First impressions: The e.MAS 7's twin is impressive, but the Proton EV will be much better

KUALA LUMPUR:  The Geely E5 has made its way to Malaysia, and if you’re wondering what it has to do with Proton, because that’s where it headed straight when it arrived on our shore, here’s the scoop.

The E5 is essentially the global twin of what will soon be Proton’s first all-electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Proton and Geely, the e.MAS 7 is set to utilise the platform, tech, and general overall design of the E5, but with some fine-tuning to suit Malaysian tastes. With the official unveiling set for December, the excitement is mounting. Proton fans, EV enthusiasts, and the general public alike are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in the national carmaker’s history.

In China, the Geely E5 has already made a splash since its August launch, selling over 12,000 units within the first month alone. It’s China’s first C-Class all-electric SUV to hit those kinds of numbers so quickly, proving that it’s more than just hype—it’s a genuinely appealing electric SUV. Now, Proton is set to take that success and put its own stamp on it with the e.MAS 7, and judging by early signs, it’s going to be a game-changer for Malaysia’s EV landscape.

What’s even more exciting is how quickly this model has reached us. Geely orchestrated a massive journey, driving a fleet of Geely E5s 3,700 km from Guiyang, China, to Malaysia as part of the Geely E5 World Tour. The journey, spanning 17 days and charging just once per day, wasn’t just a promotional stunt—it was a test of the vehicle’s endurance, reliability, and ability to tackle different terrains. Proton noted the vehicle’s ability to navigate rough weather, tricky road conditions, and even floodwaters as proof of its durability. And now, with the cars here, we’ve had the opportunity to experience what the e.MAS 7 will offer.

While Proton hasn’t revealed the full official specs for the e.MAS 7, if the Geely E5 is any indicator, we’re in for something special. The E5 comes equipped with a front-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single motor pushing 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque. This gives the car a lively 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds, ensuring that performance will be both smooth and spirited.

The battery tech is another highlight, with Geely using its own Aegis “short blade” lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. We expect Proton to offer the e.MAS 7 in two variants, possibly matching the E5’s 49.52 kWh model with a range of 440 km, and a larger 60.22 kWh version with up to 530 km on a single charge.

As for charging times, you can expect the e.MAS 7 to be very similar to the Geely E5, taking around 20 minutes to go from 30% to 80% on a DC fast charger, and about 7.5 to 9 hours for a full charge on an AC charger, depending on the battery size. With these figures, Proton’s EV debut is set to offer a strong balance of range and practicality for everyday driving.

But let’s move beyond the numbers and get to the experience. Thanks to a preview drive with the Geely E5, which is essentially the e.MAS 7’s twin, we got a glimpse of what this electric SUV can really do. The first thing that hits you when you step inside is just how spacious and nice the interior feels.

There’s plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, and the materials used throughout the cabin feel solid and luxurious. The seats are soft and well-cushioned, making long drives comfortable, while the rear legroom is more than ample, ensuring passengers in the back aren’t left feeling cramped.

On Proton’s test track, the E5 proved to be quite the performer. From a standstill, the electric motor delivers instant torque, giving you that trademark EV punch off the line. As speeds increase, the power delivery remains smooth, though a little less aggressive at higher speeds. On the track and at speed, the E5 stays planted and composed, especially through Proton’s high-speed banking corners, giving you a sense of confidence behind the wheel. It just felt stable and the body control is quite good.

Once we took it out on Malaysian roads, the EV’s weaknesses became more apparent when it comes to the suspension department. Like many Chinese EVs, built to cater to the comfort-focused demands of buyers there, the suspension felt overly soft—too soft for our liking. While it did provide a comfortable ride, it was a bit too floaty for our road conditions.

On uneven surfaces, it took two rebounds for the car to settle, which made the ride feel less controlled. Although bumps and rough patches were absorbed easily, the overall experience was somewhat nauseating. However, since Proton typically fine-tunes their vehicles for local conditions, we expect the e.MAS 7 to be better adapted to our roads, offering improved stability and comfort for a more balanced driving experience.

In short, the e.MAS 7 looks like it’s set to be a fantastic debut EV for Proton. If the Geely E5 is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat when Proton adds their final touches to the e.MAS 7 for our roads and driving habits.

This could be the EV that finally makes electric vehicles a mainstream choice in Malaysia—and we can’t wait for December to see it in all its glory. All we can hope for is that it’ll be priced as an attainable EV as that too us would be the deal clincher because as fast as vehicle goes, an EV goes, it has all the right feeling attributes to make you fall for it. 

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 7 gears up for Malaysian roads: Rigorous local testing underway to fine-tune the EV