GAC M8 vs Volkswagen Crafter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Price Breakdown
The GAC M8 starts from $76,590 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Crafter opens at $70,990. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $5,600.
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 $78,089 respectively.
The GAC M8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Crafter, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC M8 stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Crafter. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Volkswagen Crafter responds with a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI making 130kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter driving the front wheels.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 130kW. 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, 774mm shorter than the Volkswagen Crafter at 5,986mm (3,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Crafter leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m to 13.6m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.6m 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 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GAC M8 and Volkswagen Crafter trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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 Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $70,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GAC M8 by $5,600.
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 — GAC M8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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 140kW.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
