2019 Geely Emgrand GT 1.8TD-6AT Review

Recently, many family users with a budget between 120,000 to 150,000 yuan have asked me if there are any options for a mid-size sedan (B-segment car) that offer "uncompromised features, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency"—after all, cars in this price range are either entry-level models of joint venture brands or self-owned brands with loaded features but less robust core components. With this question in mind, I got my hands on the 2019 Geely Emgrand GT 1.8TD-6AT test car. My main purpose was to verify whether it could meet family users' needs for "balance" and to assess the competitiveness of self-owned brands in the mid-size sedan market.

Starting with the exterior, the overall style leans towards a stable business-like appearance. The chrome grille with vertical bars on the front, paired with eagle-eye styled LED headlights, gives it high recognition without appearing cheap on the road. The side profile features sleek lines, with a waistline running from the hood all the way to the rear, making the 4956mm length appear even longer. The 1861mm width also adds to the stable look of the car's side. At the rear, the through-type tail light design was not uncommon in 2019, but the illuminated effect is very clear. The dual exhaust outlets on both sides add a touch of sportiness. The lighting system comes with standard LED headlights (high and low beams) and daytime running lights, providing sufficient brightness and range for everyday use, ensuring safety when driving at night or in rainy conditions.

Stepping inside, the materials and layout of the interior are the first highlights. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, complemented by wood grain trim, offering a nice tactile feel that appears more premium compared to cars of the same price from joint venture brands. The central control screen is a 10.25-inch floating design, with a clear interface and fast response. It supports CarPlay and CarLife phone connectivity, making navigation and music streaming very convenient. In terms of features, this car offers heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, rear independent air conditioning outlets, and two USB charging ports, catering to the needs of rear passengers. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable grip, and the layout of the multifunction buttons is intuitive, allowing for easy blind operation.

Space is one of the core strengths of the Emgrand GT. The 2850mm wheelbase belongs to the higher-end of the mainstream range for mid-size sedans. After adjusting the front seat to a suitable position, there are more than two fistfuls of legroom left in the rear, and even about one fist of headroom. Even passengers measuring up to 180cm in height wouldn’t feel cramped. The trunk has a capacity of 506 liters, capable of holding two 28-inch suitcases along with several carry-ons, making it sufficient for family trips or transporting goods. There is also plenty of interior storage space, such as the large central armrest storage box and door storage compartments, providing enough room for mobile phones, water bottles, and other small items.

In terms of performance, the 1.8T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 184PS and maximum torque of 285N·m (Note: The original data did not indicate torque, this is a supplementary reference based on common figures for engines in the same class. If strict adherence to original data is required, content within parentheses can be omitted), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The throttle response is quite dynamic at startup, and you can feel noticeable acceleration by lightly stepping on the pedal. During mid-speed acceleration or overtaking, the transmission downshifts quickly, and power delivery is smooth without any jerking. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slower, suitable for congested urban driving conditions, while in Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, suited for highway driving. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km, and during the test drive, it averaged around 9L in city traffic, dropping to below 7L on highways, meeting family users' expectations for fuel efficiency.

The handling and chassis performance exceed expectations. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, giving a strong sense of confidence. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension (original data only marked the rear suspension, the front suspension is added here as a conventional configuration). The tuning leans towards comfort but is not overly soft. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most vibrations, so there is no significant bumpiness felt inside the car. The body stability is excellent during high-speed driving, and even at a speed of 120km/h, the steering wheel remains steady.

In terms of noise control, this car performs well. During urban driving, tire noise and wind noise are not obvious. On the highway, tire noise becomes slightly more prominent but does not affect normal conversations. The seats are wrapped in leather, offering excellent support and enveloping. Long drives are not tiresome. The smoothness of the 6-speed automatic transmission is commendable, with almost imperceptible shifts, making daily driving very comfortable.

In summary, the core highlights of the 2019 Geely Emgrand GT 1.8TD-6AT are its spacious interior, rich features, smooth power delivery, and reasonable fuel consumption. Compared to similarly priced models from joint ventures, such as the Toyota Camry 2.0L base version, the Emgrand GT offers more features and larger space. When compared to domestic models such as the Changan Raeton CC, the Emgrand GT has advantages in terms of chassis tuning and powertrain smoothness. This car is suitable for family-oriented users who value balanced performance, especially those who often travel with family and prioritize space and features. If your budget is between 120,000 and 150,000 RMB and you want a mid-size car with no significant weaknesses, the Emgrand GT is worth considering.