Verdict
Just RM668 separates these B-segment SUVs, but their briefs differ sharply. The GAC GS3 brings a 177 hp, 270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, 7-speed wet dual-clutch and 47-litre tank for drivers who need conventional refuelling. The MG S5 is the EV choice: its 49 kWh battery claims 340 km of range, accepts up to 120 kW DC charging and reaches 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, half a second ahead. It is also 66 mm longer, with an 80 mm longer wheelbase and a 453-litre boot versus 341 litres.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want petrol refuelling, a 177 hp turbo engine and a powered driver’s seat.
Pick the MG S5 if you can charge regularly and want 340 km claimed EV range, a bigger boot and seven airbags.
Key differences
- Powertrain: GAC GS3 has a 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5L turbo petrol engine; MG S5 has a 168 hp/250 Nm electric motor.
- Acceleration: GAC GS3 does 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; MG S5 does it in 7.0 seconds.
- Energy storage: GAC GS3 has a 47-litre fuel tank; MG S5 has a 49 kWh battery with 340 km claimed range.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 has 341 litres; MG S5 has 453 litres.
- Wheelbase: GAC GS3 measures 2,650 mm; MG S5 measures 2,730 mm.
- Airbags: GAC GS3 has 2 airbags; MG S5 has 7 airbags.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm from the 1.5L turbo petrol engine
- Powered driver’s seat and 18-inch wheels
- Space-saver spare tyre
- Only 2 airbags versus the MG S5’s 7
- 341-litre boot is 112 litres smaller
- No rear air-con vents, auto headlamps or auto wipers
S5
- 49 kWh battery, 340 km claimed range and 120 kW DC charging
- 453-litre boot and 2,730 mm wheelbase
- Seven airbags, plus rear AC vents and automatic climate control
- 168 hp and 250 Nm trail the GAC GS3’s 177 hp and 270 Nm
- Manual adjustment for both front seats versus a powered GAC driver’s seat
- Tyre repair kit instead of the GAC GS3’s space-saver spare
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM104,468 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | — |
| Torque | 270 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 168 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 250 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 49 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 340 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 120 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 7.0 seconds✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,476 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,849 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,730 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 453 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Bridgestone Turanza T005 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| 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 | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Fabric; Six-way Manual Driver Seat, Four-way Manual Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| 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 Start (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| 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 | Manual Operation | Manual |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 7 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | Battery pack 8-yr/180,000 km; motor control unit 8-yr/160,000 km |
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 GS3 & S5 for sale
GS3 vs S5 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or MG S5 better?
The MG S5 is the stronger choice for regular EV charging, safety equipment, boot capacity and outright acceleration. Choose the GAC GS3 if petrol refuelling and its powered driver’s seat matter more than the MG’s 340 km claimed range.
What is the price difference?
The MG S5 costs RM104,468 and the GAC GS3 costs RM103,800, so the MG is RM668 more expensive.
Which has more practical luggage space?
The MG S5 has the larger boot at 453 litres, compared with 341 litres in the GAC GS3. Its wheelbase is also 2,730 mm, which is 80 mm longer than the GAC’s 2,650 mm.