2026 GAC Emzoom Premium Lands in Australia: $22,990 Drive-Away Pricing Ties as Nation's Cheapest SUV But With Key Safety Cuts

Chinese automaker GAC has officially expanded its local compact SUV lineup with the introduction of a new entry-level grade, the 2026 GAC Emzoom Premium. Priced at a razor-sharp $22,990 drive-away nationwide, the newcomer undercuts the existing Emzoom Luxury by $4,000, tying with the MG ZS Vibe for the title of Australia's cheapest new SUV.

While the new price point significantly lowers the barrier to brand-new SUV ownership, a close look at the specification walk-up reveals that GAC has implemented notable convenience and safety hardware trade-offs to achieve the headline figure.

Drivetrain & Dimensions Comparison Table

The $4,000 Decontenting: What Was Cut to Hit $22,990?

To achieve the $22,990 entry ticket, the Emzoom Premium sheds 45kg of kerb weight (dropping to 1370kg), but sacrifices several key convenience and safety components:

• Crucial Safety Deletions: The Premium model deletes front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners—vital pyrotechnic devices that cinch seatbelts tight immediately during an impact. While force-limiters remain, visual unfastened reminders for the second row have been removed. (Automotive safety context: The omission of seatbelt pre-tensioners notably contributed to the MG 5 sedan receiving a zero-star ANCAP rating in 2023, prior to its subsequent hardware updates in 2025).
• Sensors & Camera Tech: The Luxury grade's 360-degree surround-view camera and blind-spot monitor are replaced with a standard reversing camera. All 6 front parking sensors have been eliminated, while rear parking sensors are halved from 6 down to 3.
• Convenience & Exterior Features: The Premium loses the panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, power tailgate, ventilated driver's seat, 6-way power driver seat adjustment (swapped for manual), 50W wireless phone charging pad, electric pop-out flush door handles, and heated power-folding mirrors. The rear windshield wiper has also been deleted.

Cabin Technology and Remaining Standard Equipment

Despite the cost-cutting measures, the Emzoom Premium retains a tech-forward cabin highlighted by a class-leading 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment interface supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital cockpit is completed by a 7.0-inch LCD instrument display, keyless entry with push-button start, single-zone automatic climate control with rear directional vents, and black artificial leather upholstery.

Active driver assist systems that carry over as standard across both grades include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), and High Beam Assist (HMA).

2026 GAC Emzoom Full Australian Pricing

Both Emzoom variants are available to order now, backed by GAC’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

(Note: Pricing listed below reflects national Drive-Away figures, inclusive of 12 months registration, compulsory third-party insurance, state stamp duty, and dealer delivery charges.)

• 2026 GAC Emzoom Premium 1.5T 7DCT (FWD) – $22,990 (Drive-Away) (Promotional pricing valid until September 30, 2026)
• 2026 GAC Emzoom Luxury 1.5T 7DCT (FWD) – $26,990 (Drive-Away)

Full Standard Equipment Walk-Up Table