Verdict
At RM106,800, the Aion ES costs RM47,000 more than the RM59,800 Proton S70, but its 136 hp/225 Nm motor, 55.2 kWh battery and 442 km range suit buyers able to charge regularly. It is also 208 mm longer and rides on a 123 mm longer wheelbase, although its 450-litre boot trails the S70’s 500 litres. The S70’s 118 hp/150 Nm petrol engine, CVT and 50-litre tank make it the cheaper conventional choice, with six airbags, blind-spot monitoring and wireless smartphone connectivity.
The ES EV (RM106,800) sits above every S70 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the Aion ES if you can charge at home or work and want 442 km of EV range, 225 Nm and a larger 2,750 mm-wheelbase sedan.
Pick the Proton S70 if RM47,000 saved, a 500-litre boot and its specified safety and connectivity kit matter more than EV driving.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Proton S70 RM59,800.
- Power and torque: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; Proton S70 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Energy storage: Aion ES 55.2 kWh battery; Proton S70 50-litre fuel tank.
- Length and wheelbase: Aion ES 4,810 mm and 2,750 mm; Proton S70 4,602 mm and 2,627 mm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Proton S70 500 litres.
- Warranty: Aion ES 8 years/160,000 km; Proton S70 5 years/unlimited mileage.
ES
- 442 km EV range from a 55.2 kWh battery.
- 136 hp and 225 Nm motor output.
- Larger 4,810 mm body and 2,750 mm wheelbase.
- RM47,000 more expensive.
- 450-litre boot is 50 litres smaller.
- 160,000 km warranty cap versus unlimited mileage.
S70
- RM47,000 lower purchase price.
- 500-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre.
- Six airbags, blind-spot system and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the Aion ES’s 136 hp and 225 Nm.
- Shorter 2,627 mm wheelbase and 4,602 mm body.
- No EV range, DC charging or 3.3 kW V2L capability.
What the S70 has over the ES
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The ES's wheelbase is 123 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The ES is 71 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the S70: 500 litres against 450.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800 | RM59,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,090/mo | RM610/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,025 | RM1,834✓ |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | RM1,110 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM5.55 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM21,022 | — |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 8.4 hours | — |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 65 min | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC DVVT (i-GT), Port Fuel Injection |
| Capacity | — | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 73.4 mm × 88.57 mm |
| 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 | — | 8-speed CVT with Manual Mode |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 186 km/h |
| 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 | — | 1,269 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 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | — | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 16" Turbine-style Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 16" Turbine-style Alloys |
| Steering | — | Electric Power Steering |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 6 (Dual Front, Side and Curtain Airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | ISOFIX with Top Tether |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Rear Seat Reminder, All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning; no AEB/ACC/lane-keep (camera ADAS reserved for 1.5TD Flagship variants) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | Halogen |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Fabric |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding, Fixed Headrests |
| Front Air-con | — | Manual Air Conditioning |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C Front, 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | — | Front and Rear Interior Lamps |
| Audio | — | 8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up/Down with Anti-trap |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button Start with Remote Engine Start |
| Locks | — | Keyless Entry |
| Cruise Control | — | Cruise Control with Speed Limiter |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | N95 cabin filter; Eco/Sport/Comfort drive modes; Auto Brake Hold; 12V socket (120W); electric door mirrors with manual fold; urethane steering wheel; aerokit optional |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 6x 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used ES & S70 for sale
Our reviews & guides
Aion ES
Proton S70
ES vs S70 FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Proton S70 better?
The Proton S70 is the better buy for most budgets, saving RM47,000 while adding a 500-litre boot and specified safety equipment. Choose the Aion ES for its 442 km EV range, 225 Nm motor and longer wheelbase if charging is convenient.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM47,000 more than the Proton S70.
Which has the larger boot?
The Proton S70 has the larger boot at 500 litres, beating the Aion ES’s 450 litres by 50 litres.
How long does charging take?
The ES's 55.2 kWh battery takes about 8.4 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 65 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 60 kW peak.
Which one is locally assembled?
The S70 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the ES is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.
Which has the better warranty?
The ES carries a 8-year manufacturer warranty against 5 years for the S70. S70: 6x free labour servicing.