Dapper any weather: GAC Emkoo GL

The Philippine crossover segment is abundant with good-looking models, but one nameplate in particular never fails to turn heads wherever it may go — the GAC Emkoo.

But are good looks the only thing it can offer?

Here are some of Zigwheels Philippines' thoughts about the GAC Emkoo’s GL variant, which in my opinion looks dapper no matter the weather.

Dimensions

The GAC Emkoo GL measures 4,680 millimeters (mm) long, 1,901 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall. That said, it offers decent bulk — which results in good road presence — without taking away its agility and dexterity.

Its 2,750 mm wheelbase means it offers acceptable ride quality and its high ground clearance gives drivers peace of mind when going over speed bumps, potholes, and other obstacles presented by most urban settings.

Exterior

Outside, the GAC Emkoo GL wears a futuristic-looking fascia with diagonal lines forming the crossover’s “Illuminant” V-shaped grille. The geometric front end has a three-dimensional design and is adorned with the GAC emblem in the middle.

To each side of the brand’s chrome badge are the “Eyes of Revelation” headlamps with LED technology and intelligent high beam control functionality, complemented by LED daytime running lights.

Its flanks are bedecked with sport utility vehicle-like appointments in the form of blacked-out wheel arches, side sills, and pillars. Providing contrast to the rugged-looking features are flush door handles; chrome trims on the windows, side mirrors, and roof rails; as well as a set of two-tone 19-inch wheels shod with beefy 235/55 tires.

The rear end of the GAC Emkoo GL is also as busy with a sporty-looking spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp, thin taillamps that border its rear glass, an induction electric tailgate, reflectors on its huge rear bumper, and a large diffuser.

Overall, the looks of the GAC Emkoo GL evoke some Cyberpunk 2077 vibes. One friend even pointed out that the copious amount of geometric designs on the crossover makes it look like Tesla Cybertruck’s brother — well, at least from another mother.

And while we may be getting ahead of ourselves (as the GAC Emkoo GL may not be everyone’s cup of tea), there’s no denying that its GL trim looks handsome at almost every angle.

Interior

While I was impressed with how good the GAC Emkoo GL looked outside, I was even pleased to find out how avant-garde its cabin is.

Greeting the driver are leather seats with perforation (as well as heating and cooling properties); a leather-wrapped, multi-functional, flat-bottom steering wheel; a seven-inch fully-digital instrument cluster; and a larger-than-life 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The floating infotainment unit is equipped with Apple Carplay, but not yet wireless. On that note, one will have to bear with cords while placing his or her smartphone on the dedicated pad on the center console, which could have had wireless charging properties.

Nevertheless, the large center screen displays information in crisp detail and is helpful during navigation or when browsing through one’s Spotify playlist to keep one awake during long trips. Also, audio is blasted through the crossover’s six-speaker sound system, which has decent output.

It is also worth noting that operating the airconditioning controls of the GAC Emkoo GL could take some getting used to. The same goes with the door levers, which had most of my passengers needing a few seconds to figure out.

In general, the cabin of the crossover can hold up on its own. The Beige Brown seats as well as the expansive glass roof with an electric sunshade are something that never fails to make its occupants go Owen Wilson-wow.

The crystal shift knob that reminds me of Eotech holographic sights is also easy and straightforward to use.

Engine and performance

The GAC Emkoo GL did not disappoint when it hit the streets.

It is powered by the Chinese carmaker’s “Powerful Mega Wave” 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. As a result, the powertrain setup delivered even “oomph” across the rev range. While there is still some lag or the so-called “rubber band effect,” one can still easily anticipate when the power will kick in, making it a crossover that’s quite easy to drive.

The GAC Emkoo GL dishes out some 177 horses with 270 Newton-meters of pulling power. At long straightaways on the South Luzon Expressway, it easily maintained its grunt and peppiness. Likewise, it offered spirited (although sometimes jerky) driving in Metro Manila during stop-and-go traffic.

On that note, stopping and deceleration — which may not be the smoothest in the segment — are handled by disc brakes at the front and at the back. Impressive, however, is its suspension, which consists of a MacPherson setup (front) and a multi-link arrangement (rear). The suspension system makes the ride smooth and comfortable, whether the GAC Emkoo GL carries five passengers or just the driver.

Safety

GAC slapped the Emkoo GL with a robust list of safety features.

Standard safety technologies come in the form of airbags and seatbelts, electronic child lock for those traveling with tots, an electronic stability program, hill-start control, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

It also has advanced driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist, a traffic sign recognition system, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, traffic jam assist, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

Pricing, variants

The GAC Emkoo is offered in two trims — the base GE and the range-topping GL. Below are their respective prices.

Emkoo GE: P1.298 million
Emkoo GL: P1.498 million

Final thoughts

The GAC Emkoo is one solid crossover that could answer the needs of those looking for a weekend car or a daily driver. Its looks may not appeal to everyone, but it’s definitely the type of vehicle that will match the energy of those who prefer to stand out from the crowd.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

GAC Emkoo: Could this be the crossover for you?

GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid

GAC Motor PH announces lower prices for 2023 Emkoo, now starts at P1.298-M