2026 Proton e.MAS 7 vs 2026 BYD Atto 3: Head-to-head comparison

The Malaysian electric SUV market has entered a new phase, with competition intensifying as leading brands step up their game to stay ahead. Well, we are talking about the BYD Atto 3 and Proton e.MAS 7.

Here’s a bit of background. The Chinese EV giant BYD entered the Malaysian market in 2022, with the Atto 3, which quickly grabbed customers’ attention and remained the undisputed leader in the local EV market throughout 2024. However, the crown was later claimed by Malaysia’s first national EV, the Proton e.MAS 7, which debuted in late 2024.

In June this year, BYD raised the stakes by launching the refreshed Atto 3, featuring a rear-wheel drivetrain variant with higher power, faster acceleration and longer driving range. As a genuinely strong answer to the renewed challenge from BYD, Proton launched a new flagship variant of the e.MAS 7, the Premium Plus, equipped with a bigger battery and an extended range.  

So, how do these two electric SUVs compare? Let’s put the 2026 Proton e.MAS 7 and 2026 BYD Atto 3 head-to-head. 

Proton e.MAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3: Price 

Proton offers the e.MAS 7 in three variants - Prime, Premium and Premium Plus, while the Atto 3 comes in two variants - Ultra and Premium. Their prices are as follows - 

Proton e.MAS 7	Price (with a special launch rebate of RM 7,000)	BYD Atto 3	Price
Prime	RM 96,800	Ultra	RM 125,800
Premium	RM 112,800	Premium	RM 138,800
Premium Plus	RM 118,800

On comparing, it is quite clear that the Proton EV has an advantage over the BYD EV in terms of price. Even the top-spec e.MAS 7 Premium Plus is priced at RM 118,800, making it RM 7,000 cheaper than the Atto 3 Ultra. Although the e.MAS 7 prices include a special RM 7,000 rebate that the automaker currently offers. The EV has a more aggressive pricing strategy, given that it is Proton’s first EV and is produced locally. The BYD Atto 3, by contrast, remains a fully imported EV, although the automaker has been exploring CKD production in Malaysia.

Proton e.MAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3: Dimensions 

Models	Proton e.MAS 7	BYD Atto 3
Length	4,615 mm	4,455 mm
Width	1,901 mm	1,875 mm
Height	1,670 mm	1,615 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,720 mm
Boot space	461 litres  (expandable up to 1,877 litres)	434 litres (expandable up to 1,340 litres) 101 litres front storage with the Premium variant

In terms of dimensions, the Proton e.MAS 7 stands out with its larger footprint. Longer, wider, and taller than the Atto 3, it ensures a more spacious interior. The Proton EV further strengthens its practicality with a larger rear boot space. However, the Atto 3 counters with a 101-litre front storage compartment (aka frunk), which comes in handy to store charging cables and other essentials. 

Proton e.MAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3: Drivetrain, range and charging 

Models	Proton e.MAS 7			BYD Atto 3
Specs	Prime	Premium	Premium Plus	Ultra	Premium
Motor	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	RWD
Max power	218 PS	218 PS	218 PS	204 PS	313 PS
Max torque	320 Nm	320 Nm	320 Nm	310 Nm	380 Nm
0-100 kmph	6.9 secs	7.1 secs	7.6 secs	7.3 secs	5.5 secs
Battery	49.52 kWh LFP	60.22 kWh LFP	68.39 kWh LFP	60.48 kWh LFP	74.88 kWh LFP
Range (WLTP)	345 km	410 km	450 km	420 km	510 km
Charging	11 kW AC 80 kW DC	11 kW AC 100 kW DC	11 kW AC 115 kW DC	7 kW AC 110 kW DC	11 kW AC 220 kW DC
Charging time (using DC charger)	30 to 80% in 20 mins	30 to 80% in 20 mins	30 to 80% in 20 mins	30 to 80% in 30 mins	10 to 80% in 25 mins

When it comes to power and performance, the newly-launched Atto 3 Premium takes a clear lead with its rear-wheel drivetrain setup. 

While all three Proton e.MAS 7 variants run on a single front-wheel drive motor generating 218 PS of maximum power, the Atto 3 offers a choice between a 2024-PS front-wheel drive and a significantly more powerful 313-PS rear-wheel drive option. Performance numbers reflect this advantage, with Atto 3 completing the century sprint in just 5.5 seconds, while the e.MAS 7 takes 6.9 to 7.6 seconds for the same job. 

In terms of range, the Atto 3 Premium has an upper hand with a larger 74.88 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a WLTP-claimed range of 510 km. In comparison,  the e.MAS 7 Premium Plus is equipped with a 68.39 kWh LFP unit, which provides a range of 450 km.

Overall, the Atto 3 Premium offers stronger performance and greater range, while the e.MAS 7 remains a well-balanced option with competitive output levels across its range. 

Proton e.MAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3: Features 

Features	Proton e.MAS 7 Premium Plus	BYD Atto 3 Premium
Exterior	LED headlights with auto and follow me home function  Intelligent High Beam Control LED tail lights Rear fog lights 19-inch alloy wheels  Power tailgate Electrically adjustable, heated, and foldable side mirrors Panoramic sunroof with sunshade Concealed door handles	LED headlights with follow-me-home function  Adaptive front light LED daytime running lights LED tail lights 18-inch alloy wheels Electric unlock tailgate Electrically adjustable, heated, and foldable side mirrors Panoramic sunroof with electric side and anti-trap
Interior	10.2-inch digital gauge cluster 15.4-inch infotainment unit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Automatic air conditioning with an N95 filter Leatherette upholstery Wireless charging pad 256-colour ambient lighting  16-speaker Flyme sound system 4 USB ports ( 2x Type-C, 2x Type-A) Intelligent keyless entry and start  6-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with memory function and integrated passenger leg rest  Front ventilated and massaging seats  Fully-reclinable front seats Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Driver heads-up display	8.8-inch digital gauge cluster 15.6-inch infotainment unit Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Automatic dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 air filter Vegan leather upholstery Wireless charging pad Multi-colour ambient lighting 8-speaker sound system 4 USB ports ( 2x Type-C, 2x Type-A) Keyless entry and keyless start 6-way power adjustable driver seat with 4-way lumbar support 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat Ventilated front seats Electric parking brake Portable Card Key BYD Digital Key
Safety	Six airbags Intelligent Cruise Control  Adaptive Cruise Control  Automatic Emergency Braking  Forward Collision Warning  Emergency Brake Assist  Lane Departure Warning  Lane Departure Prevention  Emergency Lane Keep Assist  Rear Collision Warning  Rear Cross Traffic Alert  Rear Cross Traffic Braking  Lane Change Safety Warning  Blind Spot Detection  Door Open Warning  Traffic Sign Recognition  Leading Vehicle Departure Alert  Evasive Manoeuvre Assist  Front Cross Traffic Alert  Active Lane Change Assist  360 Camera with 3D Display Tyre Pressure Monitoring System  Front and rear Parking Sensors	Seven airbags Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go Full Speed  Automatic Emergency Braking System  Front Collision Warning  Rear Collision Warning  Door Open Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist  Blind Spot Detection Rear Cross Traffic Alert Rear Cross Traffic Brake Intelligent Speed Limit Control  Front Cross Traffic Alert  Front Cross Traffic Brake  Traffic Sign Recognition 360-degree surround view camera Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 2 front and four rear radars

When it comes to features, both of these EVs are generously loaded with premium features and comprehensive packs of advanced driver-assistance systems, with only a handful of differences. 

The new Proton e.MAS 7 Premium Plus offers more comfort with features like a front passenger leg rest, front messaging seats, a head-up display, and a 16-speaker sound system (with headrest speakers). The Atto 3, on the other hand, counters with adaptive front lighting, a dual-zone climate control system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital key functionality, and an additional airbag, 

Verdict

Both the Proton e.MAS 7 and BYD Atto 3 are strong contenders in the local electric SUV category, each offering its own strengths. When it comes to choosing one, prospective buyers need to consider their personal preferences and make the best choice. 

• If you are seeking a value-for-money option with a roomier cabin and richer comfort-focused features list, backed by a solid local network, the e.MAS 7 is a well-rounded choice.
• But if you lean towards power, performance, and driving range, the BYD Atto 3 is worth the extra investment.

Also read: 2026 BYD Atto 3: Variants explained - Ultra vs Premium – Which one should you choose?