In a market saturated with multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) all competing for the attention of Filipino families, GAC Motor Philippines has now thrown in the M6 Pro as the brand’s market challenger. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive this stylish and spacious minivan during an event organized by GAC Motor Philippines. Our journey took us from the bustling streets of Manila to Pampanga and back, providing a comprehensive experience of what the M6 Pro has to offer. In this account, I will focus on the unparalleled comfort that this vehicle provides, and how it makes a compelling argument for those in the market looking for their next family mover.

Aesthetic and spacious design

Right from the start, the GAC M6 Pro impresses with its conservative yet elegant design. Its dimensions are comparable to that of the Toyota Innova turbodiesel MPV. Its front-wheel drive layout allows for a bigger interior volume as there is no driveshaft to contend with. This allows for ample space without appearing overly bulky. With the amount of space inside, GAC could have easily opted to maximize seating space to trump its competitors. Instead, they decided to put in something uncommon for this class: Captains’ Chairs. GAC is hoping to bring luxury van amenities to the MPV class, and their bold move might just work.

Unmatched comfort in every row

The journey began with me taking shotgun, as we traveled from GAC's showroom in Manila Bay to the Skyway and onto NLEX. The front passenger seat immediately caught my attention with its exceptional cushioning and ergonomic design. Unlike many vehicle seats that compromise between firmness and softness, the M6 Pro's seats offer a perfect balance similar to the comfort of a well-crafted couch or lounge chair. The base is firm enough to support my body evenly, reducing fatigue even during extended trips. It was comfy enough that I slept all through Skyway and woke up when we exited in San Simon, Pampanga.

After our short test event at the R33 drift track, we drove to Guagua to have lunch. Moving to the third row, I realized how the M6 Pro truly delivers. The third row, often neglected in many MPVs, maintains the M6 Pro's high comfort standards. 

While the seats need to fold flat to provide additional cargo space, they do not sacrifice support. The seats offer good knee height, supporting the thighs and ensuring that even average height adults can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. And once again, I fell asleep. It was a short nap, but man, it was good!

After lunch, we headed to GAC Marilao for coffee and snacks, where I finally got the chance to sit my royal tush in the captain's chairs, and I gotta say, they’re pretty good. For the sub-one hour trip I dozed off with arms on the armrests and my head comfortably cradled by the chair. 

These seats come with ample legroom, even when adjusted to maximize space for third-row passengers. The side bolsters and shoulder contours provide excellent support, and the butterfly headrests are a brilliant addition, keeping your head steady - especially useful if you drift off to sleep. Each captain's chair also features dual armrests, enhancing the sense of personal space and luxury. It’s like a premium economy seat on a plane, except well, you’re buzzing along at 80 on a highway.

A sophisticated and ergonomic cabin

On the way back to GAC Manila Bay, I finally took the reins. The driver’s seat is as comfy as the front passenger seat, but seemed to have more side and thigh support. From my seat, I could see that the M6 Pro's dashboard and console were designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. 

The layout is intuitive, with tactile buttons for essential controls, minimizing the need for distraction while driving. The materials used are of high quality, lending a premium feel to the cabin. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wired Apple CarPlay, offering seamless connectivity and an enhanced entertainment experience through the DTS-tuned eight-speaker audio system. Sadly, most of the GAC’s I’ve driven don’t have Android Auto support, wireless or not. 

Safety and peace of mind

One of the standout features of the GAC M6 Pro is its comprehensive suite of safety technologies. During our drive, we tested the vehicle's Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) at the R33 Drift Track. The M6 Pro excelled in various safety drills, including hard braking, tight turns, and mixed traction scenarios. Features like traction control, stability control, ABS, and electronic brake-force distribution worked harmoniously to maintain stability and control, even in challenging conditions. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system were particularly impressive, offering a stress-free driving experience on highways. These systems are finely tuned to be non-intrusive, providing assistance without overwhelming the driver.

The ultimate family experience

Perhaps the most telling testament to the M6 Pro's comfort was the ability to sleep soundly during various points in our journey. Whether I was in the front passenger seat, nestled in the captain's chair, or relaxing in the third row, I always found the perfect position to relax. The smooth ride quality, courtesy of the vehicle's long wheelbase and well-tuned suspension, minimized road vibrations and noise. Now I know why GAC has a shot at winning over families in this segment. My experience was a clear indicator of the M6 Pro's capability to offer a restful and serene travel experience. 

Verdict

The GAC M6 Pro could very well shake up the MPV segment, offering unparalleled comfort and a suite of advanced features at a competitive price point. The only real issue I found so far in a setup like this is that adults with mobility problems could have a hard time getting to the third row, as the space between the captain’s chairs is quite narrow. 

With a starting price of PHP 1,230,000 for the GS variant and PHP 1,598,000 for the GL variant, it provides excellent value for money. Whether you're navigating city streets, embarking on long road trips, or simply seeking a comfortable and spacious vehicle for family outings, the M6 Pro is a worthy contender. Its thoughtful design, advanced safety features, and exceptional comfort make it a top choice for families looking for a reliable and sophisticated MPV.