Verdict
These two CKD B-segment SUVs are separated by just RM668, but they suit very different routines. The MG S5 is the quicker car at 7.0 seconds to 100 km/h, has a 49 kWh battery rated for 340 km and DC charging up to 120 kW. It also brings seven airbags, a 453-litre boot and a 2,730 mm wheelbase. The GAC GS3 counters with 177 hp and 270 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, plus 18-inch wheels and a powered driver’s seat. For EV-ready buyers, the MG is the more complete package.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want petrol refuelling, a 177 hp/270 Nm turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and a powered driver’s seat.
Pick the MG S5 if you can charge at home or work and want a 340 km EV, seven airbags, a larger boot and longer vehicle warranty.
Key differences
- Powertrain: GAC GS3 has a 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine; MG S5 has a 168 hp/250 Nm electric motor.
- Acceleration: GAC GS3 reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; MG S5 does it in 7.0 seconds.
- Battery and charging: GAC GS3 has a 47-litre fuel tank; MG S5 has a 49 kWh battery, 7 kW AC and 120 kW DC charging.
- Safety: GAC GS3 has 2 airbags; MG S5 has 7 airbags.
- Space: GAC GS3 has a 2,650 mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot; MG S5 has a 2,730 mm wheelbase and 453-litre boot.
- Warranty: GAC GS3 has a 5-year/150,000 km warranty; MG S5 has a 7-year/150,000 km warranty, with an 8-year/180,000 km battery warranty.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine
- Powered driver’s seat and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare tyre
- Only 2 airbags versus the MG S5’s 7
- 341-litre boot trails the MG S5’s 453 litres
- Torsion-beam rear suspension versus multi-link
S5
- 49 kWh battery with 340 km range and 120 kW DC charging
- Seven airbags and multi-link rear suspension
- 453-litre boot, 2,730 mm wheelbase and 7-year warranty
- Manual driver’s seat versus the GS3’s powered driver’s seat
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare tyre
- 17-inch wheels versus the GS3’s 18-inch items
| 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 at 5,500 rpm | — |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| 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 | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 7 (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 all-round choice for buyers with regular charging access: it is quicker, has seven airbags, a 453-litre boot and a 7-year warranty. Choose the GAC GS3 for a turbo-petrol powertrain and powered driver’s seat.
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.
How far can the MG S5 travel and how quickly can it charge?
The MG S5 has a 49 kWh battery with a claimed 340 km range. It accepts AC charging at up to 7 kW and DC charging at up to 120 kW, and has 2.5 kW vehicle-to-load capability.
