Car Buyer's Guide

Aion ES vs Proton S70

Proton S70

Proton S70

Verdict

The Aion ES is the longer-wheelbase electric choice, with a 55.2 kWh battery, 442 km claimed range and 136 hp/225 Nm motor. Its RM106,800 price is RM47,000 above the Proton S70’s RM59,800, though annual road tax is RM20 lower at RM70. The S70 answers with a 500-litre boot, against 450 litres, and six airbags plus blind-spot monitoring. For a buyer with dependable charging, the Aion’s eight-year/160,000 km warranty and EV running format justify scrutiny; for outright purchase cost and luggage space, the Proton is far easier to defend.

The ES EV (RM106,800) sits above every S70 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.

ES

Pick the Aion ES if you can charge regularly and want 442 km EV range, a 2,750 mm wheelbase and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty.

S70

Pick the Proton S70 if RM59,800, a 500-litre boot and its six-airbag safety package matter more than electric driving.

Key differences

  • Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Proton S70 RM59,800.
  • Powertrain: Aion ES has a 136 hp/225 Nm electric motor; Proton S70 has a 118 hp/150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
  • Driving range/fuel storage: Aion ES claims 442 km from a 55.2 kWh battery; Proton S70 has a 50-litre petrol tank.
  • Size: Aion ES is 4,810 mm long with a 2,750 mm wheelbase; Proton S70 is 4,602 mm long with a 2,627 mm wheelbase.
  • Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Proton S70 500 litres.
  • Warranty: Aion ES eight years/160,000 km; Proton S70 five years/unlimited mileage.

ES

  • 442 km claimed EV range from a 55.2 kWh battery
  • 136 hp and 225 Nm electric motor
  • Longer eight-year/160,000 km warranty
  • RM47,000 dearer to buy
  • 450-litre boot is 50 litres smaller

S70

  • RM59,800 entry price
  • 500-litre boot
  • Six airbags, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • Petrol power instead of the Aion’s electric motor
  • Shorter five-year warranty
  • Shorter 2,627 mm wheelbase and smaller exterior footprint

What the S70 has over the ES

Front SuspensionRear SuspensionSteeringAirbagsABS/EBDStability ControlAlarmImmobilizerChild Safety LockBlind Spot Info SystemISOFIXSeatbelt ReminderHeadlampsTaillampsLED Daytime Running LightsRear FoglampsFront SeatsRear SeatsFront Air-conRear Air-conPower SocketsInterior LightingAudioPower WindowsCruise ControlEngine StartTiptronicHill Start AssistSteering Audio ControlSteering TiltBluetoothSteering TelescopicParking Sensor RearLocksReverse CameraBoot OperationInstrument ClusterParking Brake

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The ES's wheelbase is 123 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The ES is 71 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the S70: 500 litres against 450.

ES 4,810 × 1,880 × 1,545 mm · wheelbase 2,750 mmS70 4,602 × 1,809 × 1,466 mm · wheelbase 2,627 mm
1,5454,810 mmWheelbase 2,750 mm1,4664,602 mmWheelbase 2,627 mm

Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.

Price & overview
PriceRM106,800RM59,800✓
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentC-SegmentC-Segment
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM70✓RM90
Monthly instalment (est.)RM1,090/moRM610/mo✓
Insurance / year (est.)RM3,025RM1,834✓
Fuel or electricity / year (est.)RM1,110—
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM5.55—
5-year running costs (est.)RM21,022—
Charging (estimated)
AC charge 0–100% (est.)8.4 hours—
DC charge 10–80% (est.)65 min—
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture16-valve DOHC DVVT (i-GT), Port Fuel Injection
Capacity—1,499 cc
Horsepower—118 hp at 6,100 rpm
Torque—150 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 4
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore × Stroke—73.4 mm × 88.57 mm
Number of Motors1—
Motor Horsepower136 hp—
Motor Torque225 Nm—
Battery Capacity55.2 kWh—
EV Range442 km—
Charging Rate (AC)6.6 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)60 kW—
V2L3.3 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticCVT Automatic
Transmission Name—8-speed CVT with Manual Mode
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
Top Speed—186 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,810 mm4,602 mm
Width1,880 mm1,809 mm
Height1,545 mm1,466 mm
Wheelbase2,750 mm2,627 mm
Weight—1,269 kg
Fuel Tank—50 litres
Doors44
Seats55
Boot Space450 litres500 litres✓
Front Tyre215/55 R17205/55R16
Rear Tyre215/55 R17205/55R16
Spare Tyre—Space Saver
Wiper Blade (Driver)—24 inch
Wiper Blade (Passenger)—17 inch
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front Suspension—MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension—Torsion Beam
Front Wheels1716" Turbine-style Alloys
Rear Wheels1716" Turbine-style Alloys
Steering—Electric Power Steering
Safety
Airbags—6 (Dual Front, Side and Curtain Airbags)
ABS/EBD—✓
Stability Control—✓
Alarm—✓
Immobilizer—✓
Child Safety Lock—Manual for Rear Doors
Blind Spot Info System—✓
ISOFIX—ISOFIX with Top Tether
Lane-keeping Assist—No
Seatbelt Reminder—Rear Seat Reminder, All Seats
Safety Notes—Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning; no AEB/ACC/lane-keep (camera ADAS reserved for 1.5TD Flagship variants)
Lighting
Headlamps—Halogen
Taillamps—LED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights—✓
Rear Foglamps—✓
Cabin
Front Seats—Fabric
Rear Seats—60:40 Split-folding, Fixed Headrests
Front Air-con—Manual Air Conditioning
Rear Air-con—Rear AC Vents
Power Sockets—1 Front, 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C Front, 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C Rear
Interior Lighting—Front and Rear Interior Lamps
Audio—8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers
Convenience
Power Windows—Four Windows, Auto Up/Down with Anti-trap
Engine Start—Keyless Push Button Start with Remote Engine Start
Locks—Keyless Entry
Cruise Control—Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
Tiptronic—✓
Steering Audio Control—✓
Steering Tilt—✓
Steering Telescopic—✓
Boot Operation—Remote Control Activated
Parking Sensor Rear—3 Sensors
Reverse Camera—Yes
Bluetooth—✓
Hill Start Assist—✓
Instrument Cluster—Digital/Analogue
Parking Brake—Electronic
Convenience Notes—N95 cabin filter; Eco/Sport/Comfort drive modes; Auto Brake Hold; 12V socket (120W); electric door mirrors with manual fold; urethane steering wheel; aerokit optional
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer160,000 kmUnlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer8 years✓5 years
Warranty Notes—6x free labour servicing

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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.

Our reviews & guides

ES vs S70 FAQ

Is the Aion ES or Proton S70 better?

The Aion ES is better for regular home or workplace charging, 442 km claimed EV range and longer warranty cover. The Proton S70 is the better budget-led choice: it costs RM47,000 less, carries 50 litres of luggage more and has six airbags.

What is the price difference?

The Aion ES costs RM106,800 and the Proton S70 costs RM59,800, so the Aion carries a RM47,000 premium. Its annual road tax is RM70, versus RM90 for the Proton.

Which has the bigger boot?

The Proton S70 has the bigger boot at 500 litres. The Aion ES provides 450 litres, leaving the Proton with a 50-litre advantage for luggage.

How long does charging take?

The ES's 55.2 kWh battery takes about 8.4 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 65 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 60 kW peak.

Which one is locally assembled?

The S70 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the ES is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.

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