Proton e.MAS 5 first drive: Familiar, confident, and easy to live with

KUALA LUMPUR: With the Proton e.MAS 5 launch just around the corner, the buzz surrounding Malaysia’s first affordable EV is finally turning into reaching fever pitch. We’ve seen it in camouflage, studied its specs, and even peeked at its minimalist interior. But until now, none of us in the media have been allowed to talk about what really matters — how it drives.

That changed recently when Proton invited us to its Shah Alam test track for an exclusive drive. Cameras were allowed (with the car still wearing its funky geometric wrap), but this time, the real story wasn’t what we saw — it was what we felt behind the wheel.

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 5 coming soon - Is this Malaysia’s next game-changing EV?

How it generally feels to drive

The first thing that hits you is how right-sized the e.MAS 5 feels. Compared to the larger e.MAS 7, this is a car that immediately feels easier to live with. It’s the sort of car you can dart through city traffic with one hand on the wheel and coffee in the other — compact but never cramped.

That 4.95-metre turning radius Proton kept talking about? It’s not just brochure talk. We put it to the test in the figure-of-eight course, and it twirled around the cones like it had something to prove. It feels light on its feet, eager to change direction — the kind of agility that’ll make parallel parking in Bangsar or pulling a cheeky U-turn in SS2 a stress-free affair.

Ride and Handling: The familiar Proton standard

Here’s the thing — Proton doesn’t really do bad-handling cars. Even in its EV era, that DNA carries through - kind of, because the e.MAS 7's ride feels like it could be better. Anyway, the e.MAS 5 feels like their first EV to have it properly sorted.

Around the high-speed banked curves of the Shah Alam track, it stayed flat and planted at 110 km/h. No wallowing, no float. On real-world roads — yes, I managed to sneak it onto a few — the car soaked up potholes and rough patches without thumping through the cabin. 

That rear multi-link suspension setup deserves some applause. It’s rare at this price point, and it pays off with predictable, confidence-inspiring behaviour. The rear-wheel drive layout adds an unexpected layer of fun too. Around the slalom, it danced with a little rear-end playfulness — subtle, not overdone, just enough to remind you this isn’t another numb city EV.

Honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel this alive. You get that sense that the those who worked on this car might have enjoyed tuning it.

Acceleration: Quick where It matters

Proton’s only sharing one performance figure for now — 0 to 50 km/h in 3.9 seconds — but that’s telling. This isn’t a car chasing top-speed bragging rights; it’s one made for quick gaps in city traffic and smooth getaways from junctions.

On paper, 150 Nm of torque doesn’t sound like much. But in practice? The instant torque makes it feel zippy. There’s a small pause when you first hit the pedal — likely a built-in safety buffer — but once it hooks up, it pulls cleanly and eagerly. The first 80 km/h comes up quicker than you’d expect, and while it starts to taper off past that, it cruises effortlessly at highway speeds.

You won’t be setting land-speed records, but that’s not the point. Around town, it feels lively and confident — and honestly, that’s what matters for the job scope for this type of electric vehicle.

Braking: Sure-footed

Proton claims a 100–0 km/h braking distance of 36.9 metres, and the e.MAS 5 backs that up with solid, confidence-inspiring stopping power. The pedal feel is progressive — not too sharp, not too spongy. Slam on the brakes from triple-digit speeds and the car tracks straight, no squirming or drama.

It’s one of those moments that quietly impresses you. You don’t think much about brakes until you need them — and this EV has the kind you can trust.

Steering Feel: Light but honest

If you’re expecting old-school steering weight, you won’t find it here. The e.MAS 5’s steering is light and easygoing — a perfect match for city life. It doesn’t talk to you much through the wheel, but that’s okay. You don’t want to wrestle a steering rack when inching through weekday jams.

It’s the kind of steering that lets you relax, that doesn’t demand your attention every second. It’s built for the grind — condo parking ramps, narrow lorongs, office exits at rush hour — and it makes those moments simpler.

The way the suspension quietly smothers a bump. The way the regen braking blends seamlessly with mechanical brakes. Even the way it stays calm when pushed a little too hard in a corner. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not — it just feels right.

After a few laps, I stepped out impressed. Not because it blew my mind, but because it didn’t have to. It’s an honest, well-tuned car — the kind of EV that feels familiar yet forward-thinking.

So, what’s the verdict? The Proton e.MAS 5 isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s trying to make the electric car feel normal — approachable, comfortable, and fun. And based on this first drive, it’s well on its way.

It’s compact, confident, and surprisingly refined. The balance between playfulness and practicality is classic Proton, while the electric powertrain adds a new layer of smoothness.

If the final production version keeps this character and the price truly hovers around RM60,000 to RM80,000, Proton might just pull off what every Malaysian has been waiting for — an EV that makes sense.

For now, the camouflage still hides its final look. But after driving it, one thing’s certain — the e.MAS 5 is no science experiment. It feels like a properly engineered car that just happens to be electric. No wonder its twin is selling like hot cakes in China!

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 5’s strong debut - 3,000 bookings in 1 week; e.MAS 7 maintains lead