Proton eMAS 7 variants explained: Prime vs Premium – Which one should you choose?

KUALA LUMPUR: After so many Chinese EVs, the Malaysian automotive industry finally welcomed its first-ever national EV, the Proton eMAS 7, yesterday. 

Launched by Proton’s new energy vehicle arm, PRO-NET, the eMAS 7 is a C-segment EV that is all set to shake the electric vehicle space with its affordable price tag, brand legacy, amazing pack of features, enticing launch package, and whatnot.

Well, if you are also seeking an eco-friendly ride that does not break the bank and comes with a Malaysian tag, then Proton e.MAS 7 can be the right choice. It comes in two variants - Prime and Premium, which look very similar on the outside and share the same robust underpinnings and the world’s leading 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system. 

However, what sets them apart is a slightly different set of features and battery packs that suit varying budgets and requirements. In today’s article, we are going to pit these variants against one another, helping prospective buyers make an informed decision.

Proton eMAS 7 Prime vs Proton eMAS 7 Premium: Spec-to-spec comparison

Price 

Variant	Price (on-the-road and without insurance)	Variant	Price (on-the-road and without insurance)
Proton eMAS 7 Prime	RM 109,800	Proton eMAS 7 Premium	RM 123,800

The two variants of the Proton EV have a price difference of RM 14,000. Well, justifying this gap are the exclusive bits that customers get with the top-spec eMAS 7 Premium variant.

Dimensions

In terms of dimension, the Prime and Premium variants are almost identical; they both measure 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. The wheelbase is estimated at 2,750 mm, resulting in a quite spacious cabin offering comfort to all occupants.

The one dimension where the two eMAS 7 variants are different is the Kerb weight; the eMAS 7 Prime measures 1,652 kg while the eMAS 7 Premium tips the scales at 1,765 kg. This is due to the different battery packs and different wheels and tyres.

The luggage capacity remains the same for both trims i.e. 461 litres with rear seats upright and 1,877 litres with rear seats folded down.

Variants	Proton eMAS 7 Prime	Proton eMAS 7 Premium
Length	4,615 mm	4,615 mm
Width	1,901 mm	1,901 mm
Height	1,670 mm	1,670 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,750 mm
Kerb weight	1,652 kg	1,765 kg
Luggage capacity	461 litres (expandable up to 1,877 litres)	461 litres (expandable up to 1,877 litres)

Drivetrain, range, and charging

Both variants of the Proton eMAS 7 are powered by a compact, lightweight 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system, offering an impressive efficiency rating of 90.04%. It helps in utilizing the battery energy in an effective way leading to improved driving range. The e-motor gets power from Geely's Aegis "short blade" cells, which can last for around one million km with minimal impact on range. 

With a power output of 218 hp and 320 Nm, the e-motor enables the EV to complete the century sprint in 6.9 seconds on the Prime and 7.1 seconds on the Premium variant.

While the battery pack is the same for both trims, their capacities are different. The entry-level model comes with a 49.52 kWh pack offering a WLTP-claimed range of 345 km, whereas the Premium trim gets a 60.22 kWh unit with a cruising range of 410 km.

Check the detailed comparison below -

Variants	Proton eMAS 7 Prime	Proton eMAS 7 Premium
Electric motor	12-in-1 integrated single-motor	12-in-1 integrated single-motor
Power	218 hp	218 hp
Torque	320 Nm	320 Nm
0-100 kmph	6.9 seconds	7.1 seconds
Top speed	175 kmph	175 kmph
Battery	49.52 kWh AEGIS Short Blade Battery pack	60.22 kWh AEGIS Short Blade Battery pack
Range (WLTP)	345 km	410 km
Charging	11 kW AC 80 kW DC	11 kW AC 100 kW DC
Charging time	4.9 hours (SOC 10% - 80% AC Charging) 20 mins (SOC 30% - 80% DC Fast Charging)	6.1 hours (SOC 10% - 80% AC Charging) 20 mins (SOC 30% - 80% DC Fast Charging)

Features

Coming to the feature kit, here we can also find some notable differences between the two Proton eMAS 7 variants. The Prime model is equipped with all-around LED exterior lights, 18-inch wheels, a 15.4-inch infotainment unit, leatherette seats, six airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and all other essential bits, offering the passengers a comfortable ride.

Over and above these niceties, the Premium variant exclusively comes equipped with an active grille shutter, bigger wheels, panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, head-up display, 256-colour ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and front parking sensors. 

Here’s a detailed comparison of exterior, interior, and safety features -

Variants	Proton eMAS 7 Prime	Proton eMAS 7 Premium (over Prime)
Exterior	LED headlights with auto and follow-me-home function Intelligent high beam control Rear fog lights 3D full-length LED tail lights Concealed door handles with auto-fold functionality Roof rails Auto rain-sensing front wipers Power-adjustable and heated door mirrors 18-inch wheels with 225/55 P10 GitiControl tyres	Active grille shutter Panoramic sunroof with sunshade Power tailgate 19-inch wheels with 235/40 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV tyres
Interior	10.20inch LCD instrument cluster 15.4-inch infotainment unit Mult-function anti-bacterial steering wheel Leatherette seats 6-way power-adjustable driver seat Rear reclining seats (2-step) Intelligent keyless entry and start Walk-away door lock Wireless phone charging 6-speaker sound system Auto air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter Vehicle-to-load Vehicle-to-vehicle	Windshield head-up display 16-speaker Flyme sound system Auto-dimming rearview mirror 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat Ventilated front seats Fully-reclinable front passenger seats 256-colour ambient lighting
Safety	Six airbags Auto brake hold Traction control system Anti-lock braking system Electronic brake distribution Brake assist Electronic stability control Active rollover protection Hill hold assist Hill descent control Tyre pressure monitoring system Regenerative braking Parking sensors (rear) 360-degree camera with 3D display Intelligent cruise control Adaptive cruise control Automatic emergency braking Forward collision warning Emergency brake assist Lane departure warning Lane departure prevention Emergency lane keep assist Rear collision warning Rear cross-traffic alert Rear cross-traffic braking Lane change safety warning Door opening warning Traffic sign recognition Leading vehicle departure alert	Parking sensors (front and rear)

Well, after comparing both the Proton e.MAS 7 variants in detail, we have come to the conclusion that both models are equipped with best-in-class underbody layout (smart electric propulsion system and innovative Cell-to-Body battery architecture) and an extensive list of creature comforts, promising a top-notch driving experience. 

Which Proton eMAS 7 variant should you choose?

Well, the answer boils down to your priorities and budget. If you want a well-equipped EV and RM 14k makes a big difference, then you can go for the Proton eMAS 7 Prime. However, if you want a fully loaded electric vehicle with all premium features and no compromises on luxury, the eMAS 7 Prime is for you.

Also read: Proton eMAS 7 EV excels in safety with 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP