The 2026 Proton e.MAS 5 is Proton’s entry-level fully electric hatchback and its most affordable EV, offered in two variants – Prime and Premium. The model is now locally assembled in Malaysia, while retaining the same specifications introduced at launch.

The Prime uses a rear-mounted motor producing 58 KW (77 HP) and 130 NM, paired with a 30.12 KWH CATL LFP battery providing 225 KM WLTP range. The Premium increases output to 85 KW (114 HP) and 150 NM, with a larger 40.16 KWH battery extending range to 325 KM WLTP.

Official list prices are RM59,800 and RM72,800 respectively, although Proton currently offers the Prime at RM56,800 and Premium at RM69,800 with its extended RM3,000 launch rebate.

The e.MAS 5 features a clean horizontal dashboard centred around a large 14.6-INCH Full HD infotainment touchscreen.

An 8.8-INCH digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while relatively few physical controls contribute to the cabin’s minimalist appearance.

The floating centre console provides a useful combination of storage and vehicle controls.

A distinctive crystal-style drive selector is positioned within the console, while the open lower section provides a substantial 20 L storage compartment.

An 8.8-INCH digital instrument display provides speed, battery charge, remaining range and other vehicle information.

Its simple layout complements the much larger central infotainment touchscreen.

Both variants feature leatherette upholstery and manually adjustable front seats.

Rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, allowing passenger and luggage space to be rearranged as required.

Flint Grey is the standard cabin colour, while Premium models finished in Marble Cream or Quartz Rose can be specified with an Alabaster White interior.

Despite its compact dimensions, the e.MAS 5 accommodates five occupants.

Rear passengers receive approximately 890 MM of legroom, while rear doors open to as much as 65 degrees, improving entry and exit.

Its flat rear floor measures approximately 0.61 M wide, further improving usability for the centre passenger.

A two-spoke multifunction steering wheel provides audio and infotainment controls.

The Prime uses a urethane steering wheel, while the Premium upgrades to a two-tone leatherette-wrapped steering wheel.

Tilt adjustment is provided, although telescopic adjustment is not available.

Storage practicality is a major strength, with approximately 32 individual compartments distributed throughout the cabin.

These include a 20 L under-console compartment and a particularly unusual 28 L storage compartment beneath the rear seats.

The front compartment also provides an additional 70 L frunk.

Two dedicated cup holders are positioned within the front centre console.

Dedicated rear cup holders are not provided, although additional door and cabin storage areas are available.

Both variants receive one USB-A and one USB-C connection at the front.

The Premium additionally provides a rear USB-A charging port for second-row passengers.

Wireless smartphone charging is not fitted.

The cabin combines leatherette upholstery with textured plastic surfaces and contrasting trim.

While materials reflect its affordable positioning, details such as the crystal-style selector, large infotainment display and two-tone Premium cabin help create a more contemporary environment than many similarly priced conventional hatchbacks.

Rear luggage capacity stands at 375 L.

Folding the rear seats expands maximum carrying capacity to 1,320 L.

A further 70 L front luggage compartment, 20 L centre-console space and 28 L under-rear-seat compartment give the e.MAS 5 unusually strong storage versatility for its size.

The e.MAS 5 measures 4,135 MM long, 1,805 MM wide and 1,580 MM tall, with a 2,650 MM wheelbase and approximately 160 MM ground clearance.

Kerb weight stands at 1,230 KG for the Prime and 1,305 KG for the Premium, making it considerably lighter than most larger electric vehicles.

Up front, the e.MAS 5 adopts a rounded and friendly design with a largely enclosed EV fascia, compact bonnet and smooth bumper treatment.

Semi-concealed door handles, compact overhangs and soft body surfacing contribute to its youthful city-car appearance, while the Premium adds chrome front bumper detailing for a more upmarket finish.

The rear continues the rounded styling with a broad hatchback tailgate, roof spoiler and horizontally arranged lighting.

The Premium receives a powered tailgate, while the Prime uses a conventional manually operated tailgate.

A new tonneau cover is now fitted as standard to locally assembled units, improving luggage privacy.

The Prime uses halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and Follow-Me-Home functionality.

The Premium upgrades to automatic LED projector headlamps, providing a more modern lighting signature and improved illumination.

Both variants feature full LED tail lamps.

A rear fog lamp and high-mounted brake lamp are also fitted, providing a modern lighting treatment despite the e.MAS 5’s budget positioning.

The exterior mirrors feature integrated LED turn indicators.

However, neither variant provides powered folding mirrors, meaning they must be folded manually – one of the more noticeable equipment omissions compared with several similarly priced rivals.

The e.MAS 5 uses ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear.

An Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold is standard, while regenerative braking recovers energy during deceleration.

Proton quotes a braking distance of approximately 36.9 M from 100-0 KM/H.

The Prime rides on 15-INCH steel wheels with aerodynamic covers, wrapped in 205/65 R15 tyres.

The Premium upgrades to 16-INCH alloy wheels fitted with 205/60 R16 tyres, providing a noticeably more premium exterior appearance.

Standard active safety equipment includes ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and G-Traction Control System.

Also provided are Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, regenerative braking, Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold.

Both variants receive six airbags, comprising dual front, front-side and curtain airbags.

ISOFIX mounting points are provided on the two outer rear seats, together with five three-point seatbelts and front seatbelt reminders.

The body incorporates Proton’s Star Armor Cage structure and a dedicated multi-layer battery protection system.

The Malaysian e.MAS 5 specification does not emphasise multiple conventional selectable drive modes.

Instead, its driving systems focus on regenerative braking, G-Traction Control System and Comfort Stop Technology, which help manage energy recovery, traction and smooth low-speed stopping.

A 14.6-INCH Full HD touchscreen running Proton’s ATLAS Auto operating system is standard.

It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity and an Integrated Live Charging Map.

Voice commands are available in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, while the Proton e.MAS app provides remote vehicle functions, scheduled charging and EV charging integration.

The Prime receives several assistance functions including Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning and Door Opening Warning, together with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The Premium adds a more comprehensive ADAS package with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Front Vehicle Departure Alert.

It additionally upgrades the reversing camera to a 360-degree camera with 3D view.

The Prime receives a four-speaker audio system.

The Premium upgrades to a six-speaker setup, providing a fuller audio experience without changing the infotainment head unit.

Being fully electric, the e.MAS 5 uses Proton’s compact 11-in-1 integrated electric drive system rather than a combustion engine.

The Prime’s rear motor produces 58 KW (77 HP) and 130 NM, while the Premium increases output to 85 KW (114 HP) and 150 NM.

Both variants use a single-ratio automatic electric transmission.

Power is delivered directly through a fixed reduction gear without conventional multi-speed gear changes.

The e.MAS 5 uses rear-wheel drive, making it unusual among affordable compact hatchbacks.

Its single electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, while independent multi-link rear suspension further distinguishes its chassis from most similarly priced city cars.

Proton officially quotes 0-50 KM/H in 4.4 seconds for the Prime and 3.9 seconds for the Premium.

A formal Malaysian 0-100 KM/H figure is not published.

Maximum speed is 125 KM/H for the Prime and 135 KM/H for the Premium.

As a fully electric vehicle, the e.MAS 5 consumes no petrol or diesel.

The Prime uses a 30.12 KWH CATL LFP battery providing 225 KM WLTP range. It supports 6.6 KW AC charging and up to 53 KW DC, with 30-80% requiring around 21 minutes.

The Premium receives a larger 40.16 KWH CATL LFP battery with 325 KM WLTP range. AC charging remains 6.6 KW, while maximum DC input increases to 71 KW, again allowing 30-80% in approximately 21 minutes.

A 10-100% AC charge takes around 4.3 hours for the Prime and 5.9 hours for the Premium.

Standard convenience equipment includes keyless entry and start, four powered windows with one-touch operation and anti-pinch protection, electronic parking brake and Auto Hold.

The Proton e.MAS app enables remote vehicle control, charging management and navigation functions.

The Premium additionally receives a powered tailgate, while neither variant provides powered exterior mirror folding.

Dedicated rear air-conditioning vents are standard on both variants, an uncommon feature within this price range.

They complement the manually controlled front air-conditioning system and provide more direct cooling to second-row passengers.

The e.MAS 5 uses MacPherson strut suspension at the front and independent multi-link suspension at the rear.

The multi-link arrangement is particularly unusual at its price point and helps provide better wheel control and ride refinement than the simpler torsion-beam layouts commonly found in affordable hatchbacks.

Its turning radius is also exceptionally tight at approximately 4.95 M, making it well suited to urban environments.

The electric drivetrain eliminates conventional engine vibration and dramatically reduces powertrain noise during urban driving.

Dedicated acoustic glazing or active noise cancellation is not fitted, meaning road and tyre noise become more noticeable at higher speeds, particularly with the relatively simple cabin insulation expected at this price level.

The 2026 Proton e.MAS 5 succeeds primarily by making electric mobility genuinely accessible rather than chasing outright performance or luxury.

The Prime’s 77 HP, 225 KM WLTP range and 53 KW DC charging are modest, but its RM56,800 current price puts a five-seat rear-wheel-drive EV within reach of conventional Malaysian hatchback buyers.

The Premium at RM69,800 is arguably the more complete package, gaining 114 HP, 325 KM WLTP range, 71 KW DC charging, LED headlamps, 16-inch alloys, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera and a broader ADAS suite.

Its rear multi-link suspension, huge 70 L frunk, 375 L boot, rear air vents and large 14.6-inch infotainment display are impressive for the money, although the lack of powered mirrors and relatively short-range Prime battery reveal where costs have been contained.

For buyers prioritising affordability and everyday urban use, the e.MAS 5 remains one of the strongest-value EV propositions currently available in Malaysia.