EV crossover duel: MG S5 EV vs. GAC Aion V

MANILA: Morris Garages (MG) Philippines has added another electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup with the introduction of the S5 EV. 

That said, it faces quite a few competitors in the market, specifically within the five-seater compact segment. One of these is the GAC Aion V, which was launched at the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) 2025. 

So, how does the newer MG S5 EV compare against the GAC Aion V on paper? Let’s find out here. 

Powertrain

When it comes to powertrains, the all-new MG S5 EV uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) mated to a 49 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium iron phosphate battery. At maximum, the said setup can generate up to 167 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It also has a range of 415 kilometers, according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). 

On the one hand, the GAC Aion V comes with a single PMSM linked to a 75.26 kWh battery. At most, the GAC nameplate can put out 201 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. It likewise has a range of 602 km, according to the NEDC. 

Based on the information above, the MG model has slightly more torque, but the GAC has more horsepower and range. The latter, of course, is more important to those wanting to use the vehicle as a road-trip chariot to go out to provinces via routes that at least have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 

Conversely, the GAC Aion V is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model whereas the MG S5 EV is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model. Nameplates with an FWD layout do have their charms, but RWD nameplates, especially EVs are especially fun to drive since this balanced layout splits the load, as the rear wheels handle the push while the front handles the weight. This may result in better control, a purer steering sensation, and no torque steer. 

Otherwise, the two EVs do share plenty of similarities, well, by virtue of being all-electric rides. Both get vehicle-to-load functionality, regenerative braking, and drive modes. The two also get alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) ports. When using their DC ports, the GAC nameplate can gain 30-80 percent battery levels in just 20 minutes, while the MG S5 EV can be charged from 10-80 percent in 24 minutes. 

The two also get disc brakes on all four wheels and a front MacPherson strut suspension, but the MG comes with a multi-link rear suspension, while the GAC gets a simpler torsion-beam rear end. 

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Exterior

While both occupy the compact all-electric crossover space, the MG S5 EV and the GAC Aion V follow vastly different design directions. 

For the MG nameplate, it uses a sleek take on the crossover formula that’s already seen from the brand’s other models. It still pretty much looks like a crossover, but it has a neat design that’s made more apparent by its minimal amount of body lines, its sharp nose, and its equally smooth rear section. 

Comparatively, the GAC Aion V goes for a more upright look that makes it look like a sport utility vehicle (SUV). It has plenty of sharp edges, and its general shape reminds us of boxy old-school rides.

When comparing sizes, the MG S5 EV is 4,476 millimeters (mm) long, 1,849 mm wide, and 1,621 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,730 mm.

The GAC Aion V, meanwhile, is 4,605 mm long, 1,854 mm wide, and 1,686 mm in height. Its wheelbase spans 2,775 mm. 

On that note, the GAC Aion V is a slightly larger ride than its MG rival. For buyers, it's crucial to check these figures, as they can determine whether the vehicle will even fit in your garage. Dimensions likewise provide some clue as to how spacious a particular car’s interior is. 

In terms of exterior features, both crossovers come with LED lighting, automatic headlamps, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, tailgate spoilers, and roof rails. 

On the one hand, the MG nameplate gets an active-shutter grille system, which is not available on its GAC rival. Meanwhile, the Aion V has a panoramic sunroof and a side mirror memory function, and a power tailgate - all of which are not available on the MG. 

Interior

Inside the MG S5 EV and the GAC Aion V are five-seater layouts equipped with split-folding rear seats, USB ports, wireless smartphone charging pads, and front cabin armrests.

On the one hand, the MG gets a single-zone automatic climate control system that’s dwarfed by the GAC’s triple-zone air-conditioning system. Also, the MG has manual front seats, while the GAC gets power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage functionality. In terms of upholstery, the MG has fabric seats, whereas the GAC has PVC seats. 

As for driving-centric bits, the two get electronic parking brakes, drive mode selectors, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and smart entry systems. Only the GAC, however, gets an automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror.

When it comes to displays, the MG S5 EV has a 10.26-inch digital gauge cluster, while its infotainment system is a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a four-piece speaker set. 

The GAC Aion V, meanwhile, comes with an 8.88-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay only. This display is connected to a nine-piece speaker set. 

Techies looking to get an EV will appreciate the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the MG. Otherwise, those who get the GAC might enjoy better sound quality. 

In terms of cargo space, the MG crossover offers 453 liters with the second row in use and up to 1,441 liters with the rear seats folded. Compare these to the GAC Aion V’s default cargo space of 427 liters and an expanded capacity of 978 liters. 

Safety

In talking about standard safety bits, both the MG S5 EV and the GAC Aion V get what you’d expect from a modern crossover. The two come with a total of seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill start and descent control, ISOFIX, tire pressure monitoring, and rear parking sensors - among others. 

On the one hand, only the GAC Aion V comes with front parking sensors and a 360-degree view camera. The MG S5 EV makes do with a rear-view camera. 

For its suite of advanced driver-assist systems, the MG S5 EV comes with the following: 

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot detection with lane change assist
• Rear-cross traffic braking and alert
• Intelligent speed limit
• Driver monitoring

The GAC Aion V, meanwhile, comes with these ADAS features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning and prevention
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Blind spot detection
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Rear collision warning
• Driver monitoring system

Price

As of its launch, the suggested retail price of the MG S5 EV sits at P1,448,888. Meanwhile, the GAC Aion V has a price ranging from P1.498 million-P1.698 million. 

Final thoughts

In comparing the MG S5 EV and the GAC Aion V, one can see above that there are things that the MG nameplate does better, while the GAC has plenty of strong suits as well. 

For one thing, the GAC nameplate has more horsepower and range. But do remember that the MG S5 EV is a rear-wheel-drive model, and this, for most drivers, can equate to a more engaging drive. 

Safety gear, in both passive and active categories, is just about on par against each other. But the GAC gets more in the way of “added value bits” such as its power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting system. It even gets an in-car fridge. 

On the flip side, the MG S5 EV’s infotainment system, albeit smaller, may attract more takers due to having wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As far as its spec sheet goes, the GAC model only has Apple CarPlay. 

The clincher is that the GAC Aion V variant we compared against the MG S5 EV is the top-spec Premium, which retails at a much higher price of P1.698 million. Interestingly, the lower-spec Aion V Elite, which retails at P1.498 million, has a much closer array of creature comforts to its MG. 

Also read:

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