Zakirin
The MG S5 EV COM (CKD) enters Malaysia’s entry-level electric crossover segment locally assembled from RM 103,900 (RM 104,468 OTR w/o insurance), featuring a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, a 49 kWh LFP battery, 120 kW DC fast charging, 7 airbags, and standard MG Pilot Level 2 ADAS. The Proton e.MAS 7 (RM 96,800 to RM 118,800) counters as Malaysia’s benchmark national C-segment electric SUV built on the GMA platform, powered by a 12-in-1 front electric motor delivering 218 PS and 320 Nm, standard 11 kW three-phase AC charging, and a 15.4-inch 2.5K Flyme Auto cockpit.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the MG S5 EV COM (CKD) if: You want a dynamic Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) platform with 5-link rear suspension and XDS electronic differential, faster 120 kW DC fast charging, standard Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and segment-exclusive 7 airbags (including a front-center airbag).
- Choose the Proton e.MAS 7 if:You prioritize stronger motor performance (218 PS / 320 Nm / 0–100 km/h in 6.9s), a larger C-segment body footprint (4,615 mm length), faster 11 kW three-phase AC home charging, an expansive 15.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen, and a standard powered tailgate.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | MG S5 EV COM (CKD) | Proton e.MAS 7 (Prime / Premium) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 104,468 (Selling: RM 103,900) | RM 96,800 (Prime) – RM 112,800 (Premium) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, East Malaysia) | RM 107,228 (Selling: RM 106,900) | RM 98,800 (Prime) – RM 114,800 (Premium) |
| Standard Vehicle Warranty | 7 Years / 150,000 km | 6 Years / Unlimited Mileage |
| High-Voltage Battery Warranty | 8 Years / 160,000 km | 8 Years / 160,000 km |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 2,500 – RM 3,200 (Wear & tear, filters, brake fluid) | ~RM 2,600 – RM 3,400 (Scheduled Proton e.MAS service) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 120 (Private Individual EV rate) | RM 20 – RM 120 (EV Incentive Rate) |
| Claimed EV Range (WLTP / NEDC) | 340 km WLTP (415 km NEDC) | 345 km WLTP (Prime) / 410 km WLTP (Premium) |
| Luggage Space (Boot Capacity) | 453 – 1,441 Litres | 461 – 1,877 Litres |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 1,105 – RM 1,125/mo | ~RM 1,025/mo (Prime) – ~RM 1,195/mo (Premium) |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | MG S5 EV COM (CKD) | Proton e.MAS 7 (Prime) |
| Segment / Body Style | 5-Seater B/C-Segment Crossover SUV | 5-Seater C-Segment Executive SUV |
| Underpinning Architecture | Dedicated Modular Scalable Platform (MSP/Nebula) | Global Modular Architecture (GMA Platform) |
| Assembly | CKD (Local Assembly, Melaka / Pekan, Malaysia) | CKD (Local Assembly, Tanjong Malim, Malaysia) |
| Drivetrain Layout | Single-Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Single-Motor Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Motor & Transmission | Rear Electric Motor with Single-Speed Direct Drive | 12-in-1 Integrated Front Motor Single-Speed Drive |
| Max Power Output | 170 PS (168 hp / 125 kW) | 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm | 320 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 8.0 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~160 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Battery Chemistry & Size | 49.0 kWh LFP Battery | 49.52 kWh Aegis Short Blade LFP Battery |
| Maximum WLTP Range | 340 km (415 km NEDC) | 345 km (410 km NEDC) |
| DC Fast Charging Rate | 120 kW (30–80% in ~20–26 mins) | 80 kW (30–80% in 20 mins) |
| AC Charging Capability | 7.0 kW Single-Phase | 11 kW Three-Phase Standard |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Standard | Standard |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link (5-Link) | MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link Independent |
| Differential & Dynamics | XDS Electronic Differential | Electronic Stability Dynamic Control |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,476 mm x 1,849 mm x 1,621 mm | 4,615 mm x 1,901 mm x 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Boot Space | 453 – 1,441 Litres | 461 – 1,877 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 17-inch Alloys (215/60 R17) | 18-inch Alloys (225/55 R18) |
| Headlights & Exterior | Auto LED with DRL, Active Grille System (AGS) | Full LED Headlamps with DRL |
| Tailgate | Manual Tailgate (Power Tailgate on LUX) | Powered Tailgate Standard |
| Steering Wheel | Polyurethane (Tilt & Telescopic) | Multifunction Flat-Bottom (Tilt & Telescopic) |
| Seat Upholstery | Dark Fabric (6-Way Driver / 4-Way Passenger Manual) | Semi-Leatherette Fabric Upholstery |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.8-inch High-Definition Touchscreen | 15.4-inch 2.5K High-Definition Touchscreen |
| Driver Display Cluster | 10.25-inch Virtual Cluster Display | 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto | Flyme Auto Ecosystem (CarPlay via OTA Update) |
| Audio System | 4 Premium Audio Speakers | 6-Speaker Sound System |
| Parking Camera | Reverse Camera with Rear Parking Sensors | 360-Degree Panoramic View Camera |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Front-Center) | 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain) |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Full MG Pilot Suite (ACC, AEB, LKA, BSD, RCTA, TJA) | Level 2 ADAS (ICC, AEB, ELKA, TSR, LCW) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Drivetrain Layout & Charging Capabilities
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Features a dedicated Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration powered by a 170 PS (125 kW) and 250 Nm rear-mounted electric motor. Sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. Equipped with a 49 kWh LFP pack delivering 340 km WLTP range, it supports a high 120 kW DC fast-charging ceiling (30–80% in ~20–26 mins) and 7 kW single-phase AC charging.
- Proton e.MAS 7 (Prime): Uses a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) layout with a 12-in-1 integrated electric motor producing a significantly higher 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque, delivering a faster 0–100 km/h acceleration of 6.9 seconds. Its 49.52 kWh Aegis Short Blade LFP battery delivers 345 km WLTP range. While DC fast charging peaks lower at 80 kW, it includes a faster 11 kW three-phase AC onboard charger as standard (0–100% in ~4.9 hrs).
🎨 Chassis Dynamics, Dimensions & Space Packaging
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Sits on a compact 4,476 mm length footprint with a 2,730 mm wheelbase. Its RWD layout, 5-link independent rear suspension, low center of gravity, and XDS Electronic Differential deliver agile cornering without front-wheel torque steer. Boot space provides 453 litres, expanding to 1,441 litres.
- Proton e.MAS 7: Built on the larger GMA platform (4,615 mm length, 1,901 mm width, 2,750 mm wheelbase), delivering true C-segment interior room. Rear passenger shoulder and legroom are noticeably wider, and luggage capacity is larger, expanding from 461 litres to a massive 1,877 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
🛋️ Interior Cockpit, Connectivity & Safety Equipment
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch virtual cluster. Out of the box, it offers Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. Safety is a standout highlight: it comes with 7 airbags as standard (including a front-center airbag that prevents head clashes between driver and passenger) and the complete MG Pilot Level 2 ADAS suite (ACC, AEB, LKA, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning, and Traffic Jam Assist). It utilizes durable fabric upholstery and manual seat adjustments.
- Proton e.MAS 7 (Prime): Centers around a 15.4-inch 2.5K high-resolution touchscreen running Flyme Auto OS, a powered tailgate, and a standard 360-degree camera system. While it includes 6 airbags and Level 2 ADAS, smartphone mirroring requires software updates, and its base trim lacks the extra front-center airbag.
🌟 3 Things We Love
MG S5 EV COM (CKD)
- Engaging Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Dynamics: A rear-mounted 170 PS motor paired with 5-link rear suspension and XDS electronic differential provides tighter, more responsive steering without torque steer.
- 120 kW DC Fast Charging: Pulling up to 120 kW at DC fast chargers ensures quicker highway charging turnaround compared to the 80 kW limit on the base e.MAS 7 Prime.
- Standard 7 Airbags & Full MG Pilot ADAS: Inclusion of a front-center airbag and standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the entry COM variant sets a strong safety baseline.
Proton e.MAS 7
- Punchy 218 PS / 320 Nm Performance: Sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, providing immediate overtaking power and strong highway acceleration.
- Standard 11 kW Three-Phase AC Charging: Allows a full home AC replenishment from flat in under 5 hours, reducing charging time by nearly half compared to 7 kW single-phase systems.
- Generous C-Segment Cabin & 15.4″ 2.5K Screen: The wider 1,901 mm body, 1,877-litre maximum cargo space, and massive high-res Flyme Auto touchscreen deliver an expansive interior feel.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
MG S5 EV COM (CKD)
- Basic Cabin Amenities on COM Trim: The entry-level COM variant uses manual seat adjustments, fabric upholstery, a polyurethane steering wheel, and a standard reverse camera instead of the 360-degree camera found on the LUX.
- 7.0 kW Single-Phase AC Charging Limit: Lacking an 11 kW three-phase onboard AC charger means standard home AC wallbox charging takes around 7 to 8 hours for a full cycle.
Proton e.MAS 7
- Front-Wheel Drive Wheelspin Under Heavy Throttle: With 320 Nm of instant torque channeled through the front wheels, sudden acceleration from a standstill can induce front wheel slip on wet tarmac.
- Slower 80 kW DC Charging on Base Prime: The entry Prime variant is capped at 80 kW DC input, whereas the MG S5 EV accepts up to 120 kW.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The MG S5 EV COM (CKD) is the better choice for drivers who prioritize handling dynamics, high DC fast-charging speeds, and comprehensive passive safety. Priced locally assembled from RM 103,900, it delivers a balanced Rear-Wheel Drive chassis, 120 kW DC charging capability, standard Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 7 airbags with the full MG Pilot ADAS suite. For urban commuters and driving enthusiasts seeking an agile, fast-charging RWD electric crossover under RM 105,000, the MG S5 EV COM is a well-rounded package.
The Proton e.MAS 7 is the stronger family choice for space, performance, and everyday home charging convenience. Starting from RM 96,800 to RM 112,800, it delivers a massive 218 PS / 320 Nm motor (0–100 km/h in 6.9s), a larger C-segment cabin with up to 1,877L of cargo utility, an 11 kW AC onboard charger, and an ultra-sharp 15.4-inch 2.5K display. For buyers wanting maximum horsepower, family luggage versatility, and the backing of nationwide Proton e.MAS dealership support, the e.MAS 7 offers outstanding practicality per Ringgit.
