Verdict
The RM13,000 gap buys the Aion ES a 55.2-kWh battery, 442 km of EV range, 136 hp and 225 Nm, plus a roomier 4,810-mm body with a 450-litre boot. It suits Malaysian buyers who can charge regularly and want lower RM70 annual road tax. The MG 5 answers with a 112-hp, 150-Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 45-litre tank and RM90 road tax, but it is far better specified on the safety and convenience front, including autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and a sunroof. On paper, the Aion is the longer-distance EV choice; the MG is the better-equipped petrol sedan.
Pick the Aion ES if you have dependable charging and want 442 km of EV range, 225 Nm and a 450-litre boot.
Pick the MG 5 if you want to spend less upfront and prioritise its autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera and sunroof.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; MG 5 RM93,800.
- Powertrain output: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; MG 5 112 hp and 150 Nm.
- Energy storage: Aion ES has a 55.2-kWh battery and 442 km range; MG 5 has a 45-litre petrol tank.
- Length and wheelbase: Aion ES 4,810 mm and 2,750 mm; MG 5 4,675 mm and 2,680 mm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; MG 5 401 litres.
- Warranty: Aion ES eight years/160,000 km; MG 5 five years/unlimited mileage, with seven years/unlimited mileage powertrain cover.
ES
- 442 km EV range from a 55.2-kWh battery.
- 136 hp and 225 Nm motor output.
- Larger 450-litre boot and RM70 annual road tax.
- Costs RM13,000 more.
- Eight-year warranty is capped at 160,000 km versus the MG 5's unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty.
5
- RM13,000 lower purchase price.
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree camera.
- Sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat and 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 112 hp and 150 Nm trail the Aion ES's 136 hp and 225 Nm.
- 401-litre boot is 49 litres smaller than the Aion ES's.
- RM90 annual road tax is RM20 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800 | RM93,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 112 hp |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 136 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 55.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 442 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | iCVT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 11.5 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,675 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,842 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,680 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 45 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres✓ | 401 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Maxxis Primetra S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | — | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | — | One-piece Folding |
| Front Air-con | — | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vent |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 3 USB |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | — | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used ES & 5 for sale
ES vs 5 FAQ
Is the Aion ES or MG 5 better?
The Aion ES is better for buyers with regular charging, thanks to its 442 km EV range, 225 Nm motor and larger boot. The MG 5 is better for a lower entry price and its much fuller stated safety and convenience equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM106,800 and the MG 5 costs RM93,800, so the Aion is RM13,000 more expensive.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The Aion ES has lower annual road tax at RM70, compared with RM90 for the MG 5.