BMW iX1 vs GAC M8
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BMW iX1
From $77,900
SUV
Electric
Electric
230kW
—
5★ ANCAP
490L
GAC M8
From $76,590
People Mover
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo
274kW
6.1 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
800L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the GAC M8 opens at $76,590. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $1,310.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $85,690 and $84,249 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the GAC M8. The GAC M8 counters with Apple CarPlay, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the GAC M8 offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX1 uses a Electric producing 230kW and 494Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 274kW and 630Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 230kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 712mm shorter than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 800L in the GAC M8, giving the GAC M8 a 310L advantage. The GAC M8 seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.8m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC M8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW iX1 and GAC M8 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The GAC M8 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX1 and GAC M8?
The GAC M8 is the cheapest at $76,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $1,310.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GAC M8 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC M8 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC M8 makes the most power at 274kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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