Proton e.MAS 5

Model Overview

The Proton e.MAS 5 is Proton's second all-electric model following its first pure electric SUV, the e.MAS 7, and also marks the brand's first fully electric passenger car. The model has yet to be officially launched in Malaysia and is slated to debut in the second half of 2026. As an entry-level EV, the e.MAS 5 is built upon the Geely Geometry E platform and jointly developed by Proton and Geely, featuring bespoke localisation for the Malaysian and Southeast Asian markets. Positioned as an "urban commuter electric car", its core selling points are affordability, reliability, and durability, with key rivals including entry-level electric cars such as the BYD Dolphin and BYD Seagull.

Design Language

As a sister model to the Geometry E, the e.MAS 5 is expected to retain the overall silhouette of the Geometry E while incorporating Proton's signature "tiger claw" design cues. The front fascia adopts a closed-off grille to highlight its pure electric identity, flanked by split-type LED headlamp clusters (with daytime running lights/turn signals at the top and the main projector units below), complemented by a trapezoidal lower air intake on the front bumper. The side profile is sleek and compact, featuring flush door handles and aerodynamic low-drag alloy wheels, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, it features a full-width LED taillight bar with the "e.MAS" lettering emblem sitting centrally. In terms of dimensions, it is expected to closely mirror the Geometry E: measuring 4,006 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width, and 1,550 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,485 mm, placing it in the A0-segment EV category.

Inside, the e.MAS 5 is expected to adopt a "minimalist smart cockpit" design philosophy akin to the Geometry E. The dashboard is equipped with a 9.8-inch full LCD digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display in a dual-screen layout. The cabin blends extensive soft-touch materials with metallic accents to deliver a clean, tech-laden ambiance. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, featuring integrated sports seats for the front row.

Powertrain and Performance

As the model has yet to be officially launched, the following powertrain specifications are projected based on its donor car, the Geometry E, and final figures remain subject to Proton's official announcement.

The e.MAS 5 is expected to be powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing a maximum output of 60 kW (approximately 82 PS) and a peak torque of 130 Nm. Paired with a single-speed EV reduction gearbox, it adopts a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, with a top speed rated at around 102 km/h. In terms of energy storage, it is expected to pack a 33.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack (or offer standard and long-range options). The CLTC-rated driving range is estimated at around 320 km (approximately 250 to 280 km under the WLTP cycle). The vehicle supports DC fast charging, taking roughly 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% state of charge, alongside 6.6 kW AC charging. The combined CLTC energy consumption is estimated at around 11.5 kWh/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

The e.MAS 5 is expected to ride on the same platform as the Geometry E. The suspension setup comprises a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension—a common configuration in this segment tuned primarily for urban ride comfort. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system. Braking is managed by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). The regenerative braking system is expected to offer multi-level adjustable intensity.

Cabin and Features

The e.MAS 5 features a 5-seater cabin layout, with multi-way manually adjustable integrated front sports seats and a single-piece folding rear bench. Boot space is rated at around 295 litres, expandable to approximately 1,000 litres with the rear seats folded down. On the convenience front, the car is expected to offer manual air-conditioning (automatic climate control on higher variants), keyless entry, and a push-start button. The infotainment setup is anticipated to run Proton's proprietary e.MAS OS (based on Android Automotive) on a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, online navigation, OTA updates, and voice command. A 4-speaker sound system comes as standard.

Safety and ADAS

In terms of active safety, the e.MAS 5 is expected to feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standard driver assistance features across the line-up are slated to include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and vehicle detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors. Higher-spec variants will likely gain a 360-degree surround-view camera. For passive safety, the e.MAS 5 employs a high-strength cage body structure, equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags on higher trims, providing a total of 4 to 6 airbags.

Market Outlook and Prospects

The rollout of the Proton e.MAS 5 marks the second phase of Proton's "top-down" EV strategy—entering the mass-market volume segment with the more accessible e.MAS 5 after establishing brand equity with the flagship e.MAS 7. In Malaysia and the ASEAN region, competition in the entry-level EV segment is still in its infancy, with the BYD Dolphin (priced above RM100,000) and BYD Seagull (expected at around RM80,000) serving as the main contenders. As a locally assembled (CKD) model in Malaysia, the e.MAS 5 is well-positioned to offer a strong pricing advantage, with an estimated starting price of RM80,000 to RM90,000 (approx. RMB 130,000 to RMB 140,000). Backed by Proton's established brand recognition and widespread sales network in Malaysia, alongside Geely's EV technological expertise, the e.MAS 5 is poised to become a formidable player in the local entry-level electric car market.

It should be noted that as the e.MAS 5 has yet to make its official debut, all specifications and equipment mentioned in this article are speculative based on the donor model, and final parameters remain subject to Proton's official announcements. The specific launch timeline, final pricing, and localised equipment details are expected to be revealed closer to its official debut in 2026.