Proton e.MAS 5 Set To Skip Thailand, But Geely EX2 ‘Twin’ Won't

Geely Thonburi Thailand - Geely's Thai arm - are reportedly set to launch the 'Geely EX2' - twin to the Proton e.MAS 5 - in said Kingdom very soon. (Image: Thonburi Neustern)

Whilst the Proton e.MAS 7 is enjoying arguably healthy sales both domestically and abroad, the latter apprently in select ‘island-like’ markets, it appears the smaller e.MAS 5 sibling remains a Malaysia market-only offering… for now, that is.

Earlier today, sources from the Kingdom just north of our Peninsular’s border report that Geely – partners to Proton – will introduce its 'Geely EX2' EV hatch for said market through its Geely Thonburi Thailand local partnership by end of this year (2025).

With over 400,000 units shifted domestically across China this year alone, the Geely EX2 (Xingyuan/Starwish) is expected to chart similar success in Thailand too.

If you haven’t figured it yet, the 'EX2' is yet another name for the Geely Xingyuan (Starwish), which is essentially a ‘twin’ to the Proton e.MAS 5 that was launched by the latter national automaker locally just last week.

This also sees the e.MAS 5’s Geely badged twin officially make Thailand its first overseas right-hand-drive (RHD) market too. With over 400,000 units sold domestically across China this year alone, the model is tipped to chart similar successes in Thailand once launched.

For now, it appears neither the Proton e.MAS 7 EV C-SUV (left) or its smaller e.MAS 5 EV hatch (right) are set for export and sales in neighbouring Thailand.

If we didn’t know any better, ‘partners’ Geely appears to have vetoed any plans for the Malayan tiger marque from returning into the Kingdom mentioned, which is widely regarded by many observers at being one of the ASEAN region’s largest car markets.

How true our speculation rings remain up for debate. What is clear is that neither Proton e.MAS EVs – e.MAS 7 also sees its Geely EX5 ‘twin’ offered there too – will be shipped northbound of Tanjong Malim.

Chinese market Geely Xingyuan (Starwish) pictured. Once launched, Thailand will be the model's first overseas RHD market too.

Back to the EX2, reports indicate Geely targets to launch said compact EV city car by announcing its prices at the upcoming Thai Motor Expo that opens on Nov 28 – touted as Thailand’s largest annual car sales expo.

From what we can garner, it appears the Geely EX2 will be similarly marketed as the e.MAS 5 with two variants. As a refresher, the e.MAS 5 sees a base-spec Prime and up-specced Premium guises on offer locally to Malaysians.

The Proton e.MAS 5 saw two variants launched last week - Prime and Premium.

Both are set apart by their respective CATL-supplied battery sizes – 30.12 kWh (Prime) and 40.16 kWh (Premium) – and, subsequently, their respective claimed WLTP-rated maximum ranges – up to 225 KM (Prime) and 325 KM (Premium).

Similarly, the Geely EX2 is also expected to be priced much lower than its larger EX5 stablemate mentioned. For reference, the latter C-segment EV SUV is enjoying a promotional offer leading up to the Thai Motor Expo noted by being tagged at THB 699,000 (approx. RM90,339) in base Pro guise, and THB849,000 (approx. RM109,725) in Premium guise.

We’ll add that the figures touted for the larger Geely EX5 model stand far lower than what the e.MAS 7 variants are marketed at in Malaysia – RM105,800 (Prime) and RM119,800 (Premium). Expect the smaller e.MAS 5 twin to experience a similar effect too.