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.
We are only a few days into 2025, but Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong has already confirmed that the national car company will launch its second all-electric model this year. The announcement was made at the opening ceremony of the Proton eMas Petaling Jaya showroom in Seksyen 13, operated by Regal Motors EV.
That’s big news indeed, coming less than a month after the long-awaited introduction of the Proton eMas 7, Malaysia’s first local-branded EV. While the identity of the second model is still under wraps, it’s heavily rumoured to be the eMas 5, based on the Geely Xingyuan.
If proved correct, the electric hatchback would be a smaller, more affordable EV option for the mass market, and one that will likely rival Perodua’s own upcoming electric model that was recently previewed by the eMO-II concept.
In China, the Geely Xingyuan was launched in October 2024, with a CLTC-rated range of up 410 km (closer to 350 km on the WLTP cycle). We will have to wait and see if the Proton eMas 5 will have similarly small 30.12 and 40.16 kWh battery options here. The larger eMas 7 gets a choice of 49.52 and 60.22 kWh battery packs, with a claimed range of 345 km and 410 km respectively on the WLTP cycle.
Last September, we reported that local Proton dealers were shown the Geely Xingyuan during a group visit in China, fuelling rumours that the smaller EV model is being considered as an eMas model. It’s now looking more and more likely that that is indeed the case.
The question is when and of course, how much? The Proton eMas 7 starts from RM105,800, so it’s natural to expect the far smaller sibling to perhaps fall below the RM100k mark. However, it will have to be locally assembled in Malaysia to carry a five-figure price tag. The eMas 7 is currently fully imported from China.
Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) has announced that the Proton eMas 7 EV, which was officially launched on December 16, has achieved over 2,500 bookings so far. The all-electric SUV is available in two variant forms, these being the Prime and Premium, priced at RM109,800 and RM123,800, on-the-road without insurance.
Of course, as mentioned during the launch, the first 3,000 eMas 7 buyers get a RM4,000 discount, which brings the price of the Prime down to RM105,800 and that for the Premium to RM119,800. With the launch offer still available, you can make a booking for the Proton eMas 7 at any of the 30 Proton eMas dealerships nationwide or through the Proton e.MAS website.
On top of the rebate, Proton is also throwing in a launch package worth RM8,000 for the first 3,000 customers, consisting of a free 7kW home charger worth RM1,500, a free V2L adaptor worth RM500, a five-year unlimited data package worth RM1,800, a trade-in rebate worth RM1,200 and a special 1.98% interest rate from Proton Commerce, offering savings of up to RM3,000.
To recap, both eMas 7 variants are powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, which is able to get the EV from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds on the way to a 175 km/h top speed.
The Prime comes with a 49.52 kWh version of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km, while the Premium has a 60.22 kWh pack, which provides up to 410 km of WLTP-rated range. the EV supports 11kW AC charging and DC fast charging up to 100kW
Both support AC charging at a max rate of 11 kW, with the Prime needing 4.9 hours for a full charge, and 6.1 hours for the Premium. As for DC, the Prime can handle up to 80 kW, while the Premium can take up to 100 kW, and both can get from a 30-80% SoC in 20 minutes.
“The enthusiasm Malaysians have shown for the Proton eMas 7 highlights their readiness to embrace sustainable mobility. Combining innovative features with exceptional value, the Proton eMas 7 is designed to be the ideal choice for those looking to electrify their journeys. This EV represents a significant step forward, not only for Proton but also for Malaysia’s green automotive future,” said Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang.
Proton is set to re-enter the Singapore market following the recent appointment of Vincar Group as the official distributor of the Malaysian brand’s eMas electric vehicles (EVs).
The eMas 7, which was launched here on Monday (December 16, 2024), will go on sale in the island country in early 2025, Vincar said in a posting on Facebook. It adds that a flagship showroom will be opened at the Leng Kee automotive belt for sales and aftersales services.
Singapore is just one of a few countries that will welcome the eMas 7, with others revealed during the launch being Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal and Mauritius – Brunei is also part of this list based on the EV’s ASEAN NCAP report.
In Malaysia, the eMas 7 is priced from RM109,800 and comes in two variants, both with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. The Prime uses a 49.52-kWh version of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km, while the Premium’s larger 60.22-kWh pack means it delivers up to 410 km.
The Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) was finally launched yesterday by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime variant is priced at RM109,800 while the Premium is yours for RM123,800 on-the-road excluding insurance. The first 3,000 buyers will get a RM4,000 discount, making the RRP RM105,800 and RM119,800 respectively.
Both share a front-mounted electric motor that produces 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, propelling the fastest-accelerating Proton ever to from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 175 km/h. The Prime uses a 49.52 kWh version of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km. The Premium’s 60.22 kWh pack delivers 410 km.
Both support AC charging at a max rate of 11 kW. The range-topper can suck in DC power of up to 100 kW (Prime 80 kW), and both can get from 30-80% SoC in 20 minutes. By the way, the eMas 7 has live charging map integration in its infotainment system, featuring over 1,700 chargers or 85% of all chargers in Malaysia, and you’ll get real-time info such as gun availability and pricing.
The eMas 7 is one of those rare cars that’s bigger than it looks. This C-segment SUV is 4,615 mm long and 1,901 mm wide, which makes it 89 mm longer and 70 mm wider than the Proton X70. Also, its 2,750 mm wheelbase is 80 mm longer than the X70’s, and Proton claims D-segment space. Check out the video above where Hafriz Shah tries it out for size.
The Prime rides on 18-inch star-design two-tone alloys (225/55 Giti tyres) while the Premium gets 19-inch blade-style wheels with 235/50 Goodyear rubber.
The eMas 7 cabin is as per the Geely Galaxy E5, save for Proton badging on the steering wheel and seats and two items (watch the video). The minimalist cockpit is nowhere as extreme as Tesla and the Volvo EX30, because there’s still the digital meter panel and a colour 13.8-inch head-up display (Premium only) for perfect line of sight. Stalks too, including a Mercedes-style gear selector.
Speaking of physical controls, the centre console houses a big volume knob (customisable) and four hard buttons (front demister, recirculation, auto air-con and air-con on/off). For a brand new EV, it’s a decent balance between a dictatorial big screen (2.5K 15.4-inch) and conventional comforts.
Proton is proud of the eMas 7’s 33 storage spaces that include drawers under the rear seats and under the rear AC vents, and the tall space under the centre console. Boot volume us 461 litres and there’s an extra 51 litres under the boot floor (no spare tyre); fold down the rear seats and you’ll get a total of 1,877 litres, good for two full-size road bikes. No frunk, though.
Level 2 ADAS is standard across the board, a first for Proton, which usually reserves top safety for top variants. The eMas 7 scored the full five stars in the ASEAN NCAP (92.57 points), tested last month.
Aside from the larger wheels mentioned above, items exclusive to the range-topping Premium are the panoramic glass roof with sunshade, powered tailgate, active grille shutter, auto dimming rear view mirror, memory for the driver’s electric seat, powered front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, 256-colour ambient lights, head-up display and the 16-speaker sound system (six in the Prime). Full specs here.
Available colours are Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Lithium White and a very unique Quartz Rose pink shade that you see here. There’s only one Indigo Blue shade for the cabin, but don’t worry, as the blue is so dark that it appears black.
Proton’s is dangling carrots in the form of a launch package, which includes a free 7kW home charger worth RM1,500, a free V2L adaptor worth RM500, low interest from 1.98%, a five-year unlimited data package worth RM1,800 and a trade-in rebate worth RM1,200. The launch package is said to be worth RM8,000.
This is on top of the RM4,000 rebate for the first 3,000 buyers, which bring down the RRP to RM105,800 for the Prime and RM119,800 for the Premium. It’s a lot of car for the money, our team at launch yesterday concurred. Join the walk-around video tour above and check out our first impressions drive report. What do you think?
At today’s launch of the Proton eMas 7, it was revealed that the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) will be sold in other countries next year, including Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Singapore and Mauritius.
Additionally, the eMas 7’s ASEAN NCAP report also shows the testing results apply to not just Malaysia, but also Brunei and Singapore, the former likely being another country where the eMas 7 goes on sale.
It’s worth noting that Thailand won’t be getting the eMas 7 because it has already welcomed the Proton EV’s twin in the form of the Geely Galaxy E5 – the launch took place at the end of November this year.
For our market, the eMas 7 comes in two variants – Prime and Premium – both with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. The Prime uses a 49.52-kWh version of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km, while the Premium’s larger 60.22-kWh pack means it delivers up to 410 km.
The new Proton eMas 7 has been awarded a five-star rating by ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries). Under the 2021-2025 protocol, the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) received an overall score of 92.57 points.
In the adult occupant protection (AOP) assessment, the eMas 7 managed a score of 31.20 out of 32 points (39 points weighted score), while it was 44.17 out of 51 points (17.32 points weighted score) in child occupant protection (COP). The eMas 7 comes standard with six airbags, ESC, ABS as well as a seatbelt reminder system for all occupants.
Additionally, the EV comes with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic braking. These advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) performed well for ASEAN NCAP to award the maximum 21 points (20 points weighted score) in safety assist (SA), which makes the eMas 7 the highest scoring model in this category.
Finally, the eMas 7 received a score of 13 out of 16 points (16.25 points weighted score) in the motorcycle safety (MS) assessment, which tests the functionality of blind spot technology fitted to vehicles.
“With the rising trend among vehicle consumers who currently have a keen interest towards EVs, Proton has ensured that safety is not to be compromised such as having a strong structure to protect the occupants and acceptable safety restraint system,” ASEAN NCAP said in its release.
“Furthermore, ASEAN NCAP is indeed proud that Proton has equipped its model with active safety technologies as a standard fitment across all its variants. A heartfelt congratulations to eMas 7 for achieving a five-star rating. We hope this remarkable feat of raising the safety of vehicles in the ASEAN region is continuing to set a standard for others to follow,” it added.
The Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) is now officially launched after a long teaser phase. The electric SUV, Proton’s first production EV, was revealed in full at an event officiated by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at MITEC today.
The base Prime variant is priced at RM109,800, while the top Premium is yours for RM123,800 on-the-road excluding insurance. The first 3,000 buyers will get a RM4,000 discount, making the RRP RM105,800 for the Prime and RM119,800 for the Premium. Full details on the launch packages below.
There are two variants of the eMas 7 – base Prime and top Premium. Both share a front-mounted electric motor that produces 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, propelling the fastest-accelerating Proton ever to from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 175 km/h.
The Prime uses a 49.52 kWh version of Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km (thumbs up to Proton for advertising the more realistic cycle instead of NEDC, which is 410 km, or the optimistic CLTC). The Premium’s 60.22 kWh pack delivers 410 km range (470 km NEDC, 530 km CLTC).
Proton says that internal tests show that after 921 complete charge and discharge cycles – which is equivalent to a mileage of 400,000 km – battery state of health is 90.5%, which ‘far exceeds international standards’.
Both support AC charging at a max rate of 11 kW, with the Prime needing 4.9 hours for a full charge, and 6.1 hours for the Premium. The range-topper can suck in DC power of up to 100 kW (Prime 80 kW), and both can get from 30-80% SoC in 20 minutes. Proton says that you can gain 135 km of range from just 10 minutes of charging. A V2L function to power external appliances is available, of course.
Speaking of charging, the eMas 7 will have live charging map integration in its infotainment system, featuring over 1,700 chargers from Malaysia’s top CPOs – 85% of all chargers in Malaysia are in the map, and you’ll get real-time info such as gun availability and pricing. This is the good work of Pro-Net, which introduced this localised feature in the smart #1.
If you need some context, the latest version of the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, which is of course Malaysia’s best-selling EV, has 204 PS (150 kW) and 310 Nm, which pushes it from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. For charging, the ER (SR was dropped this year) supports 88 kW DC and 7 kW AC. WLTP range is 420 km. To summarise, the Proton is faster and has faster AC charging (Atto’s DC rate straddles eMas’s two variants) but they’re both in the same range ballpark (Atto +10 km).
With all the EV stuff out of the way, let’s talk car. The eMas 7 is a C-segment SUV that’s bigger than it looks, to us at least – at 4,615 mm long and 1,901 mm wide, the EV is 89 mm longer and 70 mm wider than the Proton X70. Its 2,750 mm wheelbase is 80 mm longer than the X70’s, and Proton claims D-segment space.
Compared to Proton’s Geely-based ICE SUVs, this Geely Galaxy E5 twin (identical except for badges, but no backlit ‘virtual grille’ and front corner trim – both not available for export markets) has an organic design with soft curves everywhere – this is apt for an EV, and Proton says that with a 0.275 Cd value, the eMas 7 has lower wind resistance than a bullet.
The suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and rear multilinks. The Prime rides on 18-inch star-design two-tone alloys (225/55 Giti tyres) while the Premium gets 19-inch blade-style wheels with 235/50 Goodyear rubber.
The eMas 7 cabin is as per the Galaxy E5, save for Proton badging on the steering wheel and seats. The only bits missing from the Geely are the front centre airbag and adjustable leg rest for the front passenger seat. Highlights include a slightly oblong-shaped two-spoke steering wheel, 10.2-inch LCD instrument panel, 2.5K 15.4-inch infotainment central touchscreen, two-level centre console and a flowing lines motif on the centre console and seats.
The screens run on Flyme OS, powered by a 7nm chip and developed by smartphone maker Meizu, which was acquired by Geely. It’s a minimalist cockpit, so functions such as air-con temp and fan speed, drive modes, ADAS settings and operation of the panoramic sunroof and sunshade are all ‘in the screen’. But it’s nowhere as extreme as Tesla and the Volvo EX30, because there’s still the digital meter panel and a colour 13.8-inch head-up display (Premium only) for perfect line of sight.
There are normal stalks too – right of the steering wheel is the Mercedes-style column-mounted gear selector; the left stalk controls indicators, front and rear wipers/washers and high beam. Speaking of physical controls, the centre console houses a big volume knob (customisable) and four hard buttons (front demister, recirculation, auto air-con and air-con on/off). For a brand new EV, it’s a decent balance between a dictatorial big screen and conventional comforts.
Proton eMas 7 spec sheet and price list – click to enlarge
You’ll also find a wireless charging pad and 16 Flyme Sound Wanos speakers, including in the front headrests. Speaking of charging, everyone is catered to – below the centre console is a 12V socket, a USB-A port and a USB-C port. Below the rear AC vents, there’s one USB-A and one USB-C port. Before you ask, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available at launch; expect an OTA update around six months from now. At today’s launch, Proton announced that it will develop Bahasa Malaysia voice recognition in the future.
Proton is proud of the eMas 7’s 33 storage spaces that include drawers under the rear seats and under the rear AC vents, and the tall space under the centre console. Boot volume us 461 litres and there’s an extra 51 litres under the boot floor (no spare tyre); fold down the rear seats and you’ll get a total of 1,877 litres, good for two full-size road bikes. No frunk, though.
Finally, Level 2 ADAS is standard across the board, a first for Proton, which usually reserves top safety for top variants. Five stars in the ASEAN NCAP (92.57 points), tested last month.
From L-R: 18″ Prime wheels, 19″ Premium wheels
Speaking of kit and variants, aside from the larger wheels mentioned above, items exclusive to the range-topping Premium are the panoramic glass roof with sunshade, powered tailgate, active grille shutter, auto dimming rear view mirror, memory for the driver’s electric seat, powered front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, 256-colour ambient lights, head-up display and the 16-speaker sound system (six in the Prime). Check out the full spec sheet above.
Available colours are Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Lithium White and a very unique Quartz Rose pink shade that you see here. Are ladies into pink cars? There’s only one Indigo Blue shade for the cabin, but conservative Malaysians need not worry as the blue is so dark that it appears black.
Once again, the eMas 7 Prime kicks off the EV range at RM109,800, while the Premium is yours for RM123,800. The first 3,000 buyers will get a RM4,000 discount, making the RRP RM105,800 and RM119,800 respectively. Proton’s is dangling carrots in the form of a launch package, which includes a free 7kW home charger worth RM1,500, a free V2L adaptor worth RM500, low interest from 1.98%, a five-year unlimited data package worth RM1,800 and a trade-in rebate worth RM1,200. Proton says that the launch package is worth RM8,000.
Proton eMas 7 launch package – click to enlarge
The vehicle warranty is for six years (unlimited mileage) while the battery and EV parts are covered by a separate eight-year/160,000 km warranty.
By the way, Proton’s eMas EVs (more to come for sure) are handled by the company’s EV arm Pro-Net, and you might have noticed separate Proton eMas outlets around town by now, as opposed to the EVs being lumped together with Proton’s ICE cars in showrooms. By the way, the eMas 7 is a CBU import from China for now (no timeline for CKD assembly was shared), and deliveries will start next year.
So, what do you think of the eMas 7 price and package? Full galleries of both variants, all the colour options and brochure scans below. Also, read our first impressions here.
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.
Proton, through its Pro-Net EV division, recently opened the order books for the eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), which is estimated to start from RM120,000. Expected to be launched sometime in December (likely coinciding with KLIMS 2024), the brand’s first EV will be offered in two variants called the Prime and Premium.
If you’re not sure which one to get, we’re here to help. In this post, we’re comparing both variants so you know what you’re getting with each. Before getting into the difference, let’s first focus on what is the same for all versions of the eMas 7 that are set to go on sale.
First up, both variants share the same electric motor at the front that is rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. This is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h.
As for equipment, the eMas 7 comes standard with automatic LED headlamps, active high beam control, pop-out door handles, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, powered side mirrors (with heating function), a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a multi-function steering wheel.
The list continues with leatherette upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, walk away auto lock, a wireless phone charging pad as well as single-zone climate control with N95 filter and rear vents.
On the safety and driver assistance front, there are six airbags (front, side, curtain), brake auto hold, a 360-degree camera, rear reverse sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking, lane change assist, a blind spot monitor, door open warning and traffic sign recognition.
The available colours are Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose and Lithium White – check out Theophilus Chin’s renderings of the eMas 7’s colours above. The interior only comes in Indigo Blue, which appears very much like black if you’ve seen the car in-person at the recent Auto Car Expo (ACE) – the Premium variant was showcased to the public then.
In terms of differences, the Prime variant of the eMas 7 uses Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an energy capacity of 49.52 kWh for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km (410 km NEDC). The Premium’s battery has a higher capacity of 60.22 kWh, which bumps the range to 410 km if following the WLTP standard (470 km NEDC).
Both variants support AC charging at a max capacity of 11 kW, with the Prime needing 4.9 hours to get from a 30-80% state of charge (SoC), while the Premium needs 6.1 hours. The range-topper can handle a higher DC input of 100 kW compared to the Prime that manages 80 kW, but both are quoted as being able to get from the same 30-80% in 20 minutes with fast charging. A vehicle-to-load function is standard across the board.
Proton eMas 7 spec sheet; click to enlarge
Moving on to equipment, the Prime comes with 225/55 Giti tyres paired with 18-inch wheels, with the Premium sporting larger 19-inch units and 235/50 Goodyear rubbers. Other bits of kit exclusive to the Premium include a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, a front active grille shutter and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Additional features that the Premium get are a windshield-projected head-up display, a memory function for the front driver’s seat, a four-way powered front passenger seat, ventilation function for the front seats, 256-colour ambient lighting, a 16-speaker sound system instead of the Prime’s six-speaker setup as well as front parking sensors.
Money on the table, which variant of the Proton eMas 7 would you go for? How much do you expect the two variants of the EV to be priced at when it is launched later this year? Share your views in the comments below.
Proton’s first production EV is now open for booking nationwide, from RM120,000 estimated! The national carmaker has unveiled the Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) on the first day of the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2024 at the Setia City Convention Centre, and the interior is open to the public for the first time. Free entry, so come and see it for yourself.
On top of that very attractive RM120k estimated starting price (this is a larger and much more modern SUV than the X70), Proton has announced a ‘Pioneer Privilege Deal’ that comes with a RM500 rebate and a gift pack worth RM1,000. This offer is valid from today till the eMas 7’s launch date, which has been confirmed to be sometime in December (possibly at KLIMS 2024). The booking fee is RM500.
Price/package and specs aside (more on this below), Proton also announced the launch of the ‘e.MAS App’ at ACE 2024. The app is described as a ‘dynamic platform designed to enhance the user experience from booking through ownership’. The app simplifies managing vehicle booking, scheduling services and accessing Malaysia’s EV charging network. This sounds like a Proton version of the Hello smart app, which is a good thing. By the way, Proton eMas is handled by EV division Pro-Net, which also manages smart.
We already know quite a bit about the eMas 7 – it’s based on the Geely Galaxy E5, but Proton says the two companies worked together concurrently on the model, involving 230 Proton engineers and designers, 700,000 man hours and over 10 million km worth of testing. The front-mounted electric motor produces 160 kW (218 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, propelling the fastest-accelerating Proton ever to 100 km/h from rest in 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 175 km/h. By the way, Proton says that the SUV’s 0.275 Cd value has lower wind resistance than a bullet.
Revealed at ACE 2024 today are the EV’s two variants – Prime and Premium. The base Prime comes with a 49.52 kWh battery that’s good for 345 km of WLTP range (it’s good that Proton uses WLTP in its materials, the super optimistic CLTC is 440 km). The Premium gets a 60.22 kWh battery with 410 km WLTP range (Geely’s CLTC figure is 530 km).
For charging, the max DC rate is 80 kW for the 49.52 kWh battery and 100 kW for the 60.22 kWh unit, while AC charging is 11 kW max for both. Proton claims DC fast charging times of 20 minutes from 30-80% SoC, or 30 minutes for the more conventional 10-80% measurement. AC charging from 30-80% refills the smaller battery in 4.9 hours, or 6.1 hours for the 60.22 kWh unit.
The eMas 7 uses Geely’s new Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is claimed to have a very long life. Internal tests show that after 921 complete charge and discharge cycles, which is equivalent to 400,000 km mileage, battery state of health is 90.5%, which ‘far exceeds international standards’.
We need to talk about the interior, since we’re seeing it for the first time. Apart from badging and the fact that it’s RHD, the cabin is pretty much Galaxy E5, down to the slightly oblong-shaped two-spoke steering wheel, 10.2-inch instrument panel, 2.5K-resolution 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, two-level centre console and even the flowing lines motif on the centre console and seats.
The screens run on Flyme OS, developed by Geely-owned smartphone maker Meizu. The centre touchscreen controls various functions including air-con temperature and fan speed, drive modes, ADAS settings and the operation of the panoramic sunroof and sunshade. Also on is a colour head-up display. Music is piped through 16 Flyme Sound Wanos speakers, including in the front headrests.
Let’s talk stalks – right of the steering wheel is the Mercedes-style column-mounted gear selector; left controls indicators, front and rear wipers/washers, and manual/auto high beam toggle. The centre console houses a big volume knob and four physical buttons (front demister, recirculation, auto air-con and air-con on/off). Below these are swing-lid twin cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The armrest box holds a key fob-charging pad.
Besides offering storage, the lower level of the centre console features a 12V socket, a USB-A port and a USB-C port (you’ll also find USB-A and USB-C ports below the rear AC vents). The rear quarters are spacious, thanks to a flat floor and the long 2,750 mm wheelbase. There are storage drawers under the rear seats and under the rear AC vents, as well as underfloor storage in the boot, but there is no front trunk/frunk.
Speaking of storage, Proton touts a best in class 33 storage spaces. Aside from the 461L boot and 51L boot (1,877 litres with rear seats folded), there are 14 litres of under seat storage and the ‘hidden bridge’ is a 10.8-litre space.
Click to enlarge spec sheet and colours
Back to the two variants. The base Prime will get 18-inch alloys (225/55 Giti tyres), the 15.4-inch infotainment screen, remote control and Level 2 ADAS (yes, ADAS is standard for the first time on a Proton).
The Premium adds on 19-inch alloys (235/50 Goodyear tyres), the 16-speaker sound system, head-up display and ventilated front seats. As for Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, it won’t be available at launch but expect an OTA update next year. Click on the full spec sheet above.
The available colours are Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose and Lithium White – check out Geely’s colours for the Galaxy E5 above. There’s only one Indigo Blue shade for the cabin, which appears very much like black. We’ve put a full interior gallery below for your perusal, but really, there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself. Come to ACE 2024 for a closer look at Proton’s first EV, and bring your family for a fitting session.
Leaked via a filing on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website last month, the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 has been revealed through images posted on Geely Galaxy’s official Weibo page. The car’s name may take its name from a concept shown in Beijing earlier this year, but it’s actually just a plug-in version of the Geely Galaxy E5/Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7).
The similarities to its electric siblings are apparent in the centre section, which is all but identical save for conventional pull-type door handles instead of flush pop-out items. The front and rear ends have been tweaked slightly, however – the former gains a full-width light bar with tiered daytime running lights on either side, with the main headlights being pushed downwards into the bumper. You also don’t get the illuminated “grille” that is optional on the Galaxy E5.
Around the back, the full-width taillight graphics have been mildly revised, while the number plate recess has been relocated to the tailgate, giving the car a striking resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne. The E5’s aero wheels have also been swapped out for multi-spoke units.
Break out the measuring tape and you’ll realise there’s not much that separates the Starship 7 from the E5 in terms of dimensions either, being just four millimetres wider (1,905 mm) and 15 mm taller (1,685 mm), as well as being five millimetres longer in wheelbase (2,755 mm). It is, however, 125 mm longer in overall length (4,740 mm), presumably at the front to fit the PHEV powertrain.
Speaking of which, Geely has not provided any details on what’s under the bonnet, merely saying that it features a next-generation Thor setup. However, Car News China has reported that the car is powered by a 111 PS 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor of unspecified output.
Juicing that motor is a choice of 19.09 kWh and 28.94 kWh battery packs supplied by GWM’s Svolt subsidiary, delivering a pure electric range of 101 and 150 km respectively. Those healthy figures should provide a significant boost to the Starship 7’s overall range – Geely promised a total range of a whopping 2,000 km for the original Galaxy Starship concept, which was also said to feature a next-gen PHEV powertrain and ride on the E5’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA).
Step inside and you’ll find more shared items with the E5, including the oblong two-spoke steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 15.4-inch centre touchscreen and twin smartphone holders with a 50-watt Qi wireless charger on the left side.
There are a few changes, however – you now get a full-width air-con vent design, while the wraparound centre console has been swapped out for a simple symmetrical one. The multifunction knob and physical air-con controls (now with temperate and fan rocker switches, a handy addition) have also been moved further down the said console.
Just like the E5, the Starship 7 will likely enter Malaysia as the eMas 7 PHEV, with Proton already trademarking the name. This would provide a great alternative to the electric eMas 7 for buyers who need the additional range from a petrol engine.
The Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) may look all but identical to the Geely Galaxy E5, but we now know there will be some changes beyond the right-hand drive conversion. Among other things, the Proton version will get a different suspension setup compared to its Chinese-market twin, a spokesperson confirmed to us.
No details were divulged beyond that, but having sampled the Galaxy E5 on local roads, we have a pretty good idea as to the direction of the changes. In our experience, the car’s suspension felt exceedingly soft, which gave a floaty, supple ride but also caused it to bounce over undulating tarmac.
Expect the eMas 7, then, to get a stiffer setup to bring some body control back into the mix. This should not only improve the car’s handling characteristics but also aid comfort levels, delivering a more consistent ride quality across different road conditions.
However, those hoping for Proton to sprinkle its chassis tuning magic on the eMas 7 should keep their expectations in check, as the company’s chassis tweaks for its Geely-based models are generally aimed at improving the ride and handling balance rather than delivering a sportier driving experience. A similarly minor revision was applied to the locally-assembled 2020 X70, which gained new dampers but retained the same springs and steering characteristics as the original imported version.
The eMas 7 is set to be launched later this year and is expected to offer the same powertrain as the Galaxy E5. That car is offered with a single front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. There are also two battery options – the 49.52 kWh version has a CLTC range of 440 km, while the 60.22 kWh unit is claimed to be able to travel up to 530 km.
What a difference two years make. Before the government introduced incentives in Budget 2022, electric vehicles were the preserve of a select few who could stomach the high prices for one. Fast forward to today and tax-free EVs are very much in the mainstream, with various models being sold at every price point. Buyers have taken notice – sales of EVs have risen exponentially year-on-year since 2022.
This sudden increase in popularity appears to have taken the usual segment leaders – including national makes Proton and Perodua – by surprise. Neither company currently offers a model with significant electrification, and the closest Proton has come to a full EV has been last year’s mild hybrid X90.
In an effort to spur the local automotive industry into action, the government issued a target for Proton and Perodua to come up with a fully-electric model by next year. The former has acted first, tapping into its partnership with Geely to produce the forthcoming eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), set to be launched at the end of the year. The car is based on the Geely Galaxy E5, but Proton insists the two cars were developed together, and the close collaboration has at least led to a short lead time.
Even so, the eMas 7’s close resemblance to the Galaxy E5 is undeniable. As luck would have it, Geely drove several units of its electric SUV from China to Malaysia, and Proton saw fit to let selected members of the media behind the wheel – giving us a preview of what’s to come. Will the eMas 7 have what it takes to make it in a cutthroat entry-level EV segment? Read on to find out.
Remember the photos of the Geely Galaxy E5 we shared yesterday? Well, there’s a reason for those cars being here – the electric SUV, developed alongside the Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), has marked the completion of its “world tour” (more like Southeast Asia) at a ceremony at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) last night, previewing the eMas 7 ahead of its launch at the end of the year.
A total of four units were seen at the flagship showroom, each covering a distance of around 3,700 km. Starting from Guiyang, China, the cars then crossed the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Laos and Thailand before reaching Malaysia. The journey was complicated by the recent Typhoon Yagi, which caused severe flooding in Laos.
This is our first time seeing the Galaxy E5 (branded as the EX5 globally) in person – without the camouflage seen on the eMas 7 mules – and it appears to be identical to the Proton save for the badging. Highlights include slim headlights, prominent L-shaped light signatures surrounding the front air curtains, a strong and smooth shoulder running the entire length of the car, an upswept window line and full-width taillights with distinctive horizontal “dashes”.
The cars you see here wear the larger of the two available wheel options – 19-inch turbine-style alloys. These are one inch bigger than the ones fitted to the eMas 7 prototypes. Despite these rollers marking the vehicles out to be of the range-topping variant, they lose out on the optional ripple-effect front fascia illumination.
The appearance of the undisguised Galaxy E5 also gave us our first good look at the left-hand-drive interior – and by extension, the Proton’s right-hand-drive one. As photos suggested, the car has a soft, minimalist aesthetic, with a clean horizontal dashboard, a gently-sloping centre console that wraps around the driver and an ivory colour scheme. About the only aggressive bit of the cabin is the oblong steering wheel.
As expected for a Chinese car in 2024, it’s the tech that dominates proceedings. You get a slimline 10.2-inch instrument display and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, both running on the Flyme Auto operating system. Developed together with founder Li Shufu’s smartphone company Meizu, it’s slick, responsive and even supports screen mirroring through selected Meizu devices – although it’s unclear if the eMas 7’s system will get this function. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here, unfortunately – typical for Chinese-market cars.
Other standout features include a large panoramic glass sunroof, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, a sizeable storage space underneath the centre console and a 16-speaker Flyme Audio sound system, replete with headrest speakers. You also get power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating and ventilation, and there’s even a powered ottoman for the front passenger to recline in absolute comfort.
The Galaxy E5’s cabin has no less than 33 storage spaces, including drawers below the rear air vents and rear seats, along with 51 litres of underfloor storage in the boot.
All Galaxy E5s are front-wheel drive, powered by a single motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, getting the car from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The E5 is also fitted with a Geely-developed Aegis “short blade” lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, with the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) allowing the pack to be integrated into the structure – a process known as cell-to-body (CTB).
Two battery sizes are offered – the 49.52 kWh version has a CLTC range of 440 km, while the 60.22 kWh model is said to be able to travel up to 530 km on a single charge. Geely does not specify charging speeds, only saying it takes 20 minutes to charge from 30 to 80% on a DC fast charger and nine hours to charge from 10 to 100% on an AC charger (7.5 hours with the smaller battery). The cars obviously come with China’s GB/T charging ports, rather than the CCS2 port the Proton version will almost certainly come with.
Proton claims the Galaxy E5’s trek to Malaysia demonstrated the car’s reliability and durability. “The Geely [Galaxy] E5’s achievement of driving over 3,700 km from China to Malaysia is a significant achievement. This brand-new EV navigated tough weather, challenging road conditions, and even floodwaters,” said Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang. The durability, reliability, and quality of the Galaxy E5 highlight the engineering excellence behind the Proton eMas 7 – demonstrating how it will be a game-changer for our market.”
With the completion of Geely’s journey, the baton has now been handed to the eMas 7, which will embark on its own nationwide tour starting October 5. The prototypes are slated to cover well over 2,000 km across every state, including Sabah and Sarawak. The public will be able to catch the cars ahead of the tour at key locations in Putrajaya on September 25 and Shah Alam on September 26.
