The Geely Emgrand S is a compact crossover SUV introduced under Geely Auto's Emgrand model line, positioned as an urban compact SUV tailored for younger buyers in the "Technology Geely 4.0" era. Officially launched on 26 April 2021 as a sister car and facelifted iteration of the Emgrand GS, both models were briefly sold alongside each other. The Emgrand S was offered in 4 variants, priced between RM84,900 and RM108,900 officially. The "S" designation stands for "Stylish", "Smart", and "Sporty", highlighting a youthful appeal, smart tech, and strong value for money.
Competing in the compact SUV segment, the Emgrand S measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,833 mm in width, and 1,573 mm in height, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. The five-door, five-seater crossover features a 55-litre fuel tank, with kerb weight rated between 1,345 kg and 1,400 kg. Key highlights include a standard 1.4T turbocharged engine across the range, dual 10.25-inch digital displays, the Strawberry Music smart interactive infotainment system, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist on higher variants. Conceived as a major facelift of the Emgrand GS, the Emgrand S received extensive exterior and interior overhauls using Geely's 4.0 design language, targeting rival compact SUVs in the same price bracket such as the Changan Oshan X5, Haval H6, and Changan CS75 PLUS.
Styling-wise, the Emgrand S merges Geely's latest family design cues with athletic crossover proportions. Up front, it sports an "Urban Light & Shadow" cascading grille with vertical chrome slats, giving it a sculpted profile and clear brand identity, while delivering a cleaner front-end look than the Emgrand GS. Flanking the grille are sleek "City Notes" LED headlamp units with darkened internal housings, which come standard across the range along with automatic on/off and follow-me-home delay functions.
In profile, the crossover retains the coupe-like fastback silhouette of the Emgrand GS, combining a low-slung stance with a sloping roofline for an athletic, elongated hatchback aesthetic. A blacked-out trim piece between the C-pillar and the rear quarter glass creates a floating-roof effect. Higher-spec variants ride on 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels paired with sporty red brake callipers and 225/45 R18 tyres. Around the rear, the darkened transparent tail lights are linked by a gloss-black trim strip for a full-width visual signature, complemented by a roof-mounted aero spoiler and dual exhaust finishers integrated into the rear bumper.
Inside, the Emgrand S features a vibrant two-tone red-and-black cabin. The wraparound dashboard incorporates soft-touch slush-moulded surfaces, carbon-fibre-effect trims, and leatherette upholstery. Standard fitment includes a dual-screen setup comprising a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen, complete with a "three-finger swipe" display-sharing function for navigation. High-spec models further benefit from a 72-colour rhythmic ambient lighting system, integrated semi-bucket sports seats, and the proprietary Strawberry Music smart interactive audio system.
Under the bonnet, all Emgrand S variants are powered by a JLB-4G14TB 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, pushing out 104 kW (around 141 PS) and 235 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual (6MT) and a CVT with an eight-speed manual mode simulation. Equipped with DVVT (Dual Variable Valve Timing) and multi-point fuel injection, the engine runs on standard RON 92 petrol and meets China VI emission standards. Geely quotes a top speed of 185 km/h and a combined fuel economy figure of 5.9 L/100 km. Geared primarily towards smoothness and daily fuel efficiency, the powertrain delivers sprightly off-the-line response for city commuting, though the CVT displays slight lag during sudden kickdowns.
Underpinned by a front-engine, front-wheel-drive architecture, the Emgrand S rides on front MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and a rear torsion beam setup. Steering duties are handled by a speed-sensitive electric power steering (EPS) system, while braking is managed by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, with higher variants adding an electronic parking brake (EPB). In terms of wheel and tyre setups, lower-to-mid variants get 215/50 R17 rubbers, stepping up to 225/45 R18 on top trims. Drivers can toggle between three selectable drive modes—Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport—supplemented by Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control. The suspension is primarily tuned for everyday comfort; while the rear torsion beam feels slightly firm over sharp ruts, it delivers decent ride compliance during regular urban driving.
The Emgrand S comes standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating infotainment touchscreen running the GKUI Smart Ecosystem, supporting 4G LTE connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, AutoNavi live navigation, intelligent voice commands, online streaming music and radio apps, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Top-tier variants also offer smartphone app-based telematics and remote control features.
The audio experience is a signature highlight of the Emgrand S. Higher-spec grades feature the bespoke Strawberry Music system, packing a 10-speaker surround-sound setup (with dedicated subwoofer and amplifier) powered by a high-grade ADI DSP chip. Additionally, the cabin boasts an intelligent scenario interaction system with four one-touch preset modes—Dynamic, Parent-Child, Smoking, and Refreshing—which automatically adjust the air-con, music playback, windows, navigation, and ambient lighting in tandem.
On the comfort front, standard amenities across the lineup include automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, a PM2.5 cabin air filter, keyless entry with push-button start, and one-touch power windows with anti-pinch protection on all four doors. High-grade models gain a fixed panoramic glass roof, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats.
Safety-wise, the Emgrand S offers a well-rounded kit. Passive and active electronic chassis systems fitted as standard include ABS with EBD, Bosch ESP 9.3 electronic stability control, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and Auto Brake Hold. Airbag protection includes standard dual front airbags and front side airbags across all variants, with the range-topping Flagship variant adding full-length curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
For advanced active safety, the Premium and Flagship variants feature a Level 2 ADAS suite supported by a Bosch millimetre-wave radar and a forward-facing camera. The ADAS suite incorporates Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with pedestrian detection), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), and Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF). Specifically, the Premium variant comes with AEB and ACC, while the Flagship adds LKA, LDW, IHBC, SLIF, and AEB-P pedestrian protection.
Furthermore, the Emgrand S is equipped with a "540-degree transparent chassis" camera system on Premium and Flagship variants, combining a 360-degree surround-view monitor with a 180-degree underfloor view to give drivers complete visibility around and beneath the car in tight or uneven driving conditions.
In terms of sales performance, the Emgrand S charted a "strong start, modest finish" trajectory. The crossover initially gained solid traction thanks to its youthful styling and generous kit, with monthly sales surpassing 5,000 units in March 2022. However, deliveries slumped sharply to around 1,000 units per month starting from April 2022, settling at just 1,660 units by September 2022. Automotive analysts attribute the decline to multiple factors: firstly, fierce rivalry in the compact SUV segment where competitors like the Changan Oshan X5 and Haval H6 held the upper hand in terms of performance, physical dimensions, and brand equity; secondly, the Emgrand S was limited to a 1.4T engine (141 PS), leaving it outmuscled by rivals offering 1.5T powerplants (around 180 PS); and thirdly, the rapid influx of affordable electrified vehicles in the RM100,000 price bracket, which took a heavy toll on traditional ICE offerings.
In owner reviews, buyers generally praised the Emgrand S for its striking exterior design, quality interior finish, high-tech dual 10.25-inch displays, supportive sports seats, and comprehensive equipment list. Conversely, common criticisms centred on the rear torsion beam's average damping performance over rough tarmac, rear seatbacks that did not fold completely flat, modest boot capacity relative to peers, and the lack of a punchier engine option.
As of 2025, the Emgrand S has been officially discontinued and phased out of production, with remaining showroom units consisting mostly of leftover 2021 and 2022 model-year inventory. Geely Auto's product momentum has since shifted towards newer-generation SUV offerings such as the Boyue L, Boyue COOL, and Binyue. As a mid-cycle evolution of the Emgrand GS, the Emgrand S served as a bridging model in Geely's SUV portfolio—attempting to draw younger buyers through "Technology Geely 4.0" styling and connected tech, but ultimately seeing a relatively short market lifespan amid stiff competition and shifting internal brand priorities.
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