A “National EV” by name, but how local does the new Proton e:MAS 7 really feel?
Proton would like you to believe that the e.MAS 7 is Malaysia’s great leap into electrified modernity. A torchbearer for a new era. The people’s EV, if you will. But poke it with a curious finger and you’ll quickly spot the Geely-shaped elephant in the room.
Yes, the Proton e.MAS 7 shares much of its DNA with the Geely Galaxy E5, a Chinese EV SUV you’ve probably never heard of unless you’re a regular of WeChat car groups. The badges have been swapped, and the grille design has gone through a quick round of “Malaysianisation”, but make no mistake, beneath the new emblems and tailgate lettering, it’s very much a case of déjà vu.
Still, let’s give credit where it’s due
The design is sleek, safe, and vaguely premium. It’s the kind of look that offends no one but excites few. The smooth LED headlights, coupe-style roofline, and Porsche Macan-inspired rear light bar make it look smart enough.
Its dimensions are generous, meaning it’s larger than some rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric. In fact, parked beside a Honda CR-V or a Peugeot 5008, the e.MAS 7 wouldn’t look out of place.
The inside is where it shines
Step into the e.MAS 7’s cabin and it’s as if Proton skipped three generations ahead. This is Proton throwing down a stylish, tech-laden gauntlet.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard looks like it was teleported from a concept car, while the 10.2-inch digital cluster and head-up display give the driver a myriad of view options.
Flyme OS comes complete with a built-in EV-centric navigation system, Spotify, and a superb 16-speaker Flyme Audio system. No exaggeration, the audio experience here punches way above its weight.
The design language inside is minimalist but not cold. Four physical buttons for climate control, a steering column-mounted gear selector, and well-integrated storage options (33 in total, they claim) make the interior feel uncluttered yet clever.
Rear passengers get proper amenities too: air vents, USB ports, and ample legroom courtesy of a flat floor.
There’s even a drawer under the back seats and a hidden boot compartment. No front trunk, though, which feels like a missed opportunity.
How does it drive?
Once you stop asking whether it’s Malaysian “enough” and actually drive it, the e.MAS 7 feels shockingly well-sorted. It’s not just about the 215hp and 320Nm of torque, though those figures certainly help. It’s the way this car flows through corners and handles mid-corner bumps that betrays the hand of Proton’s in-house ride and handling team, the same folks who once made budget sedans feel oddly satisfying to drive.
Zero to 100km/h takes about 7 seconds, which is plenty quick for something that also carries groceries and in-laws. B-road finesse that really impresses; while many Chinese EVs tend to feel overly soft or detached, the e.MAS 7 walks a fine line, with proper damping and rebound control that doesn’t turn every hump into a boat ride.
Driver-assistance features? Present and very functional. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, all here and all tuned in a way that while intrusive, keeps you safe. It’s a grown-up Proton, this. One that no longer tries too hard, but finally knows what it wants to be.
Battery, Charging, and the “Range Anxiety” question
Proton’s entry into the EV market wouldn’t be complete without addressing the all-important range anxiety question, and thankfully, the e.MAS 7 mostly quells those fears.
The 60.22kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery promises up to 410km of WLTP range, which is respectable. Real-world testing delivered energy consumption between 13.5 to 15.2kWh/100km, suggesting that this figure is achievable without driving like a hypermiling monk.
Charging is another pleasant surprise. With 100kW DC fast charging, you can go from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes. And if you’ve got time to kill, 11kW AC charging will do the job overnight.
The onboard EV navigation system helps take the guesswork out of trip planning. Again, it’s not revolutionary, but it’s mature and polished in a way that’s frankly unexpected for a first effort.
A Stealth Hit, If Not a Patriotic One
So, is the Proton e.MAS 7 the national EV Malaysia has been waiting for? Technically, yes. Emotionally… maybe not just yet. But does that really matter when the final product is this good?
It undercuts rivals while offering a smooth drive, improved ride comfort, and a more comprehensive feature list. It may not wear its Malaysian-ness on its sleeve, but it certainly delivers where it counts.
Technical Specifications
Proton e:MAS 7
Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 160 kW (214 bhp)
Torque: 320 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.1 Seconds
Top Speed: 175 km/h
Battery Capacity: 60.22 kWh
Drive Range: 410 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 16.6 kWh/100km (claimed)
Price: S$172,988 – S$176,988 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
