First Impressions: Proton eMAS 7 Prime – Real world test drive to Melaka

First Impressions: Proton eMAS 7 Prime – Real world test drive to Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR:  We’ve been waiting a long time to get behind the wheel of the Proton eMAS 7 in the real world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • How much is the eMAS 7 Prime?

    Usually, RM109,152, but for now while the introductory price is still around, it's priced at RM105,800
  • How much range does it have?

    WLTP rated at 345km
  • How much power does it have?

    217 PS and 320Nm of torque
  • What's its acceleration time?

    0-100 in 6.9 seconds
  • Sure, the few laps on Proton’s test track gave us a taste of what it could do, but nothing beats a proper road trip to truly gauge what this all-electric SUV is all about.

    Proton eMAS 7 drive at Proton's Centre of Excellence

    So, off we went on a journey from the Klang Valley to Melaka, armed with curiosity and expectations. Here’s what we found out about the Prime variant — Proton’s entry-level offering of the eMAS 7.

    Also Read:  Proton eMAS 7 officially launched: From RM106k for first 3,000 buyers

    First Impressions: Meet the Prime

    The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of 345 km, compared to the Premium’s larger 60.22 kWh battery and 410 km range.

    Proton eMAS 7 Prime and Premium exterior

    It’s also a bit slower to charge, maxing out at 80 kW versus the Premium’s 100 kW. But don’t write it off just yet. The Prime is the quicker sibling, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, edging out the Premium’s 7.1 seconds.

    On paper, the Prime sacrifices some bells and whistles — smaller 18-inch wheels, no sunroof, fewer speakers, no power tailgate, no HUD, and no 256-colour ambient lighting.

    But honestly? Most of those omissions didn’t bother us. Well, except for the wheels — the 19-inchers on the Premium fill the arches better.

    Proton eMAS 7 Prime variant

    From the outside, the eMAS 7 retains its sharp, modern aesthetics. Proton’s design language is on full display, with sleek lines and a distinctive front fascia.

    While the Prime lacks some of the visual pizzazz of its Premium sibling, such as the larger wheels, it doesn’t look out of place or overly basic.

    The compact proportions and balanced design give it a sporty yet approachable vibe, making it a visually pleasing EV, even in its base form.

    Proton eMAS 7 ride and handling

    Ride and Handling: Proton’s Signature Touch

    This is what we wanted to find out the most about the eMAS 7. Proton has clearly worked its magic on the suspension setup, and it’s a massive improvement over the Geely Galaxy E5 it’s based on.

    The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension deliver a ride that’s plush yet controlled. Gone is the bounciness we felt on the test track’s earlier prototypes.

    Instead, we’ve got a ride that’s comfortable for passengers yet sharp enough to inspire confidence around corners. Proton’s hallmark ride and handling are alive and well here.

    Proton eMAS 7 prime highway driving

    On the highway to Melaka, the eMAS 7 felt planted and sure-footed, even at higher speeds. It absorbed imperfections on the road with ease, maintaining composure through stretches of uneven tarmac.

    What stood out was how balanced the suspension felt; it’s on the softer side, prioritizing comfort, yet doesn’t compromise much on handling.

    Steering feedback is decent, not overly light or vague, giving you a good sense of connection to the road.

    This was a major improvement over the Galaxy E5’s setup, which leaned too much toward softness, leading to body roll and less confidence around bends.

    Proton eMAS 7 rear seats

    One thing worth noting is how well the eMAS 7 managed to keep rear passengers comfortable. Often, softer suspensions can induce a floating sensation for those in the back, but that wasn’t the case here.

    The overall balance Proton has struck ensures that everyone in the car enjoys the ride, not just the driver.

    Energy Efficiency: Does It Deliver?

    The Prime variant didn’t just meet expectations; it exceeded them. The WLTP-rated range of 345 km felt accurate, with our trip averaging an impressive 11 kWh/100 km.

    That’s slightly, but ever so slightly better than average for an EV of this size. The journey to and from Melaka was smooth sailing, with no range anxiety.

    Proton eMAS 7 exterior view

    Charging back up to 80% from 30% on a fast DC charger took roughly 20 minutes, which isn’t groundbreaking but is perfectly acceptable.

    Proton’s focus on energy efficiency is evident in the way the eMAS 7 manages power. The regenerative braking system works seamlessly, capturing energy without feeling overly intrusive.

    We experimented with the different regen modes and found the standard setting to be the most intuitive. It provided just the right amount of braking force to make city driving effortless while still being smooth enough for highway use.

    Proton eMAS 7 charging

    But to have smoother driving experience on the highway, it's best to switch it to low, as the car cruises better that way.

    For those few people who prefer one-pedal driving, the highest regen mode delivers a satisfying level of deceleration.

    Things That Might Annoy You

    Let’s talk quirks. First, the pedestrian warning sound, which some liken to an ice-cream truck jingle.

    It’s loud and persistent below 30 km/h, though Proton is reportedly considering an option to disable it in a future OTA update. Then there’s the wind noise.

    Proton eMAS 7 NVH

    Above legal speed limits, it’s noticeable, though the cabin remains serene at everyday speeds. Speaking of the cabin, while it’s generally well-built, the steering wheel buttons are a mystery.

    They’re customizable, sure, but the lack of labels makes them frustrating to use.

    Finally, the ADAS settings reset after every journey, meaning you’ll need to fiddle with the infotainment system every time you start the car. Not ideal.

    Proton eMAS 7 infotainment system

    Another minor inconvenience was the infotainment system’s learning curve. While intuitive once familiarized, it took us a couple of days to fully navigate its menus.

    That said, Proton has clearly invested effort in making the system responsive and feature-rich. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has not yet arrived, but they said it will by April 2025. 

    Interior Comfort: A Class Above

    Where the eMAS 7 truly excels is inside. The seats are some of the most comfortable we’ve encountered, with the front ones feeling like Lazy Boy recliners.

    Proton eMAS 7 front seats

    Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with ample legroom and plush seating.

    The manual air-con controls are a blessing in a world of touchscreen-heavy systems, though some functions still require navigating the infotainment system. It took us two days to fully acclimate to it.

    The cabin’s overall design and material quality deserve praise. Soft-touch surfaces dominate, and the layout feels modern yet user-friendly.

    Proton eMAS 7 cockpit view

    The ambient lighting, while not as elaborate as the Premium’s 256-colour setup, adds a nice touch of sophistication. Storage is generous too, with plenty of cubbies and compartments to stash your belongings.

    The boot space, while not class-leading, is adequate for most family trips.

    Proton eMAS 7 boot space

    Is the Prime Enough?

    Absolutely, I think. The Prime variant excels where it truly counts—delivering impressive ride quality, confident handling, remarkable energy efficiency, and a comfortable, well-appointed interior, all while offering a strong overall value proposition.

    Proton has crunched the numbers and revealed that charging an EV could cost as little as one-third of what you’d spend fueling a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car.

    Proton eMAS 7 prime vs premium

    Even in less favourable scenarios, the cost is about half that of filling up with petrol. For those mindful of mobility expenses, this is welcome news, especially with the government expected to phase out the full petrol subsidies this year.

    It’s no wonder Proton has extended its launch package to the next 3,000 customers, as the initial 3,000 bookings have already been fully reserved. The overwhelming response speaks for itself, and it’s easy to see why when you weigh the pros and cons.

    Proton eMAS 7 prime variant charging

    As with any EV, buyers need to consider the potential for lower resale value compared to ICE vehicles. However, for those planning to keep the car long-term, it does sound like a reasonable purchase.

    Proton further reassures customers with the battery’s impressive lifespan of 400,000 kilometers, it does make it a compelling choice for the long run.

    What also sets the eMAS 7 apart is its balance of practicality and driving enjoyment. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban settings, yet it’s spacious enough to accommodate a family comfortably.
     
    The acceleration, though not groundbreaking, is more than sufficient for day-to-day driving and occasional spirited bursts on open roads.
    Proton eMAS 7 meter cluster
     

    Plus, no matter which eMAS 7 variant you choose, you’ll get support from the Proton eMAS app.

    And if you’ve been stressing about juggling the 3 million apps needed for charging payments, relax—the eMAS app makes it way easier.

    It shows all the nearest chargers wherever you are and even lets you pay for charging directly through the app, taking the hassle out of the whole process.

    The app’s accuracy is no joke either. We were randomly standing next to a charger in Melaka, and the app instantly knew which one it was, casually asking if we’d like to start charging.

    If you’re an owner, your details would already be saved in the app, so it’s just a quick verification and bam—charging done. No fuss, no drama.

    Proton eMAS 7 cockpit view

    Verdict: A Well-Rounded EV

    The eMAS 7 Prime isn’t perfect, but its flaws are far outweighed by its strengths. It’s quick, comfortable, and efficient, making it a solid contender in Malaysia’s growing EV market.

    If you’re ready to embrace electrification, this might just be the car to start your journey with.

    Proton eMAS 7 under boot storage

    Keep an eye out for those OTA updates, though — they might just iron out the few wrinkles left in an otherwise stellar package.

    In summary, our real-world test drive from Klang Valley to Melaka was a delightful experience that showcased the eMAS 7’s potential.

    Proton’s entry into the EV market with this model is a promising step forward, and even in its entry-level eMAS 7 form, it lays a solid foundation for an exciting future ahead.

    Also Read:  Proton extends eMAS 7 EV launch benefits to 6,000 buyers

    Adam Aubrey

    Adam Aubrey

    Adam Aubrey is an experienced writer and presenter with over a decade in the automotive industry, known for his passion for rebuilding older cars from the golden era of automotive design. His work also delves into the future of vehicles, highlighting the exciting potential of electric propulsion.

    Read Full Bio

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