What transmission is used in the GAC Trumpchi M8?

[VanTravis]

The transmission brand used in the GAC Trumpchi M8 is Aisin. Established in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional developer and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions, holding the world's largest market share in the automotive automatic transmission sector. The GAC Trumpchi M8 is equipped with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) differs from conventional automatic transmission systems. Based on manual transmission technology yet distinct from traditional automatics, it combines the flexibility of manual transmissions with the comfort of automatic transmissions while delivering uninterrupted power output. For daily use of the GAC Trumpchi M8's transmission, pay attention to the following points: Do not prolong transmission oil changes indefinitely. While many modern vehicles feature maintenance-free transmission fluid, 'maintenance-free' doesn't mean never needing replacement. Extended periods without oil changes can damage transmission components like bearings and casings. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. Many experienced drivers of manual transmission vehicles practice coasting in neutral, but for automatic transmissions, this can cause overheating and create shock when re-engaging D gear. Never shift into D/R gear before coming to a complete stop. Some drivers shift directly into reverse while still moving to demonstrate 'smooth' operation, which causes significant gear damage and may lead to gear grinding failures over time. Avoid frequent steep hill climbs in D gear. Automatic vehicles often overheat under high loads or shift prematurely when climbing steep slopes, resulting in insufficient power. Use manual mode to maintain low gears or sport mode to protect the transmission. Never tow long distances. When an automatic vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck with the vehicle in N gear for transport. Never use tow ropes or direct vehicle-to-vehicle towing.

[JosiahMarie]

Last year when I accompanied my friend to test drive the Trumpchi M8 at a 4S dealership, I specifically studied its transmission. Currently, the main models are equipped with Aisin's 8AT automatic transmission. Especially the fuel-powered 390T version shifts exceptionally smoothly, and it keeps the RPM remarkably low on highways, making it very fuel-efficient. The hybrid version uses a Toyota-sourced E-CVT structure, a dedicated hybrid transmission. That planetary gear set enables seamless switching between pure electric, hybrid, and direct drive modes. These two transmissions have different orientations but are both highly mature. Veteran drivers report that the 8AT's sport mode delivers quick downshifts, while the E-CVT feels as smooth as an electric car in traffic jams. By the way, I heard the new Master Edition has optimized the transmission logic, significantly reducing shift jerkiness compared to the older models.

[McNoah]

As a veteran owner who has driven three generations of the M8, I'm most familiar with its transmission. The current fuel version uniformly uses the Aisin 8AT, the same one found in the Highlander and Crown, which has run 100,000 kilometers without any issues. The hybrid version's transmission is quite special—it's essentially a power distributor, with gear direct connection offering exceptionally high efficiency when the engine is directly engaged. When choosing a car, pay attention to the rear emblem: 390T indicates the fuel version with 8AT, while the hybrid versions all come with E-CVT. During maintenance, the technician mentioned that the transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 kilometers, and for the hybrid version, ensure the battery cooling air ducts aren't blocked by floor mats to prevent the transmission from overheating and triggering protection mode.

[Andrew]

From an automotive engineer's perspective, the M8's transmission solution deserves praise. The fuel version uses the third-generation Aisin longitudinal 8AT, capable of handling 400N·m torque, with a 40% faster shift speed than the previous model. The hybrid version's E-CVT innovatively incorporates a GM motor, enabling range-extender/hybrid/direct-drive modes, achieving just 5.9L fuel consumption under WLTC conditions. Two details are particularly noteworthy: the transmission cooler is integrated into the engine cooling system, and the oil pan features a magnet to capture metal debris. It's recommended that northern owners switch to low-viscosity transmission oil before winter, and hybrid models should never coast in N gear to avoid damaging the power battery.

[DelIsabel]

When studying MPV specifications, it's noticeable that the GAC M8's transmission setup is quite intelligent. The gasoline version is paired with the Aisin AWF8F45 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.0T engine with 265 horsepower combined with this transmission delivers a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just over 8 seconds, providing a noticeable push-back sensation. The hybrid version doesn't have a traditional transmission with gears; instead, it features dual motors plus a 2.0TM engine with a combined power output of 237kW, offering exceptionally quiet operation when the electric motor directly drives the wheels. Both systems are available in the Aviator aviation seat edition. Personally, I recommend the 8AT gasoline version for frequent long-distance travel, while the hybrid version is more fuel-efficient for urban commuting.