Proton eMAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3 vs Chery Omoda E5: Malaysia’s first EV takes on Chinese rivals

With the launch of the Proton eMAS 7, a new chapter in the Malaysian electric vehicle market has finally begun. This first-ever national EV can be seen as a game changer in the fast-growing local EV space, dominated by Chinese rivals. 

The Proton EV is a spacious and affordable electric SUV, packed with mind-blowing features and innovative battery technology. Adding to that is the company’s enticing early bird promo (for the first 3000 buyers) leaving no reason for buyers to ignore it.

In today’s story, we will compare the Proton EV with a couple of top-selling non-national EVs in Malaysia, giving prospective buyers a glimpse of how this first-ever Malaysia EV stacks up against the competition.

We will be comparing the Proton eMAS 7 with the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5. So, without further ado, let’s get started with a brief introduction of these EVs.

Proton eMAS 7 

Developed in close association with Geely, the Proton eMAS 7 shares underpinnings with the Geely Galaxy E5. However, it is not a simple rebadged model, rather it is purpose-built for Malaysians by Malaysians. The vehicle has undergone extensive testing that made it fine-tuned for the local roads. The sales and distributorship of the Proton eMAS EVs are handled by Proton’s fully owned subsidiary, PRO-NET.

BYD Atto 3

Launched in late 2022, the BYD Atto 3 is the top-selling EV in Malaysia with a total sales of 2,749 units. This popular Chinese EV received a subtle upgrade earlier this year, including a new BYD badge, black coloured fin, larger centre screen, and new colour. The EV boasts unique aesthetics with a sophisticated and clean exterior and modern interior with several quirky elements such as dumbbell-inspired air vents and an aircraft-inspired unique gear lever.

Chery Omoda E5

Introduced in March this year, the Omoda E5 ranks seventh in the top 10 best-selling EVs in Malaysia. A total of 531 units of this Chinese electric SUV have been sold so far in 2024. It is an all-electric version of the Omoda 5 and the first Chinese electric vehicle locally assembled in Malaysia.

Proton eMAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3 vs Chery Omoda E5: Price and specs comparison

Price 

The Proton eMAS 7 comes in two variants - Prime and Premium while the BYD Atto 3 and Chery E5 are offered in single trims. The prices are mentioned below - 

Proton eMAS 7		BYD Atto 3		Chery Omoda E5
Prime	RM 109,800 RM 105,800 (with early bird promo)	Extended	RM 149,800	Standard	RM 146,800
Premium	RM 123,800 RM119,800 (with early bird promo)

Proton has strategically priced the eMAS 7 to be highly competitive, attracting budget-conscious buyers looking for a homegrown EV. It undercuts the rivals with a significant margin of almost RM 35k - RM 40k, hence winning the price battle.

Dimensions

Models	Proton e.MAS 7	BYD Atto 3	Chery Omoda E5
Length	4,615 mm	4,455 mm	4,420 mm
Width	1,901 mm	1,875 mm	1,830 mm
Height	1,670 mm	1,615 mm	1,590 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,720 mm	2,630 mm
Boot space	461 litres	440 litres	483 litres

In terms of dimensions, the Proton EV stands out with its competitive size. It is longer, wider, and taller than the Atto 3 and the Omoda E5. Furthermore, it also ensures the maximum interior space with the longest wheelbase in the bunch.

When it comes to boot space, the Chery Omoda E5 outperforms its rivals with a capacity of 483 litres.

Drivetrain and range 

Models	Proton e.MAS 7	BYD Atto 3	Chery Omoda E5
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Power	218 PS	204 PS	201 PS
Torque	320 Nm	310 Nm	340 Nm
0-100 kmph	6.9 sec	7.3 sec	7.6 sec
Top speed	175 kmph	160 kmph	172 kmph
Battery (two options)	49.52 kWh / 60.22 kWh	60.48 kWh	61 kWh
Range	345 km / 410 km	420 km	430 km

On comparing the drivetrain specifications, we can infer that the eMAS 7 stands out with its strong power output and quickest acceleration, although the margin is not very substantial.  

If we see battery packs, the Proton EV comes with the best-in-class AEGIS Short Blade Battery pack (developed by Geely) in two capacities - 49.52 kWh and 60.22 kWh, offering a range of 345 km and 410 km, comparatively. According to Proton, the said "short blade" cells can last for around one million km with minimal impact on range. 

The Chery Omoda E5, on the other hand, has a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and leads the pack with an impressive range of 430 km. It is closely followed by the BYD Atto 3, backed by a 60.48 kWh BYD Blade battery with a range of 420 km.

In short, the Proton eMAS 7 excels in performance, while the Omoda E5 shines in terms of range, and the Atto 3 offers a balanced mix of both.

Features

Models	Proton e.MAS 7 (Premium trim)	BYD Atto 3	Chery Omoda E5
Headlights	LED headlights with auto and follow-me-home functions and intelligent high-beam control	LED headlights with auto and follow-me-home functions and adaptive functionality	LED headlights with auto and follow-me-home function and auto high beam
Tail lights	LED	LED	LED
Fog lights	Rear	No	No
Power-adjustable and heated door mirrors	Yes	Yes	No
Powered tailgate	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sunroof	Yes (Panoramic)	Yes (Panoramic)	Yes
Wheels	19-inch aerodynamic alloy	18-inch alloy	18-inch aerodynamic alloy
Infotainment system	15.4-inch	15.6-inch rotating	10.25-inch
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay	No	Yes, wireless	Yes, wireless
Instrument cluster	10.2-inch LCD	5-inch	10.25-inch
Head-up display	Yes	No	No
Automatic Air condition	Single-zone with N95 cabin filter	Single zone with PM2.5 Air Filter	Dual-zone
Sound system	16-speaker Flyme	8-speaker DIRAC HD	8-speaker SONY
Seat adjustability	6-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat	6-way power-adjustable driver seat 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat	6-way power-adjustable driver seat  4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
Seat material	Leatherette	Synthetic leather	Faux leather
Ventilated seats	Yes	No	Yes
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ambient light	256-colour	Multi-colour	64-colour
Auto-dimming rearview mirror	Yes	No	No
V2L	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags	Six	Seven	Six
ADAS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Camera	360-degree with 3D display	360-degree	540-degree HD

All three EVs are loaded with bags full of modern creature comforts, making the competition quite intense. Apart from the mentioned ones, the Proton eMAS 7 wooes customers with fully reclinable front seats, clever storage compartments in the cabin, and the only-in-class integrated live charging map. The latter is a game-changing feature, allowing EV users to locate the nearest charging stations in real time. It covers 85% of public charging points (over 1700 charging points), including Gentari, JomCharge, chargEV, DC Handal, Carput Zap, and ChargeSini.

However, the one thing that can disappoint potential buyers is the lack of Android auto and Apple carplay connectivity. Having said that, the automaker has confirmed that this will be added through Over-The-Air (OTA) updates at a later date (approx mid-next year).

Warranty package

Models	Proton eMAS 7	BYD Atto 3	Chery Omoda E5
Vehicle warranty	6-year unlimited mileage warranty	6-year or 150,000km warranty	7-year or 150,000km warranty
Battery Warranty	8-year / 160,000km high voltage battery and component warranty	8-year or 160,000km warranty 8-year or 150,000km drive unit warranty	8-year or 160,000km battery and drive unit warranty (including motor and control units)
Unique benefits	Early-bird six complimentary power packs - Home charger, V2L adapter, internet data, financing rebate, trade-in rebate, ultra-low interest	Service Plus and Standard Packages with additional maintenance services	Battery replacement guarantee: one-to-one exchange if battery health drops below 70% within the warranty period

In terms of warranty and special packages, the eMAS 7 comes with unique perks like complimentary internet data and trade-in rebates, while the Atto 3 offers special service packages for maintenance and cost savings. The Omoda E5 stands out with a one-to-one battery replacement guarantee.

Verdict

The Proton eMAS 7 stands out as a strong contender in Malaysia’s EV market with its competitive pricing, impressive performance, larger dimensions, and innovative features like fully-reclinable front seats and an integrated live charging map. Further giving it an edge are Proton’s expansive sales network and strong brand loyalty.

However, its minimalistic design contrasts with the Atto 3’s unique aesthetics, which might appeal to those seeking a more visually striking EV. Also, the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay might be a concern for some buyers initially as the feature will be added next year.

Overall, the Proton eMAS 7 is ready to give Chinese rivals a hard run for their money in the local EV market. What do you think?

Also read: Top 8 upcoming EVs hitting the Malaysian roads In 2025