Verdict
The Aion ES asks RM33,000 more, but changes the ownership brief with a 55.2-kWh battery, 442-km stated range and 60-kW DC charging rather than the S70’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol setup. The Proton answers with 178 hp and 290 Nm against the EV’s 136 hp and 225 Nm, plus a useful 500-litre boot. The Aion is 208 mm longer and rides on a 123-mm longer wheelbase, yet its boot is 50 litres smaller. For Malaysian buyers with dependable charging, the EV’s RM70 annual road tax and 3.3-kW V2L matter; otherwise the Proton’s lower entry cost is hard to ignore.
Pick the Aion ES if home or workplace charging suits your routine and you want 442 km of stated electric range, 60-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L.
Pick the Proton S70 if you want to spend RM33,000 less, carry 50 litres more luggage and have 178 hp with 290 Nm from a petrol sedan.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Proton S70 RM73,800.
- Power and torque: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; Proton S70 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Energy storage: Aion ES has a 55.2-kWh battery and 442-km range; Proton S70 has a 50-litre petrol tank.
- Charging: Aion ES supports 6.6-kW AC and 60-kW DC charging; Proton S70 is petrol-powered.
- Size and boot: Aion ES is 4,810 mm long with a 2,750-mm wheelbase and 450-litre boot; Proton S70 is 4,602 mm long with a 2,627-mm wheelbase and 500-litre boot.
- Annual road tax: Aion ES RM70; Proton S70 RM90.
ES
- 442-km stated range from a 55.2-kWh battery.
- 60-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L.
- 208 mm longer body and 123 mm longer wheelbase.
- RM33,000 higher purchase price.
- 136 hp and 225 Nm trail the S70’s 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- 450-litre boot is 50 litres smaller.
S70
- RM33,000 lower purchase price.
- 178 hp and 290 Nm, ahead of the Aion ES.
- 500-litre boot and a space-saver spare tyre.
- 208 mm shorter body and 123 mm shorter wheelbase.
- RM90 annual road tax is RM20 higher.
- No electric driving range, AC/DC charging or V2L capability.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800 | RM73,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 178 hp |
| Torque | — | 290 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| 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 | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.5 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,602 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,466 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,627 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,300 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres | 500 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 205/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 205/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Giti Comfort F22 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | — | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | — | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | — | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooh, Screen Mirroring, 4 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| 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 | — | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 6 Times Free Labour Servicing |
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 & S70 for sale
ES vs S70 FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Proton S70 better?
The Aion ES is better for drivers able to charge regularly, with a 55.2-kWh battery, 442-km stated range and 60-kW DC charging. The Proton S70 is the stronger value choice if petrol refuelling suits your use, with 178 hp, 290 Nm and a 500-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM33,000 more than the Proton S70.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Aion ES has an eight-year, 160,000-km manufacturer warranty. The Proton S70 has a five-year manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage, plus six times free labour servicing.