated by 10 vertical chrome strips that form the 'Thunderous Wing Grille', which is flanked by 'Lion Eye' head lights that give it a distinctive character.

The taillights, on the other hand, are made up of 320 LEDs that have a dynamic glow that's said to resemble a 'Time Portal'.

Measuring over 5,200mm long and more than 1,800mm wide, the E9 has a sizeable footprint. However, it should still be able to enter most carparks as it is only 1,823mm tall. And to cater to a wide variety of users, the E9's step-up height is just 375mm.

Inside, occupants will find plush yet supportive seats that are upholstered in semi-aniline leather and premium suede. The E9 is clearly aimed at chauffeur-driven buyers, as the comfiest seats on board are the captain's chairs in the second row.

Apart from being able to recline up to 58 degrees, the two passengers also have four-way adjustable leg rests, and can activate 'Spa Mode', which lets them choose between one of three programmes that are delivered via 10 massage points.

To further enhance comfort, the E9 is equipped with a claimed industry-first 'Draught-Free Air-Conditioning system'. Instead of vents that are placed throughout the interior, the E9 has two 1.5-metre-long vents on either side of the ceiling, each one equipped with 840 micro-vents.

GAC says this promotes more even cooling throughout the cabin and prevents cold air from possibly blowing straight into the faces of passengers.

In terms of safety, the E9's body features a high-strength steel content of over 80%. Numerous airbags, including 3.2-metre-long side airbags and an industry-first rear airbag, are also standard.

The car is equipped with a long list of driver-safety features, which include Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The E9 also comes with the Automatic Parking Assistant (APA), which can park the large MPV without any input from the driver, thereby enhancing convenience in tighter carparks. And in case dead-ends are encountered, the car's reverse tracking function can automatically reverse the vehicle up to 50 metres back to its original spot.

The E9's plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that's paired to an electric motor, which is in turn fed by a 25.57kWh LFP Magazine Battery. Using a 50kW DC charger, the flat battery can be recharged in 30 minutes.

GAC says that driven solely by the electric motor, the E9 can cover up to 106km (WLTP). In hybrid mode, where the electric motor assists and/or takes over from the engine, the E9 has a maximum range of 1,032km - provided the battery is fully charged and the 56-litre fuel tank is full. In this mode, the E9 can average up to 16.5km/L.