GAC EMPOW

Model Overview

The GAC Trumpchi EMPOW (marketed overseas as the "Trumpchi EMPOW55") is GAC Trumpchi's maiden sports sedan built on the GPMA (GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture), slotted into the C-segment. The car made its public debut at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show, with its Chinese moniker "Yingbao" officially announced on 28 March 2021 following its dynamic testing debut at the Donghai Bosch Automotive Test Centre. Spearheading the brand's shift towards a younger demographic, the EMPOW champions a "light sports car" ethos, defined by a low centre of gravity, low drag coefficient, frugal fuel consumption, and punchy performance. The 2024 EMPOW officially went on sale in May 2024 across 4 variant trims, with official prices ranging from RM118,000 to RM158,000. The 2025 model year update followed shortly after, adopting a "fixed-price" structure maintaining the RM118,000 to RM158,000 price band, with post-rebate starting prices dipping to as low as RM83,000. The line-up has since expanded to encompass 1.5T petrol, 2.0T high-performance, and 2.0L full-hybrid (HEV) derivatives, offering a comprehensive powertrain portfolio.

Design Language

Styled after the "Light Sculpted Surface" design philosophy, the EMPOW is available in Sport and Luxury exterior guises. The Sport variant commands a striking presence with a massive hexagonal waterfall front grille, accented by fighter jet-inspired blue polygonal inserts and carbon fibre-look trims, flanked by full-LED sharp headlamps and blade-style air curtains for an aggressive, highly recognisable look. The 2024 iteration introduced blacked-out accents on the front bumper and other exterior trim pieces to amplify its athletic stance. Along the sides, a low-slung fastback profile is complemented by a rising shoulder line, 18-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels, and striking bright yellow brake calipers. At the rear, it features genuine quad exhaust tips (two on each side) alongside a rear diffuser, with higher-spec trims gaining a prominent skeletonised rear wing. Boasting an aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.26 Cd, the car seamlessly fuses aerodynamic efficiency with sporty aesthetics.

In terms of dimensions, the car has seen minor revisions: early iterations measured 4,700 × 1,850 × 1,432 mm (L × W × H), while the 2024-and-later facelift models grew in length to 4,753 mm, retaining the 1,850 mm width, 1,432 mm height, and 2,736 mm wheelbase. Within the compact sedan segment, the generous 1,850 mm width and 2,736 mm wheelbase give it a distinct edge, translating into generous rear legroom and a relatively flat rear floor hump to elevate passenger comfort.

Inside, the 2025 EMPOW is finished in either a black-and-yellow or white-and-blue dual-tone cabin theme. Dominating the dashboard is a dual 10.25-inch screen layout housing the full LCD digital instrument cluster and floating infotainment touchscreen, angled slightly towards the driver alongside a flat-bottom three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and one-piece bucket-style sports seats. Plentiful soft-touch upholstery and faux carbon-fibre trim inlays further uplift overall cabin perceived quality.

Powertrain and Performance

The EMPOW offers three tailored powertrain options to cater to everything from day-to-day fuel efficiency to track-ready performance.

1.5T Petrol Version is powered by GAC's Mega Wave Power third-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine, incorporating advanced technologies such as GCCS combustion control, twin-scroll turbocharging, top-mounted water-cooled intercooler, 350-bar direct fuel injection, high-inertia balance shaft, smart thermal management, and low-friction components. It churns out 130 kW (177 PS) and 270 Nm of torque, with maximum torque kicking in across 1,500 to 4,000 rpm for instantaneous throttle response. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) boasting 96% transmission efficiency and rapid 0.2-second shift times. Launch control is available in Sport+ mode, delivering an official 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.95 seconds, with independent media tests clocking in as fast as 6.81 seconds. Under the WLTC cycle, combined fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 5.96 L/100 km on RON 92 petrol.

2.0T High-Performance Version (EMPOW R) packs GAC's in-house 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (code 4B20J3), putting down a potent 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque across 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, requiring RON 95 petrol. Paired with an Aisin 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, it dispatches the 0-100 km/h benchmark in just 5.7 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.06 L/100 km (WLTC). With 265 PS on tap, it outperforms rivals in its price bracket on paper, recording a tested 100-0 km/h braking distance of around 34.5 metres courtesy of Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (PS5) high-performance tyres.

2.0L Hybrid Version (EMPOW H) harnesses GAC's self-developed GMC 2.0 dedicated hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a GMC 2.0 Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Total system output stands at 175 kW and 480 Nm of torque, returning an impressive WLTC fuel consumption of just 4.33 L/100 km and a maximum theoretical cruising range exceeding 1,500 km.

Chassis and Handling

The entire EMPOW range rides on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture, featuring front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup—a standout hardware combination in the C-segment. For sharper dynamics, 2024 models gain a factory-installed front strut tower bar to boost front-end torsional rigidity, sharpening steering response and turn-in precision. The EMPOW R further benefits from a Bosch ESP 10 stability system, Michelin PS5 performance rubbers, and upsized ventilated brake discs.

The suspension setup leans distinctly towards the sporty side, offering clear road feedback and taut damping, keeping body roll firmly in check with commendable rear-end tracking during high-speed cornering. In the moose test, the chassis stays composed with minimal understeer, exhibiting neutral, confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. Steering duties are handled by a DP-EPS (Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering) rack with minimal on-centre deadband and sharp accuracy, measuring approximately 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. Drivers can toggle between five drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT+, and Custom. In Sport+ mode, the engine allows launch revs of up to 2,100 rpm while the gearbox holds gears aggressively, dropping down two ratios on standby for immediate punch.

Cabin and Equipment

The EMPOW comes standard with the ADiGO intelligent connected infotainment ecosystem across all variants, supporting 4G connectivity, Internet of Vehicles (IoV), full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) updates, dual-zone voice recognition, gesture control, facial recognition, wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. The 2024 model year welcomes Apple CarPlay compatibility across the range, with base variants receiving a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch unit. Range-topping models also add Augmented Reality (AR) navigation and a 10-speaker Yamaha premium audio system.

Comfort amenities are generous from the base trim up, featuring an electric driver's seat, heated front seats, 32-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Stepping up to the R and top-spec variants adds Alcantara and leather combination sports bucket seats, ventilated front seats, a Qi wireless charger, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. In terms of practical storage, the boot easily accommodates daily family hauls, complemented by 60:40 split-folding rear seats for extended cargo flexibility.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS)

Mid-to-high spec EMPOW variants are equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). High-spec trims combine millimetre-wave radar and high-definition cameras to deliver full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, 0–150 km/h), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). High-spec 2.0L hybrid models further incorporate Driver Monitoring System (DMS) with fatigue/distraction alerts and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

Standard active safety features across the range encompass ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA). Upper variants feature front and rear parking sensors along with a 360-degree camera system featuring a 540-degree transparent chassis view, making tight parking manoeuvres effortless. Passive safety is well-catered for with 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) fitted standard across the board, providing robust occupant protection.

Market Performance and Reception

The EMPOW experienced a classic "high start, slow taper" sales trajectory. Upon its debut in August 2021, monthly deliveries swiftly eclipsed the 10,000-unit milestone, maintaining five-figure sales through October and November and earning the moniker of a true "Civic killer". However, early momentum took a hit when independent media instrumented tests recorded a 0-100 km/h time of around 8.21 seconds on production units, trailing the claimed 6.95-second figure and stirring debate over inflated specifications. Subsequent quality-related gripes—such as sunroof rust, 12V battery drain, and transmission chatter—dented buyer confidence and triggered a gradual sales slump. Deliveries from May to July 2024 stood at 1,721, 1,671, and 921 units respectively, reflecting a steady decline. Following the launch of the 2025 refresh, sales managed just 777 units in April and 585 units in May, with numbers continuing to hover at subdued levels heading into May 2026.

Among owners and motoring enthusiasts, the EMPOW's sharp aesthetics, engaging chassis dynamics, and punchy 2.0T output continue to draw praise as a value-packed compact performance sedan in the petrol era. Nevertheless, its onboard tech suite lags behind similarly priced new energy vehicles (NEVs), and its purely ICE-centric positioning has faced mounting headwinds in an increasingly electrified landscape. As a milestone product, the EMPOW served as a crucial catalyst in GAC Trumpchi's pivot towards youthfulness and sportiness, marking a daring foray into the RM100,000 to RM150,000 sports sedan segment. With its diverse powertrain choices, an ultra-low hybrid economy of 4.33 L/100 km, and sub-7-second entry-level acceleration, it set a benchmark for homegrown Chinese sports sedans. Yet, amid the rapid rise of electrification and smart tech, its market journey highlights the structural hurdles facing conventional petrol sports sedans in the era of smart mobility and EV transition.