Verdict
At RM106,800 apiece, these C-segment rivals take sharply different routes. The Aion ES is 278 mm longer and has a 2,750 mm wheelbase, yet its 450-litre boot trails the X70’s 515 litres. Its 55.2-kWh battery is rated for 442 km and annual road tax is RM70, useful if you can charge regularly. The X70 counters with 178 hp and 290 Nm against 136 hp and 225 Nm, an SUV body, plus a 360-degree camera and ventilated front seats. Choose around charging access and load space, not price.
Pick the Aion ES if you have dependable charging and want a 442-km EV range, 3.3-kW V2L and RM70 annual road tax.
Pick the Proton X70 if you need a 515-litre boot, SUV form and its stronger 178-hp, 290-Nm petrol drivetrain.
Key differences
- Price and road tax: both cost RM106,800, but the Aion ES is RM70/year versus the Proton X70’s RM120/year.
- Power: Aion ES has a 136-hp, 225-Nm motor; Proton X70 has a 178-hp, 290-Nm 1,499-cc turbo petrol engine.
- Energy storage: Aion ES uses a 55.2-kWh battery rated for 442 km; Proton X70 has a 60-litre petrol tank.
- Size: Aion ES measures 4,810 mm long with a 2,750-mm wheelbase; Proton X70 is 4,532 mm long with a 2,670-mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: Aion ES has 450 litres; Proton X70 has 515 litres.
- Warranty: Aion ES has eight years or 160,000 km; Proton X70 has five years with unlimited mileage.
ES
- 442-km rated EV range from a 55.2-kWh battery
- RM70 annual road tax
- 3.3-kW V2L capability
- 136 hp and 225 Nm trail the X70’s 178 hp and 290 Nm
- 450-litre boot is 65 litres smaller than the X70’s
X70
- 178 hp and 290 Nm from the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine
- 515-litre boot
- 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats and 12.3-inch touchscreen
- RM120 annual road tax is RM50 higher than the Aion ES
- Five-year warranty is three years shorter than the Aion ES’s eight-year cover, despite unlimited mileage
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800 | RM106,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct 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) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Manual Mode |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,532 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,831 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,694 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,575 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres | 515 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | — | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 18" 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 |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat, Front Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | — | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Purifier System & Air Ionizer |
| 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 | — | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, eSIM, Voice Control and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, with 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 |
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 & X70 for sale
ES vs X70 FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Proton X70 better?
The Aion ES is better for drivers with regular charging access, thanks to its 442-km rated range and lower RM70 road tax. The Proton X70 is better for SUV practicality, a 515-litre boot and stronger 178-hp, 290-Nm performance.
What is the price difference?
There is no price difference: both the Aion ES and Proton X70 cost RM106,800. Their annual road tax differs, at RM70 for the Aion ES and RM120 for the Proton X70.
Which car is better for luggage?
The Proton X70 is better for luggage, with a 515-litre boot versus 450 litres in the Aion ES. That is a 65-litre advantage, while the X70 also has a five-door SUV body.