First Look: Proton e.MAS 7 EV – Co-Developed With Geely, On Sale By End Of 2024

Top execs from both Proton and PRO-NET presenting the Proton e.MAS 7 at a special preview earlier today at the national automaker's HQ in Shah Alam.

It’s a big week for Proton indeed. Besides revealing and opening up the order books for its refreshed 2025 Proton X70 SUV model, the national carmaker also revealed its upcoming first electric vehicle (EV) model that’s set to be distributed under its PRO-NET arm.

The camouflaged protoype revealed at the marque’s Shah Alam HQ today, christened as the Proton e.MAS 7, is set to go on sale by year’s end. We took a close gander at it and, once again, there’s more to it than what meets the eye here, folks.

Proton insists the e.MAS 7 is not a mere re-badge of the Geely Galaxy E5, noting instead that both models were co-developed concurrently as global offerings. Underneath, the e.MAS 7 - and Galaxy E5 - underpins Geely's new GMA platform architecture.

Firstly, Proton insists that the e.MAS 7 is NOT a re-badge iteration of Geely Galaxy E5, but it is merely ‘based’ on which. Much of this stems form the fact that both the left-hand-drive (LHD) Galaxy E5 and right-hand-drive (RHD) e.MAS 7 were co-developed concurrently as global models.

In fact, Proton stressed that no less than 230 Proton engineers and designers all had a hand in said co-development.

Before you ask, the Proton e.MAS 7 is quite a sizeable vehicle in the flesh. Sitting 4,615 MM long with a 2,750 MM wheelbase, 1,901 MM wide and 1,670 MM tall, the e.MAS 7’s footprint is rather similar to a typical C-segment crossover SUV like the sixth-gen Honda CR-V we tested recently.

In terms of size, the e.MAS 7's footprints are similar to that of typical C-segment crossover SUVs. Note its 2,750 MM wheelbase, which promises a rather spacious interior.

At the base of the e.MAS 7 – and Galaxy E5 – is Geely’s new Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform. Though capable of housing a combustion mill for range-extender duties, both the Galaxy E5 and e.MAS 7 takes on a all-electric approach instead.

Key to this is the fact that its battery is completely integrated into the car’s body shell (cell-to-body, CTB) to act as a structural member. The result is a car that boasts high torsional rigidity of up to 31,000 NM per degree.

Proton remains coy with specifications still, but early reports coming out of China suggest that the Geely-badged Galaxy 5 twin will feature a front-mounted e-motor and front-wheel-drive (FWD) setups, the former rated at 218 PS (215 HP) and 320 NM to enable 0-100 KM/H in 6.9 secs.

Proton were coy with technical specs, but if leaked details of the Galaxy E5 from China are anything to go by, we can expect the e.MAS 7 to pack Geely's new Aegis "short blade" battery packs that juices an all-new front-mounted e-motor and FWD setup.

Like the Galaxy E5, expect the e.MAS 7 to see two battery capacity options available. Based on details previously reported about the Geely-developed Aegis “short blade” battery packs, expect both 49.52 kWh and 60.22 kWh capacity choices offered at launch.

Charging speed and times were also not disclosed, but these Aegis battery packs from Geely mentioned promises 30-80% re-charge times as low as 20-minutes via DC rapid charging. As for range, rather ‘generous’ CLTC standards sees 440 KM and 530 KM figures being touted respectively.

Camouflaged exterior and locked doors meant we weren't able to gauge Proton's styling efforts inside and out, but at least we know that the e.MAS 7 will bear Proton's new e.MAS emblem.

The camouflage donned by the e.MAS 7 prototype we sized up today means we aren’t able to see what design changes Proton performed. Proton did note that the e.MAS 7 will bear its new e.MAS badge – a tweaked version of Proton’s tiger emblem sans a completely closed circle.

Sadly, the interior of the e.MAS 7 was kept sealed away from prying eyes – and hands – during today’s preview. However, we won’t be surprised if much of it mirrors its Geely twin mentioned, albeit with the steering wheel and related ancillaries on the right side of things.

Sub-RM100,000 price tag? Don't place any bets on that just yet. Proton and PRO-NET says the e.MAS 7, which goes on sale by year's end, will launch as CBU unit. Prices remain anyone's guess still.

At this point, what’s also too early to tell is price, though we have some ideas which. Firstly, we’ll douse any notions of the e.MAS 7 arriving with a sub-RM100,000 price tag, and that’s simply down to the fact that both Proton and PRO-NET will launch it as a fully imported (CBU) offering.

Even with the on-going CBU EV incentive, common sense says a sub-RM100,000 price tag isn’t feasible. However, given how PRO-NET priced both its smart #1 and smart #3 offerings, we’re certain the e.MAS 7 will be priced competitively against its peers – notably, its European segment rivals.

You can't book the Proton e.MAS 7 yet, but that will change as soon as Proton and PRO-NET gets their targeted 29 e.MAS dealerships up and running. Additionally, a dedicated Proton e.MAS smartphone is coming too, and it should be as seamless and all-encompassing as PRO-NET's Hello smart app.

As to when you can place bookings and purchase it, this is going to take a little more time. That’s because both Proton and PRO-NET are still in the midst of setting up its dedicated e.MAS EV brand network, of which the firm targets to establish 29 dealerships nationwide.

PRO-NET adds that it will also establish a dedicated Proton e.MAS smartphone app for the e.MAS 7 and future e.MAS brand products. Given how seamless and flawless PRO-NET executed the Hello smart app, expectations on this side of things are high indeed.

Expect more details of the Proton e.MAS 7 io be released in the coming months leading up to its eventual launch.

That’s basically everything we can convey from today’s preview and showcase of the Proton e.MAS 7 EV. Certainly, Proton will have its hands busy in the coming months as it races to get its ‘affordable’ EV offering to market ahead of its Rawang-based rivals.

Well, what do you folks reckon then? Keen on P1’s new endeavour? What sort of pricing do you expect the Proton e.MAS 7 to command when it launches? As always, share your take in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…