Proton e.MAS 5 revealed – Rear-Wheel Drive EV with 325km range, ADAS, 14.6-inch screen; launch in October

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton’s second EV, the e.MAS 5, has been officially previewed to the Media — and while pricing remains unconfirmed for now, we do know the car will be launched in October 2025 once the ongoing MISI 5 nationwide tour wraps up.

Positioned as an entry-level electric car in the B-segment category, the e.MAS 5 might be compact in size, but it’s big on space and features. With an overall length of 4,135 mm and a 2,650 mm wheelbase, Proton says the e.MAS 5 offers true five-seater practicality, thanks to its flat rear floor and a generous cabin layout. 

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 5 hits the road for nationwide preview tour ahead of official launch

The boot holds 375 litres, expandable to 1,320 litres with the rear seats folded, and there’s also a 70-litre front trunk (frunk) for added utility. Just like the e.MAS 7, the e.MAS 5 also has an under rear seats compartment, this time however in the form of a hatch instead of a slide out compartment like in the e.MAS 7.

Proton says there are 32 compartments overall in the e.MAS 5, which will help with storage spaces.

Two Variants – Prime and Premium

When it officially goes on sale, the e.MAS 5 will be offered in two variants: Prime and Premium. Both will come with their own battery size with the Premium being equipped with a 40.16 kWh CATL LFP battery. With this in mind, range will also differ between the two.The Prime is rated for up to 225 km, while the Premium offers a longer 325 km range based on the WLTP cycle.

Charging speed is another key difference. Both variants support AC charging at 6.6 kW, but DC fast charging tops out at 53 kW on the Prime, while the Premium allows for faster charging at 71 kW — capable of bringing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 21 minutes.

Visually, the Premium variant gets more design flair, including a dual-tone exterior with a black roof, and a two-tone steering wheel inside the cabin. We’re not sure whether this two-tone theme will be carried out in the overall cabin, as Proton are keeping some things hidden till launch.

That said, both versions come with the same striking LED front and rear light signature and aerodynamic wheels — 16-inch for Premium, and 15-inch for Prime.

What sets the e.MAS 5 apart from many other compact EVs is that it’s rear-wheel drive. Underneath, there’s a rear multilink suspension and MacPherson struts at the front — something rarely seen at this price point — paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 85 kW (114 PS) and 150 Nm of torque.

Proton quotes a 0–50 km/h time of 3.9 seconds, which should be quick enough to give drivers that EV-style shove when pulling out into traffic or overtaking in the city.

Designed and Tuned for Malaysia

While the e.MAS 5 is based on a Geely model, Proton says this isn’t just a straight copy-paste job. The chassis has been structurally reinforced to meet stricter safety targets and adapted for right-hand drive, making it the first such variant of its kind globally. 

On top of that, the suspension has been specifically tuned for Malaysian roads, and the body structure has undergone weather treatment to suit our climate.

Its compact dimensions are paired with a tight 4.95-metre turning radius, making the car highly maneuverable in tight urban spaces — especially useful for new EV drivers and city dwellers.

Big on Safety and Tech

Proton has equipped the e.MAS 5 with a long list of safety features, including six airbags and 12 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  
  
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  
  
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  
  
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
  
  
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
  
  
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  
  
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
  
  
• Door Opening Warning (DOW)
  
  

Front Vehicle Departure Alert (FVD), and more.
Other notable features include rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera with 3D display, and electronic parking brake with auto hold.

ATLAS-Powered Infotainment with e.MAS App Integration

Inside, the e.MAS 5 comes equipped with a 14.6-inch high-definition touchscreen (same as the new 2025 Proton X50), paired with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The system runs on Proton’s latest ATLAS operating system, now with Bahasa Melayu language and voice recognition, and it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired/wireless), and even access to an app store.

What’s unique to Proton’s EV ecosystem is the integrated live charging map and a unified payment system via the e.MAS mobile app. This allows users to locate, navigate to, and pay at various EV charging stations across Malaysia — all from within Proton’s own platform, without juggling multiple third-party apps.

Other Premium features include leatherette seats, intelligent keyless entry, a crystal gear selector, dual-zone AC, 6-speaker audio, and online navigation with real-time updates.

Launch in October – Pricing TBA

Proton has not yet confirmed official pricing for the e.MAS 5, but more details are expected to surface closer to its official launch in October 2025, following the conclusion of the MISI 5 Tour, which is currently taking place nationwide.

If priced right, the Proton e.MAS 5 could become a major turning point in Malaysia’s EV journey — offering local buyers a more affordable, well-specced, and locally tuned electric car with the practicality and features to match.

Also Read: 2025 Proton X50 launched - Can be had from as low as RM85,800