Empow
A long-wheelbase Chinese compact that punches above its class in space and tech — at a price that undercuts most Japanese rivals. · 5 seats
REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOaboodi vesakaran / PexelsOur verdict
6.8 / 10The GAC Empow is one of the most substantive Chinese compact sedans in the UAE market — its 4,700 mm body, 2,730 mm wheelbase, and 170 hp turbocharged engine position it closer to a mid-size sedan in feel. The 6-year/150,000 km warranty is a genuine differentiator against Japanese rivals at similar money. The dual-clutch gearbox works best on the highway; urban traffic can expose some jerkiness. Resale value lags the Civic, Corolla, and Sentra meaningfully, so total cost of ownership rewards those who plan to keep it long-term.
Who it's for — UAE buyers who want maximum space and tech at a price below AED 95,000, and plan to hold the car 4–6 years to benefit from the long warranty. Good for families needing a roomy daily driver without stretching into the AED 100,000+ segment.
PROS
- +Generous dimensions — wheelbase of 2,730 mm rivals some mid-size sedans
- +Industry-leading 6-year/150,000 km warranty for peace of mind
- +170 hp turbo engine is punchy versus naturally aspirated rivals at this price
- +Well-equipped across trims — 13-inch screen, wireless charging, ADAS on GE/GL
- +AED 79,900 entry price undercuts Honda City and Nissan Sentra
CONS
- –Resale value lags Japanese and Korean brands significantly in UAE
- –7-speed DCT can be jerky in stop-start city traffic
- –GAC service network in UAE smaller than Toyota, Nissan, or Hyundai
- –Brand perception still building in GCC — affects future trade-in value
- –Combined fuel efficiency of ~7.5 L/100km is average, not outstanding
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
Driver, passenger, and side/curtain airbags standard across all trims
Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution
Advanced driver assistance systems including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking
Reversing camera displayed on the central touchscreen
Rear proximity sensors with audible alerts
Child seat mounting points on rear outboard seats
COMFORT
Automatic dual-zone air conditioning across all trims
Large glass sunroof on GE and GL trims
Qi wireless phone charging pad on GE and GL
Leather upholstery with contrast stitching on GE and GL
Keyless ignition with smart entry across all trims
Standard cruise control on GS; adaptive cruise on GE/GL
Sport alloy wheels on GL trim
INFOTAINMENT
Large central infotainment display on GE and GL; 10.25-inch on GS
Wireless smartphone mirroring on all trims
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity standard
Standard 6-speaker sound system across all trims
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 79,900 | AED 92,900 | AED 94,900 |
| POWER | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 9 s | 9 s | 9 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 7.5 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| DRIVE | FWD | FWD | FWD |
GAC
Comfortable and good value; long-term reliability and resale are still being proven.
A Guangzhou state group known for comfortable, well-finished cars at keen prices.
In the UAE — Value comfort; resale lags established brands.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
Official GAC distributor for the UAE; check website for showroom locations
https://www.gacmotor.ae ↗RENT FROM
GAC Empow not widely listed in UAE rental fleets as of mid-2026; economy sedan alternatives readily available
Warranty — 6 years / 150,000 km · GAC UAE offers an industry-leading 6-year/150,000 km warranty — longer than most Japanese and Korean rivals. Confirm exact terms with the local GAC dealer.
Frequently asked
How much does the 2026 GAC Empow cost in the UAE?+
The GAC Empow ranges from AED 79,900 (1.5T GS) to AED 94,900 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the GAC Empow worth buying?+
Caralog rates the GAC Empow 6.8/10. The GAC Empow is one of the most substantive Chinese compact sedans in the UAE market — its 4,700 mm body, 2,730 mm wheelbase, and 170 hp turbocharged engine position it closer to a mid-size sedan in feel. The 6-year/150,000 km warranty is a genuine differentiator against Japanese rivals at similar money. The dual-clutch gearbox works best on the highway; urban traffic can expose some jerkiness. Resale value lags the Civic, Corolla, and Sentra meaningfully, so total cost of ownership rewards those who plan to keep it long-term.
Who should buy the GAC Empow?+
UAE buyers who want maximum space and tech at a price below AED 95,000, and plan to hold the car 4–6 years to benefit from the long warranty. Good for families needing a roomy daily driver without stretching into the AED 100,000+ segment.
What are the pros and cons of the GAC Empow?+
Pros: Generous dimensions — wheelbase of 2,730 mm rivals some mid-size sedans; Industry-leading 6-year/150,000 km warranty for peace of mind; 170 hp turbo engine is punchy versus naturally aspirated rivals at this price; Well-equipped across trims — 13-inch screen, wireless charging, ADAS on GE/GL; AED 79,900 entry price undercuts Honda City and Nissan Sentra. Cons: Resale value lags Japanese and Korean brands significantly in UAE; 7-speed DCT can be jerky in stop-start city traffic; GAC service network in UAE smaller than Toyota, Nissan, or Hyundai; Brand perception still building in GCC — affects future trade-in value; Combined fuel efficiency of ~7.5 L/100km is average, not outstanding.
Is the GAC Empow reliable, and does it hold its value?+
GAC has average reliability and weak resale in the UAE. Comfortable and good value; long-term reliability and resale are still being proven.
How fast is the GAC Empow?+
The GAC Empow makes 170 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 9s (top speed 200 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the GAC Empow?+
The GAC Empow returns about 7.5 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the GAC Empow have?+
The GAC Empow seats 5, with 480 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the GAC Empow in the UAE?+
Available from GAC Motor UAE. 6 years / 150,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the GAC Empow?+
Cross-shop the Honda City, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Chery Arrizo 5.