Which 2023 GAC Empow variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

GAC Motor Philippines starts its 2023 strong with the introduction of the Empow sedan. With that said, many folks who are looking for a sporty but practical sedan now have another option besides the current-gen Honda Civic.

The 2023 GAC Empow

The all-new 2023 GAC Empow has three different variants to choose from. There’s the GS DCT, the mid-spec GB DCT, and the top-of-the-line GE DCT. So, which of these three is the right Empow variant for you? Let us answer that question with this variant guide.

GAC Empow Variants: Exterior

To begin this Empow variant guide, let’s talk about size. All three trims of this sedan have an identical length of 4,700mm, the same width of 1,850mm, and all have a 1,432mm height as well. The three also come with an identical wheelbase length spanning 2,736mm.

Dimensions may provide some evidence as to how a vehicle is roomy inside. In the case of the Empow, we might not see many differences between all three variants.

All three trims come with LED lighting for the front and rear

For exterior equipment, only the mid-spec GB and the top-spec GE come with automatic headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. Features like power-folding side mirrors, side mirror heaters, and rain-sensing wipers are exclusive to the GE.

All trims do come with power adjustability for the side mirrors. Likewise, all trims get LED headlamps, and side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators.

They also have different wheel sizes. For the GS, it rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. The mid spec GB meanwhile, gets a set of 17-inch wheels, while the top-spec GE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.

There's not much variances when it comes to styling between the three trims

GAC Empow Variants: Interior

All three Empow trims for the local market can comfortably seat up to five occupants. All also get a well-arranged dashboard that evokes a sporty feel.

For amenities though, the GB and GE get the most as they both come with a power adjustable driver’s seat, a sunroof, and PVC-leather trimmed seats.

The GB and GE's interiors may come in a black and yellow color scheme

Only the GE gets automatic dual-zone air-conditioning. All three variants come with a 12-volt power outlet, a digital gauge cluster, a passive entry and start system, a PM1 air filter, a multifunction steering wheel and a 50:50 split-fold rear seat.

GAC Empow Variants: Tech & Safety

All three variants of the GAC Empow are equipped with what you’d expect from modern vehicles when it comes to safety. Found on all variants are antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, rear parking sensors, hill-hold control, hydraulic brake assist, stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an engine immobilizer, a car alarm, and dual-front airbags.

The GB and GE do get more in the way of airbags as they provide front side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags. The entry-level GS also doesn’t get a rear-view camera system which is present on the GB and GE. The GE in turn, is the only trim that gets front parking sensors.

The Empow's cockpit

With regards to driver assistive safety features, only the GB and GE are equipped with adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a traffic jam assist. Note that the entry-level GS does come with standard cruise control.

For on-board entertainment, all three variants of the Empow get a 10.25-inch touchscreen. This headunit then provides Apple CarPlay connectivity, a number of USB ports for the front and rear, and a Bluetooth handsfree system.

For the entry-level GS variant, sound is fed into the cabin via a 2-piece speaker system. Both the GB and GE in turn, get a total of four speakers.

GAC Empow Variants: Engine

Powering all three Empow variants is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. In all three trims, this four-pot gasoline mill can produce up to 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. All three variants also use the same seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

The GAC Empow's 1.5-liter turbo inline-4 engine

All three are also pretty much the same when it comes to suspension systems. This is because they all use a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link suspension for the rear. Also common between the three variants are disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.

GAC Empow Variants: Price

GAC Empow Variants: Conclusion

With an identical engine output, transmission, and suspension setup, all three variants for the GAC Empow might be able to provide the same level of driving enjoyment and performance.

To further add to that, their identical dimensions might also be indicative of having the same amount of interior and cargo space. Furthermore, all three also get the same infotainment system, though the sound quality from the speakers might be slightly worse on the GS since it only has two.

Interested in the Empow? Then give it a good ol' test drive

But if you’re particularly concerned about safety though, the GB and GE will be your best bet. This is because they are the only trims that have advanced driver-assistive technologies.

The GE in turn, will be more suited to those who want more convenience on their day-to-day drives. It is, after all, the only trim that comes with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors.

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