Proton has officially introduced its eagerly awaited electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS7, marking a significant milestone in the Malaysian automaker’s EV journey. Set to redefine the electric SUV segment, the e.MAS7 combines cutting-edge technology with impressive performance, positioning itself as a sophisticated addition to Proton’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.
The Proton e.MAS7 represents a significant advancement in Proton’s electric vehicle lineup. Co-developed with Geely, this project involved 230 Proton engineers and designers and required 700,000 man hours and 10 million kilometres of testing. The e.MAS7 is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), an evolution of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). This platform integrates the battery into the car’s body shell, enhancing rigidity and overall performance. Proton brands this as the Global Modular Architecture (GMA), which aligns with the GEA but is marketed under a different name.
Performance and Battery
The e.MAS7 features a front-mounted electric motor generating 218PS and 320Nm of torque. It achieves a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h. The vehicle offers two battery options: a 49.52 kWh battery with a range of up to 440km CLTC and a 60.22 kWh battery providing up to 530km CLTC (WLTP is around 420km). The battery technology includes Geely’s Aegis short blade LFP cells, which promise up to 3,500 cycles or approximately 1 million kilometres of driving. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Design and Features
While the exact design remains under wraps, the e.MAS7 draws design cues from the Geely E5, featuring slim headlamps, air curtains, flush door handles, and full-width taillights. The interior is expected to resemble that of the E5, equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch infotainment display, and advanced driver assistance systems. A Proton-specific app will offer telematics and integrate with charging networks.
Market Position and Pricing
The e.MAS7 falls into the C-segment SUV category, measuring 4,615mm in length, 1,901mm in width, and 1,670mm in height. It is positioned between models like the BYD Atto 3 and smart #1, and the Tesla Model Y in terms of size. Pricing in Malaysia will depend on whether the vehicle is fully imported or locally assembled.
Availability
The Proton e.MAS7 is slated for order starting December 2024, with initial availability across 29 dealerships nationwide.
With its advanced technology, competitive range, and innovative design, the Proton e.MAS7 is poised to make a significant impact in the Malaysian EV market.
