GAC M8 vs Kia EV6
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.
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Price Breakdown
The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV6 opens at $72,590. That makes the Kia EV6 the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $79,849 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
77.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 240kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 240kW 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 GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV6. The Kia EV6 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and 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 Kia EV6 offers synthetic leather.
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 Kia EV6 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV6 is 1.8s quicker. 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, 517mm longer than the Kia EV6 at 4,695mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 490L in the Kia EV6, 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.
11.6m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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: 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV6 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV6 takes 6 of 9 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, GAC M8 and Kia EV6?
The Kia EV6 is the cheapest at $72,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC M8 by $4,000.
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 — Kia EV6 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 Kia EV6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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 Kia EV6 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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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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