Is The Proton eMAS 7 Ready For Middle Class Malaysians To Own

February 17, 2025

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Proton eMAS 7 Prime Family Test Drive Review

SUV’s continue to dominate our roads (also around the world) as new vehicle buyers prefer a high sitting position with a hatchback design. So, this is why in recent months all the electric vehicles we tested were from the same segment, SUV.

This is also why Proton and its technical partner Geely decided to launch the eMAS 7 SUV as their first full electric vehicle on sale in Malaysia.

eMAS 7 Technical

The eMAS 7 was launched in Malaysia just two months ago on the 16^th of December 2024. In showrooms right now in 2 variants: Prime & Premium. Both variants feature the same front-mounted ’12-in-1 Electric Drive System’ outputting 160 kW (218 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, which in turn sees for this electric SUV to deliver a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a possible but not advisable (speed cameras everywhere) top speed of 175 km/h.

Both variants of the e.MAS 7 are also to be powered by a battery pack comprising of Aegis Short Blade cells of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The Prime variant however comes a smaller 49.52 kWh battery pack that is only good for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km, whereas the Premium variant nets a larger unit with 60.22 kWh usable capacity, which hence extends that range figure to a better 410 km.

At launch there was a promotional pricing, at RM105,800 and RM119,800 for the first 3,000 buyers.

The price difference between the Prime and Premium is just RM14,000 more (13 percent increase) and here’s what you get:

65km more range (19 percent increase)
19″ rims (vs 18″)
panoramic roof with sunshade
powered tailgate
active grille shutter
auto dimming rear view mirror
front passenger 4-way powered adjustment
front ventilated seats
fully recline-able front seats
256-colour ambient lighting
heads-up display
16-speaker Flyme audio sound system

Just the range increase ALONE would justify any potential PRIME variant shopper to upgrade to the PREMIUM model.

In order to meet the high standard of noise and vibration comfort that is such a hallmark of the brand, complex measures have been taken to isolate the electric powertrain from the chassis and body. Numerous damping measures enhance this effect.

eMAS 7 Drive Impression

In city traffic it is quiet, comfortable and very capable just like all electric cars related to it (smart3# and Zeekr X). Yes it drives like the smart #3. Turning radius is very good for our crowded PJ old town or Gombak neighbourhoods (smaller radius on EVs for tight situations) and provides great cabin insulation which allows passengers to enjoy the well tuned provided sound system.

Two rear passengers have great comfort and three nasi kandar loving adults will be a little tight. There are air vents in the rear and headroom is good. The driver will enjoy the better power delivery (yes EV’s a quick and there is no hesitation) over a petrol powered SUV and the high speed stability is very good as the battery sits in the center under the seats.

Put aside the infrastructure for battery charging and the many ‘paid’ influencers who say driving across the country is worry free and easy. It is NOT as we have experienced and even when it is not a long weekend, there is still anxiety along an interstate drive.

Please note that all this will change in coming years and for now just take the eMAS 7 ownership as a good city commuter car for the family and also retired person looking for emission free motoring.