Proton eMas 5 previewed: RWD EV hatch with 116 PS, 325 km range – under RM 80k?

The Proton eMas 5 has been previewed. This compact hatchback will sit below the eMas 7 as the brand’s most affordable electric model when it launches at the end of 2025. Media were brought into the design studio for an early look, though photography was restricted with only about 60% of the uncovered unit could be shot, and rear angles were completely off-limits. Only the covered unit’s exterior can be shot in its entirety.

Essentially a twin of the Geely Xingyuan (also known as Star Wish), the eMas 5 is a five-door hatchback designed to compete with the likes of the BYD Dolphin. It’s dwarfed by the eMas 7 and is built on Geely’s GEEA2.0 platform. Dimensions come in at 4,135 mm long, 1,805 mm wide, and 1,580 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. For reference, the BYD Dolphin measures 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm.

Interestingly, it’s rear-wheel drive, with power coming from a single rear-mounted motor making 85 kW (116 PS) and 150 Nm of torque. 0 to 50 km/h is quoted at 3.9 seconds. For comparison, the BYD Atto 2 makes 177 PS and 290 Nm and drives the front wheels.

The battery is a 40.16 kWh CATL LFP unit, with a WLTP-rated range of 325 km. Charging capabilities are modest: 6.6 kW AC, and 71 kW DC. A 30–80% fast charge takes 21 minutes.

The chassis features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. While there was no mention of “Proton Ride & Handling” in the presentation, Proton did say that the car has been adapted to better suit Malaysian roads.

Cabin equipment includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen with ATLAS OS, an 8.8-inch digital cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 6 speakers, and app-based remote control via the Proton e.MAS app. There’s also a 375L boot (expandable to 1,320L) and a 70L front trunk (frunk), along with practical touches like under-console and under-seat storage.

ADAS coverage is fairly complete: AEB, ACC, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera with 3D view. That said, it stops short of Level 2 autonomy as there’s no intelligent cruise control or lane centering.

The Proton eMas 5 will be assembled in Tanjung Malim as part of Proton’s EV localisation plans. No pricing has been announced, but Proton says it will be “priced right.” Many of us were throwing numbers around during the session, but if we had to guess, expect it to land somewhere in the RM 80k region. Launch is set for late 2025.