Verdict
At RM119,800 against RM103,800, the Aion Y Plus asks RM16,000 more but gives you a 430 km EV range, 63.2 kWh LFP battery, bigger 405-litre boot and a longer 2,750 mm wheelbase. The GAC GS3 is the quicker car, doing 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds versus 8.5 seconds, and it has the richer driver-assist list. The Aion feels the more spacious, comfort-led family pick; the GAC is the sharper-value petrol SUV with more active safety kit.
Pick the Aion Y Plus if you want an electric B-SUV with more cabin length, more boot space, rear air vents and an eight-year warranty.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want the lower price, quicker 0-100 km/h time and driver assists such as AEB, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Price: Aion Y Plus RM119,800; GAC GS3 RM103,800
- Powertrain: Aion Y Plus 201 hp/225 Nm electric motor; GAC GS3 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5 turbo petrol
- 0-100 km/h: Aion Y Plus 8.5 seconds; GAC GS3 7.5 seconds
- Wheelbase: Aion Y Plus 2,750 mm; GAC GS3 2,650 mm
- Boot space: Aion Y Plus 405 litres; GAC GS3 341 litres
- Warranty: Aion Y Plus 8 years/160,000 km; GAC GS3 5 years/150,000 km
Y Plus
- 430 km EV range from a 63.2 kWh LFP battery
- Bigger body and 405-litre boot
- Auto climate control, rear air vents and panoramic glass roof
- RM16,000 dearer
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 8.5 seconds versus 7.5 seconds
- Lacks the GAC’s AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane steering correction and adaptive cruise control
GS3
- Cheaper by RM16,000
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time at 7.5 seconds
- Gets AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane steering correction and adaptive cruise control
- Smaller 341-litre boot
- Shorter 2,650 mm wheelbase
- Manual air-con and no rear air vents
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 119,800 | RM 103,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,497 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 177 hp |
| Torque | — | 270 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion Phosphate | — |
| Battery Capacity | 63.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 80 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 | 8.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,535 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,370 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 405 litres✓ | 341 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang SU318a H/T | Continental UC6 SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 18" Two-tone Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Six-Speaker Bongiovi Sound System | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 200,000 km Warranty (Battery) | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 160 | RM 120✓ |
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.
Y Plus vs GS3 FAQ
Is the Aion Y Plus or GAC GS3 better?
The Aion Y Plus is better for space, EV driving and comfort kit. The GAC GS3 is better for price, acceleration and driver assists. For most family buyers, choose based on charging access first.
What is the price difference?
The Aion Y Plus costs RM16,000 more than the GAC GS3.
Which has more boot space?
The Aion Y Plus has the larger boot at 405 litres, compared with 341 litres in the GAC GS3.