SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 EV

Model Overview

The SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 EV (MIFA 5) is a compact all-electric MPV launched by the SAIC MAXUS brand. First introduced in 2021, it represents an important strategic model for the brand in the new energy MPV segment. Positioned as a "family pure electric MPV", it caters to dual-use needs such as multi-member family mobility and e-hailing passenger transport, highlighting generous cabin space and zero-emission motoring. The 2024 model is the main line-up currently on sale, offering two CLTC all-electric range versions of 410 km and 510 km across several variants, namely Elite Edition, Executive Edition, Luxury Edition, Joy Edition, and European Edition, with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM199,800 to RM232,800. The MPV is available in 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater seating layouts, powered by a front-mounted single electric motor driving the front wheels. Notably, its market uptake has been lacklustre, recording just 1 unit sold in March 2026, and a cumulative 6-month sales figure of merely 2 units.

Design Language

The Dajia 5 EV carries over the SAIC MAXUS signature family design language, presenting a steady and composed stance. Up front, it features a trapezoidal dot-matrix grille flanked by headlamp clusters connected via a gloss black trim strip, subtly incorporating the central "MAXUS" lettering. Vertical air curtains flank the front bumper, while the front lip integrates a trapezoidal blacked-out air intake for a sportier look.

In terms of exterior dimensions, it measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, squarely placing it in the compact pure electric MPV segment. The front and rear track widths stand at 1,560 mm and 1,570 mm respectively, with a fully-laden minimum ground clearance of 130 mm. The matched track widths contribute to solid straight-line stability. For the rolling stock, two alloy wheel options are available: 16-inch (205/60 R16) and 17-inch (215/55 R17).

The rear styling is neat and cohesive, featuring distinct taillight assemblies linked by a gloss black trim garnish bearing the brand's script, topped by a tailgate spoiler with an integrated high-mounted third brake light. The lower rear bumper is accented with chrome and black elements, enhancing its overall road presence.

Inside, the Dajia 5 EV features a wraparound cockpit architecture. The dashboard houses a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, complemented by either a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside an 8-inch or 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, depending on the variant. Gear selection is handled via a column-mounted shifter, with higher-spec variants adding a wireless smartphone charging pad. Seat upholstery options range from fabric and synthetic leather to genuine leather. In terms of seat adjustments, the range-topping variant gains powered and heated front seats, whereas other trims make do with manual adjustments.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire Dajia 5 EV range is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a front-wheel-drive layout, paired with a single-speed EV reduction gearbox. The TZ200XSSQD motor produces a maximum power of 118 kW (160 PS) and a peak torque of 225 Nm, delivering a top speed of 170 km/h. The powertrain calibration prioritises linear smoothness, catering to daily family commuting and urban travel.

In terms of energy storage, two ternary lithium battery options are available across the range, with cells supplied by CATL:

Among the 2024 models, the Elite Edition, Executive Edition, and Luxury Edition are fitted with the 61.1 kWh battery (410 km range), while the Joy Edition and European Edition receive the larger 70 kWh pack (510 km range). DC fast charging is supported across the range, with the 410 km version taking just 35 minutes for a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC). The battery employs liquid cooling, with a battery pre-heating function available as an option.

The 70 kWh CATL pack on the 510 km version adequately covers daily commuting and weekend interstate journeys for urban drivers, significantly reducing the frequency of charging stops.

Chassis and Handling

The Dajia 5 EV is built on a monocoque chassis with a front-wheel-drive configuration. The suspension setup comprises front MacPherson independent struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent setup; this setup is standard fare among compact MPVs, balancing ride stability with cabin packaging efficiency. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that delivers a light steering feel, easing tight urban parking and manoeuvring through narrow streets. Braking hardware includes front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Brake Hold. For tyres, lower-spec variants ride on 205/60 R16 tyres, while higher-spec trims upgrade to 215/55 R17 units. Although approach and departure angles are not officially quoted, its 130 mm fully-laden ground clearance provides adequate urban obstacle clearance. The vehicle is backed by a three-year or 80,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Cabin and Features

The Dajia 5 EV's interior prioritises practical versatility and passenger comfort. Benefiting from its 2,800 mm wheelbase and 1,825 mm overall width, cabin legroom and shoulder room are commendable; in particular, third-row passengers enjoy an expansive outward view without feeling cramped during long-distance journeys. Seating layouts are available in 5-seater, 6-seater (2+2+2), and 7-seater (2+2+3) configurations:

• 6-Seater Version: Adopts a 2+2+2 layout, with individual second-row captain seats supporting slide and backrest angle adjustments

• 7-Seater Version: Adopts a 2+2+3 layout, featuring individual second-row seats and a central walk-through aisle for easy third-row access

• 5-Seater Version: Adopts a conventional 2+3 layout, available as an optional configuration

Regarding cargo space, the third-row seats can be split-folded to expand luggage volume. Multiple storage cubbies and cup holders are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin to cater to family needs.

Smart cabin equipment is tiered across the line-up:

Low-spec models come equipped with an 8-inch central touchscreen supporting basic functions such as smartphone screen mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity. High-spec models upgrade to a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen integrating GPS navigation, live traffic updates, voice command, and connected car features. USB and AUX ports are provided across the cabin.

On the comfort and convenience front, automatic climate control, rear independent air conditioning, rear air vents, and an in-cabin PM2.5 air filtration system are standard across the entire range. Seat upholstery starts with fabric on lower variants, upgrading to synthetic leather or genuine leather on higher trims, with the top-tier variant adding power adjustment and heating for the front seats. Dual manual sliding rear doors are standard across the line-up; however, common MPV amenities such as dual power sliding doors, a powered tailgate, rear seat-back tray tables, and a built-in coolbox are absent across all variants.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of passive safety, the Dajia 5 EV is constructed with a high-strength safety cage body structure. Airbag protection is basic: dual front airbags are standard across the range, but front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags are omitted entirely. ISOFIX child seat anchor points, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS display), and front seatbelt reminders are fitted as standard across all variants.

For active safety, electronic assistance systems including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) come standard across the range. Auto Brake Hold and Hill Start Assist are also included as standard.

Intelligent driving aids represent a noticeable weak link for this model. While rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are standard, a 360-degree surround-view camera is not equipped. Crucially, the model lacks Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) across the board—Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) are all missing, leaving its driver assistance level at nil. This equipment level lags noticeably behind similarly priced pure electric MPVs and sits at odds with the smart positioning of the "Dajia" series.

In terms of battery safety, the ternary lithium pack incorporates a liquid cooling system, with battery pre-heating available as an option. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply functionality is standard across the range.

According to complaint data from 12365auto (CheZhiWang), several quality-related complaints have been logged for this model:

Complaints are primarily concentrated on the "automatic discharging when battery drops below 40%" issue on 2022 models, and the "loss of drive" issue on 2024 models. Prospective buyers should take note of these recorded complaints regarding the 2022 and 2024 model years.

Market Performance and Evaluation

The Dajia 5 EV has struggled to gain significant market traction. Retail sales data reveals that the model recorded only 1 unit sold in March 2026, with a 6-month cumulative volume of merely 2 units, ranking at the bottom of the brand's sales charts. This performance pales in comparison to the brand's core volume MPV, the G50 (averaging around 338 units monthly). Its key rivals in the segment include fellow electric MPVs such as the BYD Song MAX EV and Geely Jiaji EV.

From the perspective of user feedback, the vehicle's key strengths include:

• Spacious and practical cabin: The 2,800 mm wheelbase paired with versatile 6- or 7-seater layouts provides good third-row outward visibility without claustrophobia on long journeys

• Dependable driving range: The 510 km variant with 70 kWh CATL cells delivers sufficient CLTC range to handle daily commutes and weekend road trips

• Convenient charging: DC fast charging support allows the 410 km version to complete a 30% to 80% top-up in just 35 minutes

• Decent creature comforts (higher trims): Dual 12.3-inch screens, powered and heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and more

Noted shortcomings include:

• Total lack of ADAS: No Level 2 driver assistance systems across the line-up, lagging considerably behind price-equivalent rivals

• Sparse airbag coverage: Only dual front airbags are fitted, lacking side airbags and curtain airbags

• Missing MPV essentials: Key MPV conveniences such as dual power sliding doors, a powered tailgate, and ventilated seats are absent

• Low brand awareness: SAIC MAXUS has limited brand presence in the passenger MPV sector, with consumer recognition rooted mostly in commercial vehicles

• Clustered quality complaints: 2022 models have logged unprovoked battery drain, while 2024 models have reported sudden loss of drive

• Extremely poor sales volume: Monthly sales of just 1 unit highlight its heavy market marginalisation

Conclusion

As a compact pure electric MPV in the RM200,000 to RM230,000 price bracket, the SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 EV demonstrates solid fundamentals in terms of cabin practicality, driving range, and essential amenities. The 510 km long-range variant, equipped with a 70 kWh CATL battery and fast charging capability, readily meets the daily commuting and short-trip travel needs of family users. Its 2,800 mm wheelbase combined with flexible 6- and 7-seater layouts delivers commendable cabin space.

However, the vehicle suffers from pronounced weaknesses in active technology and safety—the complete absence of Level 2 ADAS and an airbag package restricted solely to dual front units put it at a distinct disadvantage against competitors like the BYD Song MAX EV. Clustered quality complaints on 2022 and 2024 models (unprompted battery discharge and sudden loss of drive) further raise questions about long-term reliability. Compounded by the brand's limited cachet in the passenger car market, the model has long been relegated to the sidelines—a reality clearly reflected in its single-unit monthly sales figure in March 2026.

For family buyers who prioritise cabin room, have minimal interest in active driver aids, and possess accessible home charging facilities, the Dajia 5 EV can still serve as a pragmatic option if acquired with substantial dealer discounts. However, buyers demanding advanced safety, intelligent driving assistance, and stronger aftersales network support would be better served looking at more competitive pure electric MPVs in this price category. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to take note of past complaints regarding 2022 battery discharge and 2024 drive loss issues, while thoroughly assessing local dealer service capabilities and vehicle health before making a purchase.