On Test: GAC Emkoo. An ideal family SUV and it’s a head turner!

Unmistakeable presence. It has to be I guess with that very different and attractive front V-shaped grille, triple-element headlights and a coupe silhouette. Bumper to bumper, it’s 4.68 metres long. It’s different for sure. This is a Chinese vehicle but it just does not feel like that. It feels like a modern and luxury SUV ready for the regular work commute or for those long adventurous weekend getaways. And that’s exactly what I did when on test recently. A long drive to bring out the best of the Emkoo. The drive was as smooth as you like with many actually slowing their vehicles to get a better glimpse of the Emkoo. I could almost hear what they were saying. What SUV is that?

The interior is plush and modern with all the bells and whistles one could ask for. Plenty of space for five adult passengers. I also found the boot-space was more than plentiful. It’s an ideal SUV that is more than family suited. And get this: For the month of April 2026, prices have been greatly reduced in a promo deal that is already proving to be a hit with prospective buyers! (See below)

Light up my life!

When it comes to the lights of the vehicle, the matrix LED headlights are notable for their sleek design, with a thickness of less than 20mm. They offer a substantial improvement in brightness, delivering a combined total of 2 650 lumens for both low and high beams - 25% more than earlier lens units.

At the rear, the EMKOO continues to impress with its innovative tail light design. The "lightsaber-inspired" LED taillights, arranged vertically in an "X" pattern, feature 128 embedded LED bulbs, and include a music sync function, adding a dynamic touch.

 

Safety First

Like the Emzoom, this is well equipped with safety and tech features. Inside both Executive and Executive Plus derivatives include a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a surround-view camera, a glass roof with a built in electric sunshade and a keyless start system. It is further equipped on the safety front with adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision-warning, traffic sign recognition system, lane keep assist and lane departure warning to name a few.

I loved, arguably, the Emkoo’s panoramic sunroof. Even when the sun is out in full force, the ambience in the cabin is just right. At night, the unobstructed view of the night sky lets you enjoy the stars. Complementing this feature, the dynamic ambient lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere inside the cabin, enhancing your mood and confidence during every drive. Together, these elements ensure a driving experience that is both luxurious and uplifting.

 

Interior Comfort

Sitting in the drivers’ seat just feels so right. The Emkoo takes comfort to a new level with its interior design. Its cosy, calming and comfortable. This design expresses luxury and adds to the overall driving experience, making every journey relaxing and enjoyable. The blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication ensures that the interior is as visually striking as it is comfortable.

The cabin is a technological marvel, featuring a vibrant and interactive display system composed of three screens: a 10.1” touch screen, up to a 10” LCD instrument cluster display, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) on the Executive-Plus. This array of screens not only enhances functionality but also adds a dynamic and immersive element to the driving experience, making it engaging and enjoyable. Everything you need is at your fingertips.

 

Powertrain

The powertrain has been carried over from its smaller Emkoo sibling, which means the 1.5-litre turbocharged motor delivers 130 kW and 270 N.m. This is mated to a 7-speed ‘wet’ dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. Fuel consumption has been highlighted at a very impressive 6.4 L/100 km, considering that the Emkoo is a large SUV.

Pricing

GAC EMKOO EXECUTIVE - FROM R519 900

GAC EMKOO EXECUTIVE PLUS - FROM R559 900

For the month of April 2025, a special promo is being offered:

GAC EMKOO EXECUTIVE - FROM R469 900

GAC EMKOO EXECUTIVE PLUS - FROM R539 900

 

Lifetime Warranty to the first owner.

Standard 5 year/150 000km multiple owners.

Service Plan 5 year/100 000