GAC M8 vs LDV MIFA 9

The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the LDV MIFA 9 opens at $104,000. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $27,410.

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 $114,400 respectively.

The LDV MIFA 9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GAC M8, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the GAC M8 and LDV MIFA 9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC M8 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the LDV MIFA 9.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GAC M8 and 8 in the LDV MIFA 9. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the LDV MIFA 9 misses.

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, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the LDV MIFA 9. The LDV MIFA 9 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 leather upholstery while the LDV MIFA 9 offers leatherette.

The GAC M8 uses a Petrol Turbo producing 140kW and 330Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.

The LDV MIFA 9 responds with a Electric Motor making 180kW and 350Nm, paired to a single speed driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12 seconds.

The LDV MIFA 9 has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC M8 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GAC M8 measures 5,212mm long on a 3,070mm wheelbase, 58mm shorter than the LDV MIFA 9 at 5,270mm (3,200mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV MIFA 9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 466L in the LDV MIFA 9, giving the GAC M8 a 334L advantage.

For towing, the GAC M8 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 5 years / 160,000km (LDV MIFA 9). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.