Proton has unveiled the eMAS 7, its first electric car in the C-segment, with a launch slated for the end of 2024 and showroom availability expected shortly after. This introduction offers insights into the eMAS 7’s projected pricing, launch details, exterior design, and specifications.
The eMAS 7, revealed at today’s event, marks the debut of Proton’s EV-focused eMAS sub-brand. This follows the initial introduction of the Proton eMAS EV in mid-June, managed by Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), which also oversees the Smart brand’s local operations.
According to Pro-Net, the eMAS 7 represents more than just a rebranding effort; it is the outcome of a significant collaborative effort between Proton and Geely.
It’s clear that the Proton eMAS 7 shares its foundation and most components with the Geely Galaxy E5, built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) and designed to be globally adaptable, including support for right-hand drive.
The eMAS 7 features an electric motor powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with Geely’s Aegis “short blade” cells. This advanced battery promises impressive longevity, with a lifespan of 3,500 cycles, or one million kilometers, and has passed extensive safety tests, including puncture and bullet penetration.
The Aegis battery for the Proton eMAS 7 comes in two capacities: a 49.52 kWh option that provides up to 440 kilometers of range and a 60.22 kWh version offering up to 530 kilometers. These figures are based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), so real-world ranges are expected to be between 350 and 450 kilometers, respectively.
If the Proton eMAS 7’s powertrain is similar to that of the Galaxy E5, this five-door electric SUV will feature a front-mounted electric motor producing 220 PS (or 218 PS/160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. This setup should enable a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Proton eMAS Exterior: The 2024 Proton eMAS 7 shares many design elements with the Geely Galaxy E5, including slim headlamps, C-shaped light strips in the air curtains, flush pop-out door handles, and full-width taillights. It stands out with a new eMAS logo on the front, a revised harimau symbol, and the Proton script beneath the taillights.
According to Pro-Net, the development involved 230 Proton engineers and designers, contributing 700,000 man-hours and conducting rigorous testing over 10 million kilometers. This likely refers to the development cycle of the Galaxy E5.
The eMAS 7 is built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform, an evolution of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). This platform, which supports various applications including electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, range-extenders, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and methanol combustion, is described as the “world’s first four-in-one AI intelligent architecture.”
For the eMAS 7, the GEA platform enables the battery to be fully integrated into the car’s body shell, a process known as cell-to-body (CTB) integration or ‘gigacasting,’ making the battery a structural component of the vehicle.
Interestingly, Proton refers to the eMAS 7’s platform as the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) in its press materials. This appears to be a rebranding of the GEA platform, suggesting that future Proton models will adopt the GEA’s characteristics.
The GMA platform was introduced during the Proton eMAS EV launch in June, with plans to develop a series of models ranging from GMA 01 to GMA 06. This lineup will include both electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), with the eMAS 7, designated as GMA 01, leading the way.
Unfortunately, details about the interior of the Proton eMAS 7 remain undisclosed. However, it is anticipated that the cabin will closely resemble that of the Geely Galaxy E5. This includes features such as a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15-inch infotainment display, a 50W wireless charging pad, 226-color ambient lighting, and powered front seats. Advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, are also expected.
As the Malaysian EV market becomes increasingly competitive with many new entrants, the eMAS 7 stands out due to its size. Measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase, it is one of the larger EVs available. It competes with models like the BYD Atto 3, smart #1, GAC Aion Y, BMW iX1, and Chery Omoda E5, being only slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y.
Proton eMAS 7 Price in Malaysia: Pricing details for the Proton eMAS 7 remain unknown until its scheduled launch later this year. In China, the Geely Galaxy E5 is priced between 123,000 and 157,000 yuan (approximately RM76,000 to RM98,000). However, the Proton eMAS 7 is expected to carry a slight premium when it arrives in Malaysia as a fully imported model.
