GAC M8 vs Lexus RX

The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $8,310.

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 $84,249 and $93,390 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.

Both the GAC M8 and Lexus RX 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 Lexus RX.

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 Lexus RX. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RX misses.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay and GAC Premium audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 1.8s 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, 322mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the GAC M8 a 188L advantage. The GAC M8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the GAC M8 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the GAC M8 and $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (GAC M8) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The GAC M8 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).