Stand out in sleek sedans: GAC Empow vs. MG GT

Sedans still have their place in a market where crossovers and SUVs stand tall. While sedans may not offer the commanding driving position and ride height consumers prefer, the advantages these vehicles give instead are sleek styling, a sportier driving feel, and a secure cargo area. What sedans and many crossovers have in common is front-wheel drive, so many argue that the supposed ruggedness of the popular vehicle is merely just for show.

Carmakers GAC and MG are determined to say that sedans are here to stay. These brand’s latest offerings — the 2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT — make their mark in the market with a host of attributes, chief among which are sporty looks and performance. Why pick an SUV-style vehicle that everyone else has? With the 2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT, the perfect way to stand out is to go low aboard sleek sedans.

But which one piques your interest? Let’s look at the differences between the GAC Empow and MG GT.

2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Exterior

The 2023 GAC Empow has a distinctly muscular appearance thanks to design cues like the large front grille, stunning 18-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhausts at the back. Its overall visual attractiveness on the road is enhanced by sharp, angular design elements like the striking automated LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and expanded rear lights.

An athletic stance defines the 2023 MG GT. Its exterior features aggressive body accent lines and a fastback shape that highlight the car's dynamic attitude. A 3D Digital Flaming Grille that is encircled by complete LED headlights and daytime running lamps up front creates the vehicle's muscular front fascia. A split exhaust and a ducktail accent on the trunk give the vehicle a sporty appearance, while dazzling, highly visible 3D LED Racetrack Tail Lights cut through the night.

GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Variants and Prices

The 2023 GAC Empow will be offered in three variants at the following special introductory price points until March 31, 2023.

• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GE DCT - P1.283-million.
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GB DCT - P1.215-million.
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GS DCT - P1.135-million.

The introductory prices incorporate a discount of P90,000 for the GAC Empow GS and GB variants, and P65,000 for the GE.

The 2023 MG GT is now available in all MG dealerships nationwide. It comes in two variants:

• 2023 MG GT Alpha - P1,015,888.
• 2023 MG GT Sport - P1,193,888.

2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Interior and Convenience Features

Inside the 2023 GAC Empow, it features fighter-jet-inspired seats, bright leather panels colored like supercars, and carbon fiber components to enhance the sporty theme. The futuristic and svelte front console of the Empow is finished off by two screens: a 7.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay capability and a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel.

A power sunroof, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a built-in negative ion air purifier, multiple USB type-A ports, power adjustments to the driver's seat, leather upholstery with soft-touch interior trims, and other features all contribute to the interior experience being even better.

Inside, the 2023 MG GT has a cockpit designed after a fighter jet, a 12.3-inch full virtual gauge cluster, and a driver-specific power-adjustable Zero-Gravity Sports Seat with lumbar support. A 10-inch floating HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility is also included in the dashboard. Moreover, the reverse camera and 360-degree camera views are shown on this screen.

Also, there is plenty of room in the cabin and trunk for each person to sit comfortably and bring everything they need. The dimensions of the 2023 MG GT are comparable to sedans in a higher sector, which serves as evidence that it is not your normal sedan.

2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood of the 2023 GAC Empow is the carmaker’s 1.5-liter turbo engine — with churns 168hp and 270Nm of torque — featuring the carmaker’s in-house MegaWave technology. The engine is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission.

Most notably, the sedan can sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.95 seconds — believed to be the fastest acceleration for a compact sedan in its segment.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 161 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque powers the 2023 MG GT. The 2023 MG GT can reach 100 kph from 0 in around 8.5 seconds.

With a smooth-shifting, seven-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic (TST) Transmission with paddle shifters that maintains the power band tuned, every revolution of the sporty engine in the 2023 MG GT is economical.

2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Safety

Multiple safety and driving assist features are onboard the 2023 GAC Empow. A total of six airbags come standard in the vehicle along with a tire pressure monitoring system for added peace of mind. A suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and High Beam Assist all help to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.

The 2023 MG GT has lots of power, appealing styling, and comfort, but the addition of contemporary passive and active safety features that are optional on many other vehicles in this price range or class raises the value of the vehicle overall. To begin with, the 2023 MG GT is meticulously put together. Its high density steel cage body is bonded using cutting-edge laser brazing, ensuring a sturdy and durable chassis and body structure. Furthermore, it comes with advanced safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

2023 GAC Empow and 2023 MG GT Warranty

The full lineup of GAC vehicles come with five-year warranty on parts and services.

Every purchase of the 2023 MG GT comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty, free periodic maintenance (PMS) for the first 10,000km or six months, and 24/7 roadside support through MG HERO Services.

Photos from GAC Motor Philippines, MG Philippines, and Dylan Afuang