Earlier this year, GAC Motor PH revealed the 4WD version of the GS8. It now serves as the flagship model of the automaker and it packs plenty of standard features just like its 2WD sibling. From a power tailgate, a three-zone climate control, full leather seats, LED ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic sunroof, the GS8 is packed to the brim.

But did you know there's another variant of the GS8 available that's more powerful and more environmentally friendly? It's called the GAC ES9, and it's the plug-in hybrid version of the GS8. It's not yet in the Philippines but it was recently launched in the PRC, and boy were we impressed with the specs.

It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that makes 190 PS along with 330 Nm of torque. It is then assisted by an electric motor which delivers 182 PS and 300 Nm of pull. All of these give the ES9  a total system output of 372 and a massive 630 Nm of torque. With it, GAC claims the ES9 can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 8 seconds which is impressive given the vehicle's heft and size.

The electrified powertrain is coupled to a 25.57 kWh battery pack which gives the ES9 an all-electric range of around 110 km based on the WLTC cycle. However, with the fuel tank and battery fully charged, GAC says the ES9 has an estimated total range of about 1,215 km based on the CLTC cycle.

Exterior-wise, the vehicle looks the same as a regular GS8. The only telltale signs that is the plug-in hybrid are the PHEV badge on the front fender and the presence of a charging port on the other side of the vehicle. Over to the cabin, it comes with the same level of features and finishes as a standard GS8 as well. There's also the option to have the ES9 with 2+2+2 seating thanks to a pair of captain seats on the second row instead of the regular 2+3+2 layout.

So far, GAC Motor PH has no plans (yet) to bring any of the brand's hybrids or plug-in hybrids into the Philippine market. But since the GS8 is now one of their most popular vehicles on sale, perhaps they can capitalize on the GS8's popularity by bringing the ES9 and renaming it to GS8 PHEV.

Should GAC bring the ES9 here as their first electrified offering in the Philippines? Let us know in the comments below.