GAC M8 vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class wins on money kept: 62% retained after three years vs 50%, worth about R 639 559 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| M8 | V-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 499 900 | R 2 254 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 26 216/m | R 39 396/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 71% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 50% | 62% |
| Value after 3 years | R 755 540 | R 1 395 099 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 744 360 | R 858 901 |
| Value after 5 years | R 529 394 | R 1 047 680 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Premium (established) |
GAC M8 →
GAC priced the M8 Master PHEV at R1,499,900 in February 2026, making it the priciest Chinese vehicle on the SA market. It is also the country's first plug-in hybrid MPV, pairing a 2.0T engine with a 25.5kWh battery. The seven-seater squares up to the Mercedes V-Class on space and equipment.
Known for: sa's most expensive chinese vehicle
Mercedes-Benz V-Class →
The V-Class is the executive transport standard in SA, having evolved from the original V230 of the late 1990s through the Viano years to today's V300d. Hotels, tour operators and wealthy families buy it for space with a badge. Steady demand from the shuttle trade supports values better than most big Mercedes.
Known for: shuttle and executive people mover standard
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GAC M8 or the Mercedes-Benz V-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class. It keeps about 62% of its price after three years against 50% for the GAC M8, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GAC M8 loses about R 744 360 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class loses about R 858 901. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the GAC M8 runs about R 26 216 per month and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class about R 39 396, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.