Volkswagen Crafter vs GAC M8
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.
Volkswagen Crafter
From $70,990
People Mover
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
2530L
GAC M8
From $76,590
People Mover
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol Turbo
274kW
6.1 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
800L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Crafter starts from $70,990 before on-road costs, while the GAC M8 opens at $76,590. 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 $78,089 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 Volkswagen Crafter, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GAC M8 by roughly $10,650 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC M8 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, GAC Premium audio and ambient lighting that the Volkswagen Crafter does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Crafter gets cloth upholstery while the GAC M8 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Volkswagen Crafter and 2-zone in the GAC M8.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter uses a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI producing 130kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter to a FWD layout.
The GAC M8 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 274kW and 630Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The GAC M8 has the clear power advantage at 274kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Crafter measures 5,986mm long on a 3,640mm wheelbase, 774mm longer than the GAC M8 at 5,212mm (3,070mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 2530L in the Volkswagen Crafter and 800L in the GAC M8, giving the Volkswagen Crafter a 1730L advantage. The Volkswagen Crafter seats 12 vs 7.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m to 14.0m
Based on 14.0m 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 $2,423/year for the Volkswagen Crafter and $293/year for the GAC M8. That is a $2,130 annual difference in favour of the GAC M8.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Volkswagen Crafter) vs $293 (GAC M8). The GAC M8 saves you roughly $2,130 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter) vs 8 years / 150,000km (GAC M8). The GAC M8 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC M8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Crafter and GAC M8 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The GAC M8 will save you roughly $2,130 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Crafter 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, Volkswagen Crafter and GAC M8?
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.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen Crafter and GAC M8 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the largest boot at 2530L.
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 274kW.
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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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