5 things to know about the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV

Proton is all set to enter the plug-in hybrid market with the imminent launch of the e.MAS 7 PHEV, built to meet the real needs of Malaysian drivers. Bookings for the electrified SUV are currently underway, with prices estimated to range between RM 110k and RM 130k. 

The plug-in hybrid version of Malaysia’s best-selling electric car made its first public appearance at the Chinese New Year Spring Carnival last week, which is running from January 15 to 25, 2026, at Piazza, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, allowing visitors to view the model up close during the festive period.

Proton has revealed the specifications for the e.MAS 7 PHEV, with the only missing piece of the puzzle being the price. In today’s article, we will be discussing 5 important things you should know about the upcoming SUV, so let’s get started.

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV: Top 5 things to know

First dual-powered EV built for Malaysian roads

The e.MAS 7 PHEV is equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder dedicated hybrid engine and a front-mounted electric motor and dubbed as the first Dual-Powered EV for the Malaysian market.

It means the vehicle runs in EV mode or series-hybrid mode for most everyday journeys, where the engine, instead of driving the wheels directly, generates electricity to charge the battery or power the motor that drives the wheels. However, at the time of highway cruising or long uphill drives, the system automatically allows the engine to drive the wheels directly or work in tandem with the motor.   

In simple words, the vehicle charges like an EV, runs as an EV for meaningful distances, then falls back on petrol when more efficiency is needed. 

Tested through a 25-hour, 1100 km livestream drive 

The PHEV features a 51-litre fuel tank and an 18.4 kWh LFP or 29.8 kWh LFP battery pack, depending on the variant, and delivers a combined range of over 1000 km.  

The Prime and Premium trim, equipped with the smaller battery unit, provides an all-electric range of 105 km (NEDC) and a combined range of 1,000 km (NEDC). The range-topping Premium Plus variant, on the other hand, comes with the bigger pack, allowing EV to cruise up to 170 km on electricity alone and 1,065 km on a full charge and full tank. 

Proton demonstrated the PHEV’s real-world efficiency, long-distance capability and suitability for Malaysian driving conditions through a 25-hour long livestream drive, covering over 1,100 km from Penang to Johor Bahru and concluding at PROTON Centre of Excellence (COE) via the North–South Expressway. 

Features PHEV-specific styling enhancements  

In terms of design, the plug-in hybrid version of the e.MAS 7 retains the same shape and silhouette as the electric counterpart. However, there are a few styling changes that confirm its unique identity. 

The PHEV boasts a redesigned bumper, a split headlamp layout, and a full-width front LED bar at the front. For further distinction, it gets regular door handles (instead of flush units on the EV), a new multi-spoke design on the wheels, and a repositioned number plate on the tailgate.

Larger, wider and taller than the e.MAS 7 EV

The e.MAS 7 PHEV has a larger footprint as compared to its EV counterpart, hinting at improved interior space and comfort. Here, we compare their dimensions - 

Models	Proton e.MAS 7 EV	Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV	Difference
Length	4,615 mm	4,740 mm	+125 mm
Width	1,901 mm	1,940 mm	+39 mm
Height	1,670 mm	1,685 mm	+15 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,755 mm	+5 mm

Rival Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Jaecoo J7 PHEV 

The upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV will compete against the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Jaecoo J7 PHEV in the plug-in hybrid space. 

The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV made its way to Malaysia back in October as a locally assembled model. Priced at RM 129,800, the SUV comes powered by a 1.5T petrol hybrid setup and 18.3 kWh battery, offering 90 km EV and 1,200 km combined range.

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV, on the other hand, was introduced in February last year. Priced at RM 158,800. It comes equipped with a 1.5TGDI super hybrid system, 18.3 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate battery pack, and a 60-litre fuel tank, delivering a combined driving range of up to 1,300 km (NEDC).

Overall, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV seems a smart choice for SUV enthusiasts who want to enjoy electric driving in their daily lives, without giving up the freedom to travel long distances with confidence.  

Also read: 2026 Proton e.MAS 7 CKD in Malaysia, new powered tailgate, new ADAS, from RM99,800 with promo