Check out the GAC Empow’s classy, sporty cabin

GAC Motor Philippines released the Empow sometime in 2023. Since its launch, the sporty, compact sedan has caught the attention of many enthusiasts who want a car that can mirror their active character and a ride that can keep up with their motoring needs. 

Its exterior has always been striking, thanks to an aggressive design that encapsulates its likewise dynamic performance. But what can customers expect from its interior?

On that note, we take a look at the cabin of the GAC Empow to see what hopeful car buyers will find inside the Chinese carmaker’s offering. 

Leather appointments 

The GAC Empow gets a wealth of PVC leather upholstery, which elevates the car’s overall cabin atmosphere. 

Drivers can first spot the said trim on the seats. Here, some perforation is applied with red stitching, which matches the sporty vibe the sedan gives off. The color scheme is also cohesive with the displays sitting atop the dashboard (which we will get to in a few), especially when the Sport+ drive mode is selected. 

The bucket-style seats — I would like to point out — have decent bolstering and can keep the driver and the front passenger snugly in place even during fast-paced driving. 

Similar material is applied on the second-row seating. As a bonus, occupants taking up the rear bench can enjoy a more relaxing ride thanks to the pull-down armrest with cubbies for their beverages. 

A bit of subtle branding can be found on these leather trims, which come in the form of the “G” emblem. Should GAC decide to update the Empow, removing this pattern could give the cabin a more elegant, minimalist look — but that’s me being nitpicky. 

The door cards and dashboard get the same treatment, adding an air of opulence to the interior. These are soft to the touch and the matte black finish just takes the interior feel up a notch. The red piping is also an occurring element on these leather appointments. 

Finally, the steering wheel is also covered with the same leather material. The red stitching here is striking, especially because a red accent is applied to the 12 o’clock position of the three-spoke, flat-bottom wheel. 

Carbon fiber-style accent 

The GAC Empow also gets a center console with a carbon fiber-style cover. 

Since the use of lightweight carbon fiber materials have been closely tied to upping a car’s performance, the said material falls within the sporty theme of the sedan. 

Here, drivers can find the car’s electronic start/stop button as well as some quick controls to adjust the infotainment system’s volume, select the appropriate drive mode, activate the electronic parking brake, and shift the gear of course. 

The console has space for keeping smartphones. The rubber surface does well in keeping cellular phones in places, but I wish it had wireless charging capabilities. 

Some carbon fiber details can also be spotted on the aforementioned steering wheel. And since we’re already on the topic of controls, the wheel has buttons for answering calls, activating voice commands, and a button for changing the exhaust sound. It also has switches for changing the radio station or toggling music on your playlist, and of course, using the advanced driver-assist system. 

Impressive screens 

Past the car's steering wheel is a seven-inch instrument cluster. The panel is fully digital and displays relevant information, which we have listed below: 

• Temperature
• Time
• Speedometer
• Tachometer
• Engaged gear
• Fuel meter
• Tire pressure monitor
• Lights 
• Cruise control 

Accompanying the said meter panel is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Carplay. 

Connecting one’s smartphone can be done by way of a compatible wire, so drivers will still have to bear with dangling cables. The wide screen real estate does a good job of laying out music and navigation details, both of which are important tools, especially during long drives. 

The instrument cluster and the infotainment unit are housed in a floating display with decent-sized bezels. Despite taking up more than half of the length of the dashboard, they do not obstruct the driver’s view. 

Other notable features 

The GAC Empow gets a dedicated air conditioning louver at the rear. This means that passengers sitting at the back will not have to share vents with the front passengers, which is pretty useful during hot days. 

Below the said cooling vent is a USB charging port so those taking the back seat can keep their devices juiced up. 

GAC also gave the Empow a panoramic sunroof, useful for when one needs natural lighting when taking in-car selfies. 

Finally, the sedan gets ambient lighting. 

Variants, pricing 

The GAC Empow is available in three variants. Below are their respective prices: 

GAC Empow GS	P1.225 million
GAC Empow GB	P1.305 million
GAC Empow GE	P1.348 million

 

The author was able to review the range-topping model of the GAC Empow. You may read about it, here.

Also read:

GAC Motor PH to conduct track day, test drive for Empow this weekend

GAC Motor PH slashes P300K for Empow sedan under latest promo

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