GAC M8 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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.
GAC M8: we're still completing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, battery capacity and energy consumption.
Hyundai IONIQ 5: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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 GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $64,500. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $12,090.
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 $84,249 and $70,950 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
58kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). 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 GAC M8 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GAC M8 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers wool blend / leather appointed combination.
Drivetrain
The GAC M8 uses a Petrol Turbo producing 274kW and 630Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 125kW and 350Nm, paired to a single speed reduction gear driving the rear wheels.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GAC M8 measures 5,212mm long on a 3,070mm wheelbase, 577mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the GAC M8 a 273L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m diameter
Large
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the GAC M8 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GAC M8 and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $64,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC M8 by $12,090.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of GAC M8 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC M8 has the largest boot at 800L.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC M8 makes the most power at 274kW.
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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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