Geely Galaxy E5

• Geely EX5 gets lifetime battery warranty in Indonesia

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Danny Tan / 8 July 2025 11:18 am / 6 comments

  

  Geely Auto Indonesia has a new promotion for the Geely EX5, but it’s not a price cut like in Thailand. Instead, the Proton eMas 7 twin gets an ‘EXceptional Value Deals’ package that includes lifetime battery warranty.

  There are terms and conditions attached to the lifetime battery warranty, of course. For one, there’s a mileage cap of 30,000 km a year, which translates to an average use of 2,500 km a month – as EVs are unlikely to be heavily used for long distance driving, this shouldn’t be much of an issue. You’ll get a battery change if state of health falls below 70%.

  The warranty is also reserved for the first owner of the EX5. This means that it’s not transferable, and the EV will not become ‘more valuable’ as a second-hand car. Battery aside, the Geely EX5 comes with an eight-year or 180,000 km warranty for the electric motor and motor control system. There’s also free emergency roadside assistance for five years.

  

  Apart from warranties, the promo package also includes a free portable charger, a 7 kW wallbox or OEM accessories package, front seats with massage function and adjustable leg rest, and exclusive colour options for the top-spec Max variant. There’s more – 0% interest rates for one year (or subsidy on home charger installation) and 2GB of free data for two years.

  Launched in January this year, the Geely EX5 comes in two variants for the republic – the Rp 475 juta (RM123,952) Pro and the Rp 515 juta (RM134,390) Max. Both come with a front electric motor rated at 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm, paired to a 60.22 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The quoted NEDC range is 495 km for the Pro and 490 km for the Max.

  Trial production of the EV started in May at contract manufacturer PT Handal Indonesia Motor’s plant in Purwakarta, with mass production targeted for Q4 2025. Geely said that it plans to launch between five and seven models in Indonesia over the next three years, including full EVs, plug-in hybrids and ICE-powered models.

  For those who aren’t yet convinced by EVs, would a lifetime battery warranty programme like this sway you?

  GALLERY: 2025 Proton eMas 7 update in Obsidian Black

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely to enter UK in fourth quarter of 2025 with EX5 EV SUV – Proton eMas 7 twin to get ‘Handling by Lotus’?

  In Cars, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 7 July 2025 2:32 pm / 4 comments

  

  The Brits love their handling, and doesn’t Geely know it. The Chinese giant is going to enter the UK in the fourth quarter of this year with the EX5 (or Galaxy E5 or Proton eMas 7 depending on where you’re from), and the EV SUV may get Lotus-tuned handling thanks to a collaboration with Lotus Engineering, reports various British publications including Car Magazine and Top Gear.

  “We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience. That’s why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we’re aware that UK customers have unique demands,” said Geely Auto UK boss Mike Yang.

  “For that reason, before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations. Lotus Engineering has a formidable track record along with some of the best R&D resources, so we’re delighted to be working closely with them.”

  

  Lotus Engineering is a division within Lotus that provides engineering and consultancy services to other automotive manufacturers to carry out engineering work including suspension and handling tuning – think Isuzu Piazza, Lotus Cortina and Lotus Carlton/Omega, besides the string of Protons we grew up with. Proton owned Lotus from 1996 to 2017.

  This Euro NCAP, ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP five-star EV SUV (no matter what name it goes by) was apparently co-developed with Proton. Geely said last year that global-market models will use Proton-tuned suspension, but it was reported earlier this year that Australia would get its own tuning – and now, Britain.

  UK specs are not known yet, but they shouldn’t differ much from the rest of the world. In Thailand, the range-topping EX5 Max just had its price cut to 899k baht (RM117k) after a series of reductions from the original 989k baht (RM129k). Proton recently said it won’t be joining the price war in Malaysia in a bid to protect resale values – even though it arguably started the war in the first place by significantly undercutting the BYD Atto 3. It has, however, decided to make the RM4,000 ‘early bird discount’ permanent.

   

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• Geely EX5 gets further price cut in Thailand: Proton eMas 7 twin now tops out RM12k lower at RM117k

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 7 July 2025 11:01 am / 7 comments

  

  The Geely EX5 hasn’t had the best start to life since its launch in Thailand late last year, with sluggish sales that have already led to sizeable price cuts. Evidently, things haven’t been much better for the Proton eMas 7‘s twin since then, because there’s been another round of price cuts, particularly for the range-topping Max variant.

  Originally priced at 989,000 baht (RM128,800), the electric SUV was discounted to 949,000 baht (RM123,600) at launch and then dropped to 929,000 baht (RM120,900) in March. A further 30,000 baht (RM3,900) reduction brings the price down to 899,000 baht (RM117,000), which is the same as what the entry-level Pro originally retailed for. That car, incidentally, continues to be priced at 799,000 baht (RM104,000).

  Alternatively, buyers in the Land of Smiles can instead plump for zero per cent interest on a five-year loan. There are also freebies that include one year of free insurance, free tinting and a 25,000 baht (RM3,300) discount on a wallbox charger.

  

  

  

  This promotion, which runs until July 31, means the EX5 now officially undercuts the eMas 7 (RM105,800 for the Prime, RM119,800 for the Premium), despite offering more kit (massaging seats and a “zero gravity” passenger seat with built-in ottoman for the Max) and the 410 km WLTP range as standard.

  For its part, Proton has recently said it won’t be joining the price war in Malaysia in a bid to protect resale values – even though it arguably started the said war in the first place by significantly undercutting its rival, the BYD Atto 3. It has, however, decided to make the RM4,000 “early bird discount” permanent.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely EX5 gets 5 stars from Euro NCAP and ANCAP

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Safety, Videos / By Jonathan James Tan / 11 April 2025 2:14 pm / 6 comments

  

  The Geely EX5 (or Geely Galaxy E5 or Proton eMas 7, depending on where you live) has been given a full five-star safety rating by both the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

  Before we get our sarongs in a twist though, barring any announcements from either of the two NCAPs or Proton, this rating may not necessarily apply to the eMas 7 because the EX5 tested here has a centre airbag (which the Proton doesn’t have) for a total of seven. Our Proton has six airbags and has been rated five stars by ASEAN NCAP.

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  Both NCAPs’ scores are almost totally similar – 86% for adults, 87% for children and 83% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists) – except for safety assist, where the EV SUV got 83% from Euro NCAP and 85% from ANCAP. You can pore through the full results below in the gallery.

  Launched in December, the Proton eMas 7 shot straight to the top of Malaysia’s EV sales chart – 421 were sold in January, 580 in February and 737 in March for a first-quarter total of 1,738 units, beating the second-placed BYD Sealion 7 by nearly 900 units.

  
  

  Geely EX5 Euro NCAP crash test photos

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Geely EX5 Euro NCAP report

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Geely EX5 ANCAP report

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely EX5 joins EV price war in Thailand with RM13k discount – eMas 7 twin now from RM104k, long range

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Hafriz Shah / 29 March 2025 9:34 am / 11 comments

  

  While other EV models (BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and Aion Y Plus) are scrambling to price match the Proton eMas 7 in Malaysia, it is the Geely EX5 that is being heavily discounted amid the fierce EV price war over in Thailand.

  The eMas twin just received a major price cut of 100,000 baht (RM13k), now starting from 799,000 baht (RM104.5k) in hope of it being more competitive in the crowded market. That’s rather significant considering it was just launched a few months ago.

  In Thailand, the electric SUV market is dominated by the BYD Atto 3, with plenty of newcomers looking to get a slice of the relatively large pie. Joining the Geely in the chasing pack are the Deepal S05 and MG S5, both freshly launched at the ongoing Bangkok motor show.

  

  

  With the price cut, the starting price of the Geely EX5 in Thailand is now slightly cheaper than the Proton eMas 7 is in Malaysia (from RM105,800 with the early bird discount), although that isn’t a like-for-like comparison. The base Thai-market EX5 already comes with the larger 60 kWh battery pack instead of the 49 kWh unit in the entry eMas 7, giving it a range of 410 km instead of just 345 km (both WLTP).

  To be fair, the top EX5 model, which is a closer match to our eMas 7 Premium, is still priced slightly higher – 929,000 Baht (RM121.3k) vs RM119,800 – as it received a smaller discount of 60,000 Baht (RM7.8k). Bear in mind too that the EX5 Max has a few extra features that are missing in the Proton, such as massaging seats and a “zero gravity” passenger seat with built-in ottoman, though it rides on smaller 18-inch alloys.

  As for actual sales numbers, the EX5 isn’t doing all that well with just over 1,000 units booked by March of this year. The eMas 7 on the other hand has passed 5,000 units, and that’s despite the EV market in Malaysia being far smaller than Thailand’s. Perhaps that explains the heavy discounting early on in the Geely’s life then.

  Thai-market Geely EX5

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Geely EX5 in Australia is priced from RM114k – two 218 PS variants, up to 430 km WLTP EV range

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Gerard Lye / 12 March 2025 3:51 pm / 4 comments

  

  Pricing for the Geely EX5, which is the twin to the Proton eMas 7 (and also known as the Geely Galaxy E5 in China), has been revealed for Australia. The electric SUV will be offered in two trim levels named Complete and Inspire, both with the same powertrain but different range figures.

  The Complete is the base variant in the line-up and retails for AUD40,990 (about RM114k) before on-the-road costs. For the money, it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high beam, an active grille shutter, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a six-speaker sound system.

  The list continues with Geely Connected Services (OTRA updates, voice assistant, online media streaming, telematics), a 15W wireless phone charger, powered and heated front seats with memory function as well as a tyre pressure monitor.

  

  Stepping up to the range-topping Inspire, which is priced at AUD44,990 (RM125k), adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, a powered tailgate, a 13.4-inch head-up display, ventilation and massage functions for the front seats, a powered leg rest for the front passenger, a 16-speaker sound system with 1,000W of amplification and ambient lighting with 256 colours.

  Both variants get the same safety and driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, driver status monitoring, evasive manoeuvre assist, lane keep assist, multi-collision braking, occupant detection alert, safe exit warning, a surround view camera, traffic sign recognition and seven airbags (front, side, curtain, front-centre). The Inspire gains front parking sensors on top of the standard rear ones.

  As for the powertrain, there is a single motor at the front that is rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds (Complete) or 7.1 seconds (Inspire). The battery is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit with an energy capacity of 60.22 kWh and can be charged via an AC input (11 kW max) or DC fast charging (100 kW; 30-80% in 20 minutes).

  

  The difference in equipment, which has weight, is likely the reason for the different century sprint times, and this extends to available range as well. The Complete offers up to 430 km following the WLTP standard, while the Inspire provides less at 410 km. The EX5 also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) outputs of 3.3 kW and 6 kW, respectively.

  Five colours are available, with Arctic White being the only one available at no extra cost. Meanwhile, Shadow Black, Volcanic Grey, Moonlit Silver and Aquatic Green requires a AUD600 (RM1.7k) premium. A seven-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-mileage battery warranty accompany each EX5 purchased.

  Compared to the eMas 7, the two variants of the EX5 sold in Australia are pretty similar in terms of equipment to the Prime (RM105,800) and Premium (RM119,800) we have here. A notable difference is the EX5’s base variant – the Complete – has a superior powertrain to the Prime that gets a lesser 49.52-kWh LFP battery (345 km range) but the same electric motor. Moreover, the EX5 comes with an extra front-centre airbag, front seat massage function (Inspire only), one extra year of vehicle warranty and unlimited-mileage warranty for the battery and EV components (160,000 km for the eMas 7).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely EX5 to get specific suspension, ADAS tuning for Australia – not using Proton-tuned suspension setup?

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 18 February 2025 11:16 am / 14 comments

  

  As Geely prepares to launch the EX5 (we know it as the Proton eMas 7) in Australia later this year, GoAuto reports that the EV SUV will get an Aussie-specific suspension setup and ADAS tune, and that testing and evaluation, which took 12 months, have concluded there.

  The team wanted to ensure the EX5’s suspension was properly tuned to Australian roads with unique characteristics, including the coarse chip seal surfaces that create a rougher ride, the long-distance highways with undulating stretches, and the suburban streets dotted with speed bumps and roundabouts.

  Geely Auto Australia head Li Lei told the publication that the result is a “fine-tuned suspension that perfectly balances the needs of Australian drivers, refining the setup to be composed and sure-footed, without compromising comfort or driver control behind the wheel.”

  “We wanted to ensure the car offered a great experience for Australians and these adjustments will deliver a smoother ride over rough surfaces, improved stability for long-distance journeys, and the durability to handle variable loads — all while maintaining the comfort, confidence and reliability consumers expect,” he added.

  

  

  

  Malaysian Proton eMas 7

  Of course, we know road conditions differ greatly from country to country – and Australia is by far no exception – but we were previously informed by a Geely rep that Proton’s suspension setup will be used in export markets, Australia included. Have plans changed, or is Australia among the few outliers?

  In a December 2 report, GoAuto noted that the EX5 it tested in China felt too soft for Australian tastes. It said the spongy dampers and springs, while exhibiting fair comfort and control, would not suit Australia’s ever-changing and unsettling surfaces.

  Meanwhile, the ADAS has been calibrated for Australia too, including the lane-keep assist, traffic sign information recognition and driver monitoring. These systems, along with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, evasive manoeuvre assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and seven airbags will be standard on the EX5 Down Under.

  According to GoAuto, the Geely EX5 is expected to be priced around AUD45,000 (RM127k) before on-roads and will be able to travel up to 430 km on a full charge – consistent with our Proton eMas 7 Premium.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Proton eMas 7 Malaysian in-depth review – all the good and the bad on Malaysia’s first electric vehicle

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Proton, Video Reviews, Videos / By Jonathan Lee / 17 February 2025 10:17 am / 5 comments

  

  We’ve been waiting for this car for the better part of three years – Proton’s first electric vehicle, the eMas 7, is finally on sale. And now that we’ve had our hands on one, we can come full circle with our in-depth review of Malaysia’s first EV.

  Of course, the eMas 7 is a twin of the Geely Galaxy E5. Leaving aside the fact that the latter, sold outside China as the Geely EX5, represents a complete redrawing of Proton’s original global aspirations under Geely, this large C-segment SUV is a huge deal for the national carmaker – thrusting it into a new market segment altogether, motivated by an entirely new power source.

  Competing against other budget-friendly electric SUVs – such as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, the BYD Atto 3 – the eMas 7 is available in two variants. The base Prime is priced at RM109,800, while the longer-range Premium retails at RM123,800. Still ongoing is a launch promo that, among other things, drops the prices by RM4,000 to RM105,800 and RM119,800 respectively for the first 6,000 buyers.

  

  

  Power comes from a front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Both variants use Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries – the Prime’s 49.52 kWh unit delivers a WLTP range of 345 km, while the Premium can travel up to 410 km using its 60.22 kWh pack. Charging time from 30 to 80% takes 20 minutes using DC fast charging at up to 100 kW (80 kW for the Prime), while a full charge using an 11 kW AC wallbox takes 4.9 hours for the Prime and 6.1 hours for the Premium.

  Technology highlights include a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen running on Geely’s latest Flyme Auto operating system, as well as the Premium’s 16-speaker Flyme Sound system. And for the first time on a Proton, the eMas 7 comes as standard with a full suite of driver assistance features, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

  All that sounds good, but is the eMas 7 as good a product as the specs suggest? Has Proton’s input on the chassis improved the Galaxy E5’s slightly-too-soft ride, and can it really take the fight to BYD? Watch our own Hafriz Shah takes you through everything that’s good and bad about the car in his review below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely EX5 in Indonesia – Proton eMas 7 twin, up to 495 km NEDC range, CKD in Q3 2025, from RM127k

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 14 February 2025 1:43 pm / 4 comments

  

  Having been launched last month, the Geely EX5 has finally received its official pricing at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). The electric SUV, a twin of the Proton eMas 7, is available in the same Pro and Max twins as in Thailand, retailing at 475 million rupiah (RM129,400) and 515 million rupiah (RM140,300) respectively.

  Early-bird buyers, however, receive a 10 million rupiah (RM2,700) discount, bringing the prices down to 465 million rupiah (RM126,700) for the Pro and 505 million rupiah (RM137,600) for the Max. Both are CBU fully imported from China, but the car will be CKD locally assembled from the third quarter of the year onwards, with the Bekasi Phase II plant set to be completed by Q2.

  As per in other markets in the region, Indonesia gets a single mechanical specification, with a single front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, as well as the largest available 60.22 kWh Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The lighter Pro model gets from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a range of 495 km on the lenient NEDC cycle, while the more well-equipped (and thus heavier) Max completes the century sprint in 7.1 seconds and can travel 490 km on a single charge.

  

  By comparison, the Australian-market equivalent Complete and Inspire variants have a range of 430 and 410 km respectively on the more realistic WLTP cycle, although the Inspire does come with larger 19-inch wheels which the Indonesian models lack (18-inch rollers come standard there). The top-spec eMas 7 Premium with the 19s and the 60.22 kWh battery also has a 410 km WLTP range.

  Charging from 30 to 80% takes 20 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger, while AC charging with a 11 kW wallbox takes 6.1 hours. There’s also a 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

  Other highlights include a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, both running on Geely’s Flyme Auto operating system, developed in conjunction with phone maker Meizu. The Max gains a head-up display, 256-colour ambient lighting, front seat memory and massage functions, a passenger-side ottoman and a 16-speaker Flyme Sound system.

  

  

  Geely EX5 in Thailand

  The Max is unfortunately also the only model to come with any form of driver assistance features, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, traffic sign recognition and a door opening warning. Six airbags and stability control are standard.

  Five colours are available in Indonesia, these being Turquoise Green, Carbon Black, Frost Grey, Moonlight Silver and Snowy White, the last one being the only option for the Pro model. The interior comes in Dark Blue as standard, but the Max can also be had in Ivory White, which is not available on the eMas 7.

  GALLERY: Geely EX5 in at Thai Motor Expo 2024

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 Premium in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely Galaxy E5 production hits 100k unit milestone

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Gerard Lye / 31 January 2025 5:16 pm / 14 comments

  

  Geely has announced it has produced its 100,000th Galaxy E5 on January 29 this year. This comes around five months after the brand’s electric SUV went on sale in China in early August 2024. The Galaxy E5 has a Malaysian twin in the form of the Proton eMas 7, which went on sale here in December last year.

  According to CarNewsChina, deliveries of the Galaxy E5 averaged around 15,000 units. In 2024, 77,685 units of the electric vehicle (EV) were sold to customers, with 40,000 units delivered in the first 85 days of its launch. Within 100 days, the number increased to 50,000 units and later to 60,000 units in 119 days.

  Pricing for the Galaxy E5 currently ranges from 109,800 to 145,800 yuan (about RM68k to RM90k) across five variants. Two powertrains are offered in China, both with the brand’s Aegis lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

  The first has a 49.52-kWh battery that is good for a CLTC-rated cruising range of 440 km and paired with a front electric motor rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the second option gets a higher-capacity 60.22-kWh battery for a CLTC-rated 530 km and the same electric motor. The 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h are the same for both powertrains.

  

  In terms of charging, the Galaxy E5 needs 7.5 hours (49.52 kWh battery) or nine hours (60.22 kWh battery) to get from a 10-100% state of charge (SoC). With DC charging, it takes 20 minutes to get from a 30-80% SoC for all variants.

  By comparison, the eMas 7 was introduced with a special launch price of RM105,800 and RM119,800 (normal price RM109,800 and RM123,800) for the Prime and Premium variants respectively. The powertrain specifications are similar to the Galaxy E5, with the same electric motor being used for the Prime and Premium.

  The Prime’s 49.52-kWh battery offers a WLTP-rated range of 345 km (410 km NEDC), while it is 410 km (470 km NEDC) for the Premium. Proton quotes a 10-80% SoC charging time of 4.9 hours (Prime) and 6.1 hours (Premium) with an 11-kW AC input, while DC charging from a 30-80% takes 20 minutes for both variants (80 kW Prime, 100 kW Premium).

  The Malaysian carmaker announced just a few days ago that the order books for its first EV is close to 4,000 units, with most opting for the range-topping Premium. Several days before that, the company extended the special launch pricing to the first 6,000 customers instead of 3,000 customers previously – the target is to deliver 1,000 units by the end of February this year.

   

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• Geely to launch full ICE, EV line-up in Indonesia, CKD 2Q25, 100 stores by 2027 – Proton plans cancelled?

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 23 January 2025 1:51 pm / 53 comments

  

  Geely has (re)entered Indonesia with the EX5 (Proton eMas 7), which will be locally assembled (CKD) in Bekasi by this year’s second quarter, and there will be 100 sales and service outlets within three years.

  The Chinese giant also has plans to launch its full ICE and EV model range in the republic – silhouetted in the slide above are, left to right, Coolray (X50 facelift), EX5 (eMas 7), Monjaro, Okavango (X90 facelift), Xingyuan (eMas 5), Galaxy Starship 7 (eMas 7 PHEV) and another Coolray (special edition?).

  All well and good, but when Proton and Geely got married in 2017, the promise then was to use the Proton brand for right-hand drive (RHD) and ASEAN markets, making Malaysia Geely’s regional RHD hub. In 2020, Geely asked Proton to expand into ASEAN markets, especially Thailand and Indonesia.

  

  In 2021, Proton confirmed it would return to both markets – which we know is the only way to get even remotely close to its ASEAN No 3 goal.

  Now, four years later – and nearly eight years into the marriage – Geely is in Thailand, Australia/New Zealand, and with today’s news, Indonesia, as itself and not Proton. These are all major right-hand drive (RHD) markets. Geely is rumoured to enter South Africa soon too, with the EX5.

  Only last month, the Chinese carmaker reiterated its commitment to Malaysia as its regional production and R&D hub, specifically Tanjung Malim’s Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV).

  

  It said then it would enter and establish dealer networks in Proton’s non-existent markets, but it proceeded to open a plant in Egypt last week to make Geely-badged cars, starting with the Emgrand and Coolray.

  It’s looking more and more like the plan now is to have Proton sell budget cars, like the Saga and other future AMA products, abroad, with the possible exception of South Africa, where the Geely-based X50, X70 and X90 are sold as Protons, Mauritius, where the Proton X90 is sold, and Pakistan, where the Proton X70 is sold.

  Proton is also in RHD markets such as Bangladesh, Kenya and Brunei, but they are largely not big markets and it remains to be seen if the Proton brand will continue to be used for EVs moving forward, besides Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and possibly Brunei.

   

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• Geely opens Egypt plant to make Emgrand (S70), Coolray (X50); Proton limited to budget cars in MENA?

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 17 January 2025 11:09 am / 15 comments

  

  Geely has inaugurated a new plant in Egypt’s 6 October City that will produce the Emgrand sedan (on which the Proton S70 is based) and Coolray SUV (on which the Proton X50 is based), Ahram Online reports.

  Done in collaboration with Auto Mobility (Geely Egypt), the plant is Geely’s first industrial venture in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. Its two production lines can together push out up to 10,000 Geely-badged vehicles a year for domestic consumption and to facilitate export of around 30,000 vehicles to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

  Proton and Geely have both been in Egypt for some time, with different local partners. The Malaysian brand started its CKD plant there (currently only making the Saga) two months ago, and it also has MENA export plans, so what gives?

  

  

  Now, we know there’s an LHD Proton X50, because 200 of them have been exported to Vietnam, but with Geely now assembling their own cars for the MENA markets, it looks like Proton will focus on, or be limited to selling budget cars – such as the Saga and other future AMA products – over there.

  However, it’s claimed that Proton’s Egypt plant has an annual production capacity of 50,000 (a third of total current production in Malaysia – ambitious, no?) while the new Geely plant is set for only 30,000 units. If the target numbers are to be believed, Proton has the potential to be a bigger volume player in MENA compared to Geely.

  On a separate note, Proton is already in South Africa, where it sells right-hand drive (RHD) Geely-based models such as the X50, X70 and X90. The S70 has been delayed, though – business partners were invited to the S70 launch there in end-2023, but there has been no news since. There are rumours that Geely is going to enter South Africa soon with the EX5 (eMas 7).

  

  We reported in November on Geely entering Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand – all major RHD markets – as Geely instead of Proton, seemingly reneging on the promise made earlier. The Chinese giant responded by reiterating its commitment to Malaysia as its regional production and R&D hub, specifically Tanjung Malim’s Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV).

  “Geely will enter and establish dealer networks in Proton’s non-existent markets, starting with new energy vehicle products, to build brand reputation, which will be complementary to Proton’s existing products,” Geely Holding Group PR director Ash Sutcliffe told paultan.org last month, which we take to mean that Proton and Geely will not be in the same markets together.

  “Geely will leverage its resources in these markets, either to assist Proton’s future entry or to export products from Malaysia using AHTV as a production hub, maximising synergies with Proton and our partner DRB-Hicom,” he added.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely EX5 launching in Indonesia on January 22 – Proton eMas 7 twin with up to 430 km WLTP range

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 8 January 2025 5:36 pm / 16 comments

  

  Having launched the car in both Thailand and Hong Kong, Geely is now gearing up to bring the EX5 to the Indonesian market this month. According to local news portal Kompas, the carmaker sent out media invites for the electric SUV’s launch, happening on January 22.

  To recap, the EX5 is the global version of the Galaxy E5, which is a twin of the recently-launched Proton eMas 7. All three cars are identical down to the powertrain – a single electric motor at the front that produces 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, getting them from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

  

  

  Two sizes of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery are offered – a 49.52 kWh unit that delivers a range of 345 km as well as 60.22 kWh pack that enables the EX5 to travel up to 410 km on a single charge. Both figures are based on the more realistic WLTP cycle, with the latter stretching to 430 km with the smaller of the two available wheel sizes (18 inches versus 19s).

  Pricing remains to be seen, although it’s unlikely Indonesia will be able to beat Malaysia. Here, the car (as the eMas 7) is the cheapest outside of China, retailing at RM109,800 for the Prime with the 49.52 kWh battery and RM123,800 for the Premium with the 60.22 kWh pack.

  GALLERY: Geely EX5 at Thai Motor Expo 2024

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Geely enters Thailand, Indonesia, Australia – what happened to using Proton for RHD, ASEAN markets?

  In Cars, Feature Stories, Geely, International News, Local News, Proton / By Jonathan James Tan / 29 November 2024 3:47 pm / 85 comments

  

  The launches of the EX5 (or Geely Galaxy E5, or Proton eMas 7) in Thailand, and Aletra in Indonesia, mean that Geely per se is now in these major ASEAN markets. The Chinese giant has also formalised its entry into Australia and New Zealand (set to happen in 1H 2025), the latter via a partnership with Giltrap Group.

  These all happened this week alone – a real RHD-market onslaught if we ever saw one. But when Proton and Geely got married in 2017, the promise then was to use the Proton brand for right-hand drive (RHD) and ASEAN markets, making Malaysia Geely’s regional RHD hub.

  With Geely, not Proton, now in ASEAN’s two biggest car markets, how will the oft-repeated goal to make Proton No 3 in the region be achieved?

  

  The choice of Geely as the brand to enter Australia instead of Proton is also something to think about deeply. After all, Proton was Down Under from 1995 to 2017, with the Jumbuck (Arena) being its most successful model. The idea that Geely’s global brand awareness and equity have grown to levels deemed sufficient to relegate the Malaysian brand’s 22 years in Australia, creates many different emotions.

  There are also rumours that Geely is going to enter South Africa – a market that Proton is already in – and we suspect this Cape Town ain’t big enough for the both of them. The Proton brand is indeed used in RHD markets like Bangladesh, Kenya and Pakistan, but they are largely (Brunei, Mauritius, Mozambique etc) not big markets and one wonders if the Proton brand will continue to be used for EVs moving forward.

  It is becoming evident that the initial plan to use the Proton brand in international RHD and ASEAN markets is no longer in place. Yes, that was first announced years ago and plans do change. Still, it’s disheartening to give up the hope of having a Malaysian brand spread its wings abroad.

  

  One small saving grace for Proton is that its ride and handling setup for the eMas 7 will be used in global-market Geely EX5 models. We as Malaysians know that, but we doubt Proton will be credited for it in overseas markets.

  Is Geely losing patience and faith at Proton’s slow growth rate? Or are Proton’s own branding and name recognition to blame? Although it has made great strides post-Geely, Proton still hasn’t reached the No 1 spot in Malaysia, and still has some way to go to build up its reputation in ASEAN and other markets. It’s been over seven years.

  When Geely first partnered up with Proton, a Chinese brand breaking into the global market was unheard of. Now, BYD, Chery and others are making headlines all over the world, while the Geely name is relatively unknown outside of China. This latest move should change that.

  

  It does look like Proton is being sidelined, at least for now. It will be interesting to see if Proton will be allowed to market its next-generation home-grown models (which rather ironically are being developed in Hangzhou) outside of Malaysia, or if they will be badged as a Geely in Thailand and Indonesia too.

  What do you think? Does this spell the end for Proton’s international aspirations? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

   

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• Geely EX5 launched in Thailand – Proton eMas 7 twin, 495 km range, black or white interior, from RM111k

  In Cars, Geely, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 29 November 2024 11:27 am / 15 comments

  

  The Geely EX5 (known in China as the Geely Galaxy E5) has entered its first international market of Thailand. Launched during the ongoing Thai Motor Expo, the Proton eMas 7 twin is fully imported from China, just like its soon-to-be-launched Malaysian sibling.

  Two variants of the electric SUV are being offered in the Land of Smiles – the Pro at 859,000 baht (RM111,100) and the Max at 949,000 baht (RM122,700). This promotional pricing is limited to the first 1,084 units – to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the distributor Thonburi Group, according to Autolifethailand – after which the car will retail at 899,000 baht (RM116,200) and 989,000 baht (RM127,900) respectively.

  Surprisingly, both models are identical mechanically, meaning that they not only share the same outputs – 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque – from their single front motor, but also the same 60.22 kWh Aegis “short blade” lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. That’s opposed to Malaysia, where the eMas 7 will also be offered with a smaller 49.52 kWh pack in the base model.

  

  Its higher equipment count does mean that the heavier Max is both slower to 100 km/h (7.1 seconds, versus 6.9 seconds for the Pro) and has a shorter range (490 km vs 495 km, both on the NEDC cycle). On the more realistic WLTP cycle, the eMas 7 Premium with the same pack achieves a less impressive 410 km. No matter which version you go for, the EX5 has a top speed of 175 km/h.

  Given that they use the same battery pack, it’s no surprise both models support up to 100 kW of DC fast charging, so charging from 30 to 80% takes 20 minutes. They also accept up to 11 kW of AC charging; as such, the same yardstick takes 6.1 hours. A vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is offered at up to 3.3 kW.

  Standard equipment includes full LED head- and taillights, an active grille shutter, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Giti tyres, roof rails, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage functions, a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, a 16-speaker Flyme Audio sound system (with headrest speakers) and six airbags. Unlike the eMas 7, the EX5 gets Apple CarPlay from the get-go.

  

  The Max adds a panoramic glass sunroof, a head-up display, a “zero gravity” front passenger seat with a built-in ottoman, 256-colour ambient lighting and a powered tailgate. It is also the only one with driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, rear collision warning and a door opening warning. This contrasts with the eMas 7 which gets these features as standard.

  A total of five colours are offered, these being Snowy White, Frost Grey, Carbon Black, Moonlight Silver and Turquoise Green. Our lucky neighbours up north will also be able to get their car with an Ivory White interior (Max only), whereas us Malaysians are stuck with Indigo Blue.

  The price of the full-spec Max variant is right around the ballpark of the eMas 7’s RM120,000 estimate, meaning there is scope for the Malaysian model to go lower with the base Prime variant. Are you excited about the pricing? Sound off in the comments after the jump. You can also read our first impressions of Malaysia’s first EV here.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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