At the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2026, Beijing Automobile Works showed the BAW M8, a pure multi-purpose vehicle that features a seating capacity of seven people in a 2-2-3 layout. Its launch in the Indonesian market is anticipated to happen very soon; the carmaker may launch the model with battery electric and extended-range electric powertrains.
In China, it is available for sale as a seven-seater and nine-seater from December 2025. Almost eight months after that, it is coming to Indonesia as BEV and EREV. The BAW’s Indonesian subsidiary, PT BAW Automobile Trading Indonesia, is all set to launch its domestic market as locally assembled vehicles, not as completely-built imported units, to offer the model at competitive pricing.
Exterior & Dimensions
The M8 has a large grill with vertical slats and BAW lettering dominating the front fascia. Features slim LED headlights on the side of the grille, integrating daylight running lights and main headlamps. The outer corner of the bumper gets a vertically oriented black section to give an extended look to the bottom of the grille.
Get front-door-mounted double-toned ORVMs with blinkers and flared wheel arches with multi-spoke alloy wheels. Doors have mechanical handles. The front door features a hinged opening and a rear-powered sliding opening. Other notable features on the exterior are a roof-mounted spoiler, a full-width LED taillight, and rear black bumper cladding.
In terms of length, width, and height, it measures 5,317 mm, 1,870 mm, and 1,969 mm, respectively. The wheelbase is 3,200 mm. For clarity, the distance between the axles is 110 mm and 210 mm compared to the Kia Carnival and Toyota Alphard, respectively. Its front and rear track are 1,610 mm, front overhang is 975 mm, and rear is 1,142 mm.
BEV & EREV Specs
The launch of the M8 as a BEV is confirmed, and there’s no word from the carmaker regarding its debut also as an EREV. Reports suggest that it is likely the Chinese carmaker will introduce both. Let’s have a closer look at each’s powertrain and performance and find out the details.
- The BEV is set to get an electric motor with a one-speed automatic gearbox on the front axle and features a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. The power output is 170 kW (231 PS or 228 hp), and peak torque is 310 Nm. Equipped with an 81 kWh lithium-ion battery pack giving the 505 km CLTC range.
- The EREV sold in the international market gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol-powered ICE that delivers 110 kW (150 PS) power and 210 Nm torque; and one electric motor at the rear axle with a single-speed automatic transmission generating power of 170 kW (231 PS) and torque of 310 Nm. Offered with two different lithium-ion batteries, they are 36 kWh and 46 kWh, which gives the 180 km and 230 km CLTC conditions on EV mode, respectively. The combined range for the variant with the standard battery pack is 1370 km, and the same for the larger one is 1420 km thanks to the fuel tank of 65 liters.
They will reveal all the specifications for the upcoming electrified multi-purpose vehicle under the banner of BAW related to power on the launch day, including acceleration timing, maximum speed, and charging output and timings.
Steering & Display Setup
Set to come as right-hand drive, getting a two-spoke orange-black double-toned D-shaped steering wheel with the BAW lettering on it to reflect branding. Behind the steering wheel, it has an LCD instrument cluster and a horizontally oriented touchscreen infotainment system at the center of the dashboard. AC vents in the front row are present on the sides and below the centrally mounted screen.