Denza D9 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.
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.
Price Breakdown
The Denza D9 starts from $85,990 before on-road costs, while the GAC M8 opens at $76,590. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $9,400.
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 $94,589 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza D9 stands out with Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the GAC M8. The GAC M8 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Denza D9 gets leather upholstery while the GAC M8 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza D9 and 2-zone in the GAC M8.
Drivetrain
The Denza D9 uses a Electric producing 230kW, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 274kW and 330Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 230kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza D9 measures 5,250mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 38mm longer than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza D9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 410L in the Denza D9 and 800L in the GAC M8, giving the GAC M8 a 390L advantage.
Turning 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza D9) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza D9 if: You or prefer Denza'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
The GAC M8 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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, Denza D9 and GAC M8?
The GAC M8 is the cheapest at $76,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Denza D9 by $9,400.
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 — GAC M8 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 GAC M8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
