Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs GAC M8
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the GAC M8 opens at $76,590. 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 $84,590 and $84,249 respectively.
The GAC M8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $8,510 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GAC M8 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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 7 in the GAC M8. The GAC M8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and panoramic roof that you will not find on the GAC M8. The GAC M8 counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and GAC Premium audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 140kW and 330Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 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.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 461mm shorter than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC M8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 800L in the GAC M8, 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 12.8m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $293/year for the GAC M8. That is a $1,702 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $293 (GAC M8). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $1,702 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC M8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC M8 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GAC M8 will save you roughly $1,702 a year in fuel. 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, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GAC M8?
The GAC M8 is the cheapest at $76,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $310.
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 — Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GAC M8 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 GAC M8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GAC M8 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes the most power at 150kW. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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