The SWM G05 is a mid-to-large SUV (partially classified as a mid-size SUV) rolled out by SWM Motors, serving as the second SUV underpinned by the brand's G-platform. This model is exclusively powered by pure internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, with no hybrid or fully electric variants offered.
The SWM G05 made its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show on 5 September 2019, positioned as a "large seven-seater touring SUV". Built around an Italian design philosophy paired with Chinese intelligent manufacturing, the model targets family car buyers seeking generous cabin space and strong value for money. The initial 2019 line-up offered five variants across two powertrain choices: a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit, with official retail prices ranging from RM69,900 to RM103,900. In 2023, SWM launched the G05 PRO series facelift across four variants, priced between RM86,900 and RM129,800. Seating configurations include five-, six-, and seven-seater layouts in a five-door SUV body style. As of 2026, showroom offerings primarily consist of the 2023 PRO series, with selected 2023 trims remaining on sale, although showroom presence has shrunk considerably.
The exterior styling of the SWM G05 blends classic Italian design cues with contemporary styling. Up front, it features a waterfall-style chrome-plated front grille flanked by "Angel Eye" LED headlights and geometric lighting elements, lending the front fascia an assertive and commanding look. Along the sides, sharp dual character lines complement a floating-roof design and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, giving the SUV a planted yet dynamic road presence. At the rear, full-width LED taillights are paired with sporty bumper faux air vents, further accentuating the rear profile's visual depth and recognisability.
In terms of dimensions, the G05 measures 4,750 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,780 mm tall (with selected earlier variants measuring 4,700 mm in length), riding on a 2,750 mm wheelbase. With its 1,860 mm width and 2,750 mm wheelbase, the cabin provides generous shoulder room and legroom. The vehicle's aerodynamic drag performance remains fairly typical for its class.
Inside, the SWM G05 features a wraparound cockpit layout with a conventional, uncluttered T-shaped dashboard. While hard plastics dominate the interior trim, chrome accents, gloss black panels, and geometric illuminated trim pieces help elevate the perceived cabin quality. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel comes standard with manual tilt adjustment.
The SWM G05 range is powered exclusively by front-transverse four-cylinder petrol engines across two displacement options.
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Engine: Powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (code-named SWE20), producing a maximum output of 105 kW (approx. 143 PS / 141 hp) and 190 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission in a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Tuned primarily for linear delivery and fuel efficiency, official 0–100 km/h acceleration figures were not published, with real-world throttle response being gentle and progressive.
1.5T Turbocharged Engine: Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, early versions produced a maximum output of 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. In the 2023 line-up, output on selected trims was adjusted to 110 kW (approx. 150 PS) and 212 Nm of torque. Transmission-wise, early 1.5T variants were paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic (6AT), while the 2023 PRO series introduced a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option. Top speed across the range is between 175 and 185 km/h, with no official 0–100 km/h sprint figures released.
Fuel economy under the NEDC combined cycle is rated between 7.7 L/100 km and 7.9 L/100 km. It features a 52-litre fuel tank and a kerb weight of around 1,595 kg. The engine runs on RON 92 petrol and complies with China 6 emission standards.
Underneath, the SWM G05 sits on a front-wheel-drive platform underpinned by front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension setup (trailing-arm torsion beam). Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system, while braking duties are managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear; the parking brake comes as either a mechanical handbrake or an electronic parking brake (EPB) depending on the variant. It rides on 225/65 R17 tyres.
On the road, the chassis tuning feels relatively taut with decent road feedback and good structural cohesiveness, avoiding the loose, floaty feel found in some domestic-market SUVs. The suspension absorbs minor road chatter and potholes reasonably well, maintaining clean rear-wheel tracking. Steering effort is light at low speeds and weights up progressively as speed builds, ensuring confident highway cruising. The overall chassis dynamics prioritise compliant, stable everyday comfort over spirited handling. On the NVH front, engine and road noise are well-suppressed at urban speeds and during idling; wind noise becomes noticeable above 100 km/h, though overall NVH suppression remains respectable within its segment.
In the tech department, the SWM G05 features a 12-inch (12.3-inch on selected variants) floating touchscreen infotainment display as standard, with higher-spec trims gaining a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster to form a dual-screen setup. It runs the E-go 3.0 connected infotainment system with integrated voice command (wake-up prompt "Xiao A"), supporting smartphone integration, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, USB audio/video input, online music streaming, online navigation, and in-car apps. Selected variants also support over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
In terms of convenience and comfort, an electronic parking brake (EPB), push-start ignition, and keyless entry are standard across the range. Upholstery is finished in leatherette or faux leather, with high-spec trims featuring thick, supportive dual-tone genuine leather seats. A 1.0-square-metre panoramic sunroof comes standard, enhancing interior light and airiness. Air conditioning is manually operated, complemented by dedicated rear blower vents. Boot space is generous in its standard configuration and expands up to 1,920 litres with the rear seats folded completely flat, offering 11 distinct seating arrangements for high modular practicality.
For safety, the SWM G05 comes equipped with ABS, EBD, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard. Range-topping trims feature an ADAS suite incorporating a 360-degree high-definition surround-view camera system and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Selected high-spec variants also add Auto Brake Hold and driver fatigue alert. Passive safety includes dual front airbags as standard, with front side and curtain airbags available on higher trims. ISOFIX child seat anchor points are standard across all variants. The body structure utilises a high-strength safety cage engineered to meet C-NCAP crash safety benchmarks.
When it comes to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the G05's offerings are strictly rudimentary, lacking Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities; key active safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), autonomous lane change assist, and navigation-assisted highway driving are completely absent. Selected 2023 variants offer zero active driver assistance features. This conspicuous lack of modern driver aids leaves the vehicle lagging behind its rivals in the same price segment.
The SWM G05 has seen a sharp, continuous decline in sales. The SUV logged 22,741 units in 2020—its peak sales year—before dropping to 14,781 units in 2021, 10,988 units in 2022, 9,423 units in 2023, 1,637 units in 2024, and plunging further to just 1,055 units in 2025. Over the first quarter of 2026, cumulative sales reached only 92 units, with zero sales recorded in March. During its peak, its aggressive value proposition—with the entry-level 2.0L model discounted to around RM69,900—helped it push around 600 units a month. However, rapid NEV market penetration and fresher segment rivals have rapidly eroded its market foothold.
Owner feedback remains polarised. Positive remarks highlight: Handsome and commanding looks—the bright metallic grille and bold body contours earned consistent praise for not looking bulky like some other SUVs; Exceptional value for money—getting an on-the-road seven-seater mid-size SUV for just over RM110,000 was widely hailed by owners as unbeatable bang for buck; Spacious interior—its 1,860 mm width and 2,750 mm wheelbase deliver plenty of rear legroom and headroom, while the 1,920-litre maximum cargo capacity stands out in its price bracket.
Negative feedback focuses on: Subpar interior plastics—the heavy reliance on hard plastics feels cheap, though some owners concede it is expected at this price point; Sluggish powertrain—the 1.5T variant runs out of steam at mid-to-high speeds, the 6AT exhibits noticeable downshift hesitation, and the 2.0L manual lacks sufficient power reserves; Total absence of smart tech—the lack of Level 2 ADAS across the lineup makes it feel severely outdated in an era where active safety is standard even in RM100,000-class SUVs; Weak brand recognition—as a niche, lower-tier brand, SWM suffers from low brand recall, with most mainstream car buyers unfamiliar with the badge; Questionable reliability and QC—complaints on consumer platforms like CheZhiWang are noticeable, highlighting issues such as unresponsive steering wheel controls, transmission failure to engage gears, timing belt jumping causing engine shudder, and engine oil leaks with severe replacement part shortages. Compounding this, dwindling sales have caused dealer networks to contract, worsening aftersales support.
Overall, the SWM G05 was conceived as a space-centric mid-to-large SUV catering to the RM100,000 market, trading on its core strengths of "maximum space, low running costs, and high value". Its aggressive pricing initially sustained annual volumes of roughly 20,000 units during its peak. Nonetheless, weak brand equity, lack of modern intelligent tech, an ageing powertrain, and inconsistent quality control have swiftly sidelined the model amidst fierce competition. By 2026, the G05 has effectively bowed out of the mainstream new-car market, with monthly deliveries dwindling to barely a dozen units.
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