GAC Emkoo vs MG ZS EV
Verdict
The GAC Emkoo is the bigger SUV for slightly less money: RM123,800 versus RM126,629, with a C-segment body, 2,750 mm wheelbase and 638-litre boot. The MG ZS EV answers with electric running, 320 km range, 50 kW DC charging and a quicker 8.0-second 0-100 km/h time. For a Malaysian buyer, this is less about badge or shape and more about use case: the Emkoo buys space and kit, while the ZS EV buys the EV powertrain.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you want the larger C-segment SUV, bigger 638-litre boot, powered tailgate, head-up display and lower RM123,800 price.
Pick the MG ZS EV if you want an electric SUV with 320 km range, 50 kW DC charging, 2.5 kW V2L and quicker 8.0-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; MG ZS EV RM126,629
- Powertrain: GAC Emkoo 1.5 litre turbo petrol with 175 hp/270 Nm; MG ZS EV single motor with 174 hp/280 Nm
- Acceleration: GAC Emkoo 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; MG ZS EV in 8.0 seconds
- Size: GAC Emkoo 4,680 mm long with 2,750 mm wheelbase; MG ZS EV 4,323 mm long with 2,585 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 litres; MG ZS EV 448 litres
- Charging/range: GAC Emkoo uses a 55-litre petrol tank; MG ZS EV has a 51.1 kWh battery, 320 km range, 7 kW AC and 50 kW DC charging
Emkoo
- Bigger C-segment body with a 638-litre boot
- Costs RM2,829 less than the MG ZS EV
- Powered boot, head-up display and 6 front plus 6 rear parking sensors
- Slower 0-100 km/h time at 8.8 seconds versus 8.0 seconds
- Single-zone climate control versus the MG’s dual-zone system
- Manufacturer warranty mileage is capped at 150,000 km versus unlimited mileage
ZS EV
- Electric powertrain with 320 km range and 50 kW DC charging
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds
- 5-year manufacturer warranty has unlimited mileage, plus an 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty
- Smaller B-segment body with 448 litres of boot space versus 638 litres
- Manual tailgate and no head-up display
- No front parking sensors and only 3 rear sensors versus 6 front and 6 rear
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 123,800✓ | RM 126,629 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | — |
| Torque | 270 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 174 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 51.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 320 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 50 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 8 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h✓ | 170 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,323 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,625 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,585 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres✓ | 448 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Michelin Primacy 3 ST |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| 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 Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | 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 Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain Warranty | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | 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.
Emkoo vs ZS EV FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or MG ZS EV better?
The GAC Emkoo is better for space and equipment, with a bigger body, 638-litre boot, powered boot and head-up display for less money. The MG ZS EV is better if you specifically want electric running and quicker 8.0-second acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800, while the MG ZS EV costs RM126,629. That makes the MG RM2,829 more expensive.
Which one is more practical for family use?
The GAC Emkoo is more practical on paper. It is longer, wider and has a 2,750 mm wheelbase, plus a 638-litre boot against the MG ZS EV’s 448 litres.