GAC M8 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the GAC M8 the more affordable entry point by $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 $84,590 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the GAC M8 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.

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

The GAC M8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and GAC Premium audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and panoramic roof. 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 1.7s 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, 461mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 800L in the GAC M8 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the GAC M8 a 345L advantage. The GAC M8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the GAC M8 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg 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 $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (GAC M8) vs $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $171 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 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.