MGS5 Luxury
Aion V Luxury
The MGS5 arrived in Singapore as a relative newcomer to the Cat A electric crossover segment. But it wasn't long before it began impressing drivers and winning over customers with its sharp design, user-friendliness and smooth driveability. It even outshone the BYD Atto 3 in a previous head-to-head.
Facing the MGS5 in this contest is the Aion V. Like the MGS5, the V is also new. But it, too, has been winning customers and plaudits with its numerous advantages, which include roominess, an upmarket cabin, and generous driving range.
Curvy vs boxy
The MGS5 draws attention with its sleek design. Both the head lights and daytime running lights are minimised to complement the sharp lines, while the sporty-looking rear gets a ducktail and 'dotted' tail-lamps. It's clearly similar to the rear of the MG 4 hatchback.
The V's styling, on the other hand, takes a while to decipher. Aion says that it's inspired by a 'cyber T-Rex', with geometric shapes and vertical daytime running lights that supposedly symbolise claws. That said, the futuristic (or retro-futuristic?) design grows on you because it's distinct.
Inside, the MGS5 caters to first-time EV drivers seeking a car with a functional and user-friendly layout. In addition to the touchscreen controls, there are toggles and dials for the climate, and buttons and directional toggles on the steering wheel. Even the controls for adjusting the wing mirrors are physical ones as well.
It's the opposite story in the V, which is clearly aimed at more tech-savvy users. Most of the car's functions are either adjusted on-screen, or with the help of Aion's voice assistant, which you activate by saying, "Hello Baby". The system is very responsive and quickly takes care of tasks such as closing the sunshade or locking the doors.
Both cars are on a par with regard to build quality, with lots of soft-touch surfaces in each cabin. It's here, though, that the V starts to shine, for apart from being roomier than the MGS5, it's also more comfortable, too.
For occupant well-being, the front seats are not only ventilated, but feature massage programmes, and there's even a chiller/warmer box whose temperature can be dialled down to -15 degrees Celsius or cranked up to 50 degrees Celsius. This makes it convenient if you need to keep your iced drinks cold or hot food warm.
Compared to the V, the MGS5's backseat is more ideal for two instead of three adults. Its backseat, though, is more supportive than the V's, so there's a lower chance of passengers feeling sore on longer trips. The V once again prioritises comfort by offering even more legroom and headroom, and reclining seat backs.
However, the V's focus on passenger space results in it having a smaller boot compared to the MGS5. It offers 427 litres compared to its rival's 453 litres, and even when the rear seats are folded, the volume only rises to 978 litres, while the MGS5 offers 1,423 litres.
Pace and range
On paper, the MGS5 and Aion V are evenly matched because they have almost identical output figures. The MGS5 comes with 99kW (133bhp) and 250Nm of torque and a zero to 100km/h time of 9.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the V offers 100kW (134bhp) and 240Nm of torque, with a century sprint time of 9.8 seconds.
But it's the MGS5 that's more fun to drive. Its steering feels more precise, its chassis pointier, and its ride-handling balance is better. The biggest reason for this is that the MGS5 is rear-wheel drive, imbuing it with an agility that rivals lack.
MG has another trick here: The fenders on either side of the bonnet are raised. Perhaps this harks back to the roadsters the brand used to produce, but regardless of the reason, they make the car easier to position, adding to its driveability. In terms of range, the MGS5 averages 5.8km/kWh and has a 62kWh battery that offers a respectable range of 425km.
The V, on the other hand, has the advantage in comfort and refinement. It cossets occupants with its quiet cabin, enabling them to enjoy both music and conversation. And the pliant ride is a welcome respite to our roads, which continue to become more pockmarked. Its nose isn't as keen as the MGS5's, but most drivers wouldn't mind.
Further complementing the V's gentle manners is its linear power delivery. While more impatient drivers may feel that a lack of responsiveness, the reality is that most folks - especially passengers - prefer smoothness to sudden dollops of power.
And when it comes to range, the V's larger 75.3kWh battery means you can travel up to 485km before needing a recharge. It also has a higher maximum charging capacity of 180kW, compared to 150kW for its competitor.
Choices, choices
As someone who enjoys driving, it's hard not to be impressed by the MGS5. Its rear-wheel drive layout, more accurate steering and ability to be chucked around corners without too much complaint are very appealing characteristics. Ditto for the stronger regenerative braking, which makes crawling in congestion easier.
But with the Aion V in the picture, it's not such a straightforward decision. Driveability is important, but as I get older, creature comforts also become key.
So, despite having a smaller boot and being less agile than the MGS5, the V scores highly with its refinement, superb level of standard equipment, and longer driving range. It also costs slightly less: At time of writing, the V Luxury is going for $189,988, versus $195,888 for the MGS5.
These group tests may also interest you
The tank-like XC90 takes on the luxurious Q7 in this shootout between premium seven-seater SUVs
The style-conscious MINI Aceman E takes on the minimalist Volvo EX30 in this battle of Cat A COE-friendly premium compact crossovers
The stylish Jaguar F-PACE Plug-in Hybrid goes against the responsive Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid in this battle of electrified premium SUVs
