Zakirin
The MG S5 EV COM (CKD) enters Malaysia’s electric crossover market locally assembled from RM 103,900 (RM 104,468 OTR w/o insurance), combining a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, a 49 kWh LFP battery, 120 kW DC fast charging, 7 airbags, and standard MG Pilot Level 2 ADAS. The BYD Atto 3 (RM 118,800 to RM 124,500) counters as Malaysia’s established electric SUV benchmark, powered by a 204 PS / 310 Nm front electric motor, an ultra-safe Blade LFP battery (49.92 kWh to 60.48 kWh), a rotating central infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof.
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 a significant price saving of RM 14,000 to RM 20,000.
- Choose the BYD Atto 3 if:You want quicker 0–100 km/h acceleration (7.3s vs 8.0s), longer driving range (up to 420 km WLTP / 480 km NEDC on Extended/Ultra), a standard panoramic glass sunroof, an iconic rotatable infotainment display, and standard power-adjustable front seats.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | MG S5 EV COM (CKD) | BYD Atto 3 (Standard / Ultra) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 104,468 (Selling: RM 103,900) | RM 118,800 (Promo/Launch) – RM 124,500 |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, East Malaysia) | RM 107,228 (Selling: RM 106,900) | RM 120,800 – RM 126,500 |
| Standard Vehicle Warranty | 7 Years / 150,000 km | 6 Years / 150,000 km |
| High-Voltage Battery Warranty | 8 Years / 160,000 km | 8 Years / 160,000 km (70% SOH) |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 2,500 – RM 3,200 (Wear & tear, filters, brake fluid) | ~RM 2,800 – RM 3,500 (or 8-Year Free Service Promo) |
| 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 – 420 km WLTP (410 km – 480 km NEDC) |
| Luggage Space (Boot Capacity) | 453 – 1,441 Litres | 440 – 1,340 Litres |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 1,105 – RM 1,125/mo | ~RM 1,255 – RM 1,315/mo |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | MG S5 EV COM (CKD) | BYD Atto 3 (Standard / Ultra) |
| Segment / Body Style | 5-Seater B/C-Segment Crossover SUV | 5-Seater C-Segment Electric SUV |
| Underpinning Architecture | Dedicated Modular Scalable Platform (MSP/Nebula) | BYD e-Platform 3.0 |
| Assembly | CKD (Local Assembly, Melaka / Pekan, Malaysia) | CBU (Imported, Changzhou, China) |
| Drivetrain Layout | Single-Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Single-Motor Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Motor & Transmission | Rear Electric Motor with Single-Speed Direct Drive | Front Permanent Magnet Motor Single-Speed Drive |
| Max Power Output | 170 PS (168 hp / 125 kW) | 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm | 310 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 8.0 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~160 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Battery Type & Chemistry | 49.0 kWh LFP Battery | 49.92 kWh – 60.48 kWh LFP Blade Battery |
| Maximum WLTP Range | 340 km (415 km NEDC) | 345 km (Standard) / 420 km (Ultra / Extended) |
| DC Fast Charging Rate | 120 kW (30–80% in ~20–26 mins) | 70 kW – 88 kW (10–80% in ~40–45 mins) |
| AC Charging Capability | 7.0 kW Single-Phase | 7.0 kW Single-Phase |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Standard | Standard (External power adapter) |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link (5-Link) | MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link Independent |
| Differential & Dynamics | XDS Electronic Differential | Electronic Traction Stability Program |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,476 mm x 1,849 mm x 1,621 mm | 4,455 mm x 1,875 mm x 1,615 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Boot Space | 453 – 1,441 Litres | 440 – 1,340 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 17-inch Alloys (215/60 R17) | 17-inch or 18-inch Alloys (215/55 R18) |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Not Available (Standard on LUX) | Standard Panoramic Sunroof (Tilt & Slide) |
| Front Seats | 6-Way Driver / 4-Way Passenger Manual (Fabric) | Power-Adjustable Front Seats (Ventilated on Ultra) |
| Steering Wheel | Polyurethane (Tilt & Telescopic) | Multifunction Synthetic Leather (Tilt & Telescopic) |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.8-inch High-Definition Touchscreen | 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch Rotating Touchscreen |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto | Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Driver Display Cluster | 10.25-inch Virtual Cluster Display | 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Audio System | 4 Premium Audio Speakers | 6 or 8 Speakers with Dirac HD Sound |
| Parking Camera | Reverse Camera with Rear Parking Sensors | 360-Degree Panoramic View Monitor |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Front-Center) | 7 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Driver Far-Side Center) |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Full MG Pilot Suite (ACC, AEB, LKA, BSD, RCTA, TJA) | Full DiPilot ADAS (ICC, AEB, LKA, BSD, RCTA, DOW) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Handling & DC Fast Charging
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Adopts a dedicated Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration with a rear-mounted 170 PS / 250 Nm electric motor. Sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. Its 5-link independent rear suspension and XDS Electronic Differential eliminate torque steer during hard acceleration. It accepts up to 120 kW DC fast charging, replenishing significantly faster than the Atto 3 on high-output public DC chargers.
- BYD Atto 3: Uses a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration powered by a 204 PS and 310 Nm electric motor, delivering quicker straight-line acceleration (0–100 km/h in 7.3s). However, DC fast charging is limited to 70 kW – 88 kW, requiring around 40 to 45 minutes for a standard 10–80% fast-charge session.
🎨 Dimensions, Battery Capacity & Practical Packaging
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Features a slightly longer body (4,476 mm) with a 2,730 mm wheelbase and a larger standard 453-litre boot (expanding to 1,441 litres). It carries a 49 kWh LFP battery pack that delivers a 340 km WLTP range.
- BYD Atto 3: Measures 4,455 mm long with a 2,720 mm wheelbase and a 440-litre boot. The standout option is its larger 60.48 kWh Blade LFP battery (Ultra / Extended Range), which provides 420 km WLTP (480 km NEDC)—giving it an 80 km real-world range advantage over the base MG S5 COM.
🛋️ Cabin Tech, Displays & Equipment Level
- MG S5 EV COM (CKD): Centers around a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a large 10.25-inch virtual driver display. It comes standard with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. As the entry COM variant, it focuses on utility with durable dark fabric seats, manual front seat adjustments, and a reverse camera.
- BYD Atto 3: Features an expressive cabin highlighted by a motorized rotatable 12.8″ or 15.6″ central touchscreen, guitar-string door pockets, synthetic leather upholstery, standard power-adjustable front seats (with ventilation on Ultra), a standard opening panoramic glass sunroof, and a 360-degree panoramic camera.
🌟 3 Things We Love
MG S5 EV COM (CKD)
- Engaging Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Chassis: Rear motor delivery combined with a 5-link rear axle and XDS electronic differential provides sharper steering feel and zero front wheelspin.
- Faster 120 kW DC Fast Charging: Pulls up to 120 kW from DC fast-charging stations, minimizing turnaround times on interstate highway road trips.
- Substantial Price Advantage: Priced locally assembled from RM 103,900, it undercuts the Atto 3 by RM 14,000 to RM 20,000 while offering 7 standard airbags and complete Level 2 ADAS.
BYD Atto 3
- Longer Range on 60.48 kWh Battery: The 420 km WLTP range on the Extended / Ultra variant makes intercity highway driving easier with fewer charging stops.
- Feature-Packed Luxury Cabin as Standard: Comes equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof, powered ventilated front seats, and an interactive rotating touchscreen.
- Punchy 204 PS / 310 Nm Output: Quicker 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds provides confident overtaking punch.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
MG S5 EV COM (CKD)
- Spartan Entry-Level COM Interior: Lacks the panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable leatherette seats, and 360-degree camera found on the higher LUX variant and Atto 3.
- Shorter 340 km WLTP Range: The 49 kWh battery requires more frequent charging stops on long interstate road trips compared to the 60.48 kWh Atto 3.
BYD Atto 3
- Slower 70–88 kW DC Charging Ceiling: Capped DC charging speeds mean longer wait times at 150 kW+ highway fast chargers compared to modern 120 kW+ competitors.
- Front-Wheel Torque Steer Under Hard Acceleration: Channelling 310 Nm of instant torque exclusively to the front wheels can cause momentary wheel slip and steering tug on wet road surfaces.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The MG S5 EV COM (CKD) is the smarter financial and enthusiast choice. Locally assembled from RM 103,900 (RM 104,468 OTR w/o insurance), it undercuts the Atto 3 by over RM 14,000 to RM 20,000 while delivering a superior Rear-Wheel Drive handling layout, faster 120 kW DC charging, a larger 10.25-inch driver cluster, and 7 airbags with the complete MG Pilot ADAS suite. For urban commuters and value-focused drivers who want an agile, fast-charging RWD electric crossover with low monthly installments, the MG S5 EV COM represents exceptional value per Ringgit.
The BYD Atto 3 remains the preferred option for buyers seeking maximum range and standard cabin luxury. Priced between RM 118,800 and RM 124,500, it justifies its higher cost with a larger 60.48 kWh Blade battery delivering up to 420 km WLTP range, punchier 204 PS acceleration, a standard panoramic sunroof, powered ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. If you frequently travel long distances and demand a fully loaded luxury cabin straight out of the showroom, the Atto 3 is the more comprehensive cross-country cruiser.
