GAC Emkoo 2025 Review

The competition in the C-segment SUV market has been intensifying recently, with many brands focusing on configuration and cost-effectiveness. The newly launched 2025 GAC Emkoo Premium is a new contender in this niche market. Its high configuration and balanced power performance have attracted the attention of many family users. In this test drive, I mainly aim to see whether its actual space is sufficient, whether its power output is smooth, and whether its rich configurations are truly practical.

Approaching the Emkoo Premium, its bold exterior design stands out. The front features a large mesh grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving the overall look a high level of recognizability. The body has smooth side lines, with waistlines extending from the front to the rear, making the body look more elongated. The 19-inch wheels also enhance the overall presence. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights are a highlight, standing out when illuminated. The design of the rear bumper echoes the front, maintaining a consistent overall design.

Opening the door, the interior layout is simple and clear. The center console is wrapped in soft materials, which feel relatively refined to the touch. The 7-inch LCD instrument panel and the 10.1-inch central control screen are connected, making operation very user-friendly. The steering wheel features a multifunctional design with a reasonable button layout, allowing for blind operation without issue. In terms of configuration, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents come standard. The front seats support electric adjustment—6-way for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger—making it convenient to adjust seating positions during long drives. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, and the backrest angle can also be adjusted, which is very practical for family users.

Space performance is one of the strengths of the Emkoo Premium. Its wheelbase reaches 2750mm, providing ample space in the front row. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the driver's seat would have more than a fist of headroom remaining. The rear row offers an even more surprising amount of space, with the same height passenger having about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The middle floor is not highly raised, making it comfortable even for three passengers. The trunk has a standard capacity of 638L, enough for two 28-inch suitcases, and can be expanded to 1586L by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for carrying larger items. As for storage, the door storage slots and the central armrest box are relatively spacious, and there is a wireless charging pad in the front row, making daily usage very convenient.

Starting the vehicle, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers smooth power output. With a maximum power of 130kW and a maximum torque of 270N·m, it is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 8.8 seconds. During daily driving, the start is quick, the throttle responds promptly, and there is no noticeable turbo lag. On urban roads, the gearbox shifts smoothly with hardly any sense of hesitation. When switching to the highway and pressing the throttle deep for acceleration, there's enough power reserve to overtake confidently. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, which is suitable for those occasional moments when you want a more dynamic driving experience.

As for handling, the performance of the Emkoo Premium is quite standard. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal free play. It feels light at low speeds and becomes heavier at high speeds, providing a good tactile experience. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, avoiding a harsh impact. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the stability is noteworthy. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages around 8L/100km in urban conditions and drops to slightly over 6L on highways, which is close to the officially stated 6.6L combined fuel consumption. The fuel economy is relatively satisfactory.

In terms of ride comfort, the performance of the Emkoo Premium is commendable. The noise insulation is quite good; tire and wind noise are not noticeable at speeds below 80km/h. At higher speeds, wind noise becomes slightly more apparent but does not affect normal conversations. The seats provide excellent support and comfort, making long-distance driving less tiring. The safety features are comprehensive, including six airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all as standard. The ACC adaptive cruise control is very convenient on the highway, reducing driver fatigue.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 GAC Emkoo Premium are clear: spacious interior, rich features, smooth power delivery, and a price of only RM 123,800, making it highly competitive in its class. Compared to other C-segment SUVs at the same price point, it offers more comprehensive features and better space performance. It is suitable for families focusing on space and features, meeting daily commuting and weekend family trip needs. If you are looking for a balanced and practical C-segment SUV, the Emkoo Premium is a great choice.