GAC Empow vs Empow Sport in Saudi Arabia: Which Trim Is Worth Buying?

Saudi Arabia:  The GAC Empow has quickly become a hot favorite for drivers who want head-turning looks without breaking the bank. But as soon as you visit the showroom leaves you with a critical decision: should you save your money and stick with the standard Empow, or stretch your budget for the flashier Empow Sport? In this comparison, we will break down the design upgrades, performance feel, and price differences in the Saudi market to help you decide which trim is the best for you.

Quick facts:

• Empow GE starts from SAR 92,437 (SAR 80,380 + VAT), including tax
• Empow Sport is priced from SAR 104,317 (SAR 90,710 + VAT), including tax
• Empow GE/GL runs a 1.5L turbo engine (170 hp); Empow Sport runs a 2.0L turbo engine (265 hp)
• All three share a 6-year or 250,000 km manufacturer warranty

Pricing in Saudi Arabia

GAC's official Saudi site confirms pricing for the Empow GE and the Empow Sport directly. The GL grade's specific price wasn't listed on the page reviewed, so treat that figure as a gap to confirm with a GAC dealer rather than an assumed number.

Grade	Base Price (SAR)	VAT	Total (SAR)
Empow GE	80,380	12,057	92,437
Empow GL	-	—	-
Empow Sport	90,710	13,607	104,317

Engine and Performance Specs

This is where the Sport genuinely earns its stripes with its 2.0L Turbo GDI. 

Spec	Empow GE / GL	Empow Sport
Engine	1.5L Turbo GDI	2.0L Turbo GDI
Max power	170 hp	265 hp
Max torque	270 Nm	400 Nm
Transmission	7-speed wet dual-clutch	Aisin 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive	Not explicitly listed on the spec sheet, but shares the same layout
0-100 km/h	6.95 seconds	5.70 seconds
Fuel economy	18.9 km/L	18.1 km/L
Front brakes	Standard calipers (not specified)	Continental 4-piston fixed calipers
Steering	Electric Power Steering (EPS)	ZF DP-EPS electric power steering
Stability control	Electronic Stability Program	Bosch ESP10.0
Tires	R18 alloy, 225/45	R18 alloy, 225/45, Michelin PS4
Curb weight	1,413 kg (GE) / 1,420 kg (GL)	Not listed

The Sport also adds Idle Stop & Go for fuel-saving at standstill and electric flush door handles.

GE vs. GL: What Is the Difference

Both standard Empow grades share the identical engine, transmission, touchscreen size, and core safety systems. The real differences sit in comfort equipment and one notable safety feature:

Feature	GE	GL
Blind Spot Detection (radar)	Not included	Included
Leather-trimmed seats	Not included (fabric)	Included
Driver's seat pneumatic lumbar support	Not included	Included
Ventilated front seats	Not included	Included
Wireless charger	Not included	Included (15W)
Multi-color ambient lighting	Not included	Included
Paddle shifters	Not included	Included
Dual exhaust with sport sound	Not included	Included
Sound system	6 speakers	8 speakers
Curb weight	1,413 kg	1,420 kg

Where the Empow Sport Pulls Ahead, and One Surprising Gap

The Sport picks up the GL's comfort features, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and ambient lighting are all present, and adds its own performance-focused touches: dual exhaust pipes with a sport-tuned exhaust note, a more aggressive "racing" appearance design, and a dedicated sport spoiler.

Safety Features Shared Across the Range

All three grades share a strong safety baseline according to GAC's spec sheets:

• 10 airbags across the cabin
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hill-start Hold Control (HHC) and Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold
• Second-row child safety door locks with ISOFix anchors
• Intelligent High Beam Assist (HMA)

Technology and Infotainment

Every grade, including the base GE, shares the same core technology package: a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and FunDrive Link support, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, Bluetooth handsfree calling, smart keyless entry with push-button start and remote engine start, automatic air conditioning with second-row vents, and USB ports for the front and second row.

Which Empow Trim Should You Buy?

The standard Empow GL looks like the sweet spot for most Saudi buyers with every comfort and safety feature GAC offers on this platform. The Empow Sport is a genuine performance variant with a larger engine, quicker transmission, and upgraded brakes to match. The GE is the most affordable way into the range at SAR 92,437. But then you have to bear the BSD, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and ambient lighting, as they only come in the GL. These features are worth paying extra for if you want the most comfort. But if you value the 265 hp, a sub-6-second sprint to 100 km/h, and genuine brake hardware upgrades, then Sport at  SAR 104,317 is the only option. It brings unmatched straight-line performance and sportier styling. 

Also Read: Best Chinese 7-Seater SUVs in Saudi Arabia 2026: Price and Specs Guide (100K to 150K SAR)