Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV seen in transit, launch countdown now feels real

KUALA LUMPUR: Judging by these transporter shots, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV launch is getting very close.

Multiple units have now been spotted out in the open, strapped onto car carriers and even on a flatbed, looking like proper sale-ready cars instead of “preview” props.

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

You can even make out the PROTON lettering and e.MAS 7 badging at the back, which is usually the point where logistics starts ramping up, cars move between holding yards, dealers, and pre-delivery centres, and the pre-launch countdown stops feeling theoretical.

That lines up neatly with what Proton has already put on the table, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is scheduled to launch in Malaysia on February 4, 2026, with order books already opened and an early promo that includes an RM500 booking fee rebate for the first 5,000 customers.

So here’s a quick recap of what we know so far about the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, now that the “it’s coming” phase has clearly turned into “it’s on the move”.

Under the skin, the e.MAS 7 PHEV uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a front-mounted electric motor, and an electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT). Proton is quoting a combined system output of 262 PS and 262 Nm, positioning it as a proper step into the plug-in hybrid space, not just a mild hybrid placeholder.

Battery-wise, Proton is going with two options depending on variant, an 18.4 kWh pack or a larger 29.8 kWh pack. Those translate into claimed EV-only ranges of 105 km and 170 km respectively.

The headline number, though, is the combined range claim, Proton says the e.MAS 7 PHEV can do over 1,000 km on a full charge and a full tank. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 4.0 L/100 km, which is the sort of figure aimed straight at Malaysians who want electrification benefits without having to plan their life around charging.

Proton is positioning this model as Malaysia’s first “Dual-Powered EV”, basically the pitch is simple, drive it like an EV when it suits you, and fall back on petrol plus hybrid support when you need distance, flexibility, or you simply cannot be bothered to hunt for a charger.

As for the line-up, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is expected to come in three variants, Prime, Premium, and Premium Plus, with estimated pricing currently floated in the RM110k to RM130k range.

Final prices will only be locked in at launch, but the spread gives you a sense of where Proton wants to land, right in the zone where PHEVs start to look like a realistic upgrade, not an indulgence.

In terms of size and packaging, the plug-in hybrid version is said to have a larger footprint than the e.MAS 7 EV, which hints at tweaks for interior space and day-to-day comfort. Visually, it sticks closely to the EV’s silhouette, but with small design changes to mark it out as the PHEV rather than a badge swap.

Inside, expectations are familiar if you have seen the e.MAS 7 EV. The cabin is described as carrying over the same layout and equipment list, including a 15.4-inch central display running Flyme OS, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the usual suite of ADAS functions.

Rival-wise, this is where things get interesting, because Proton is not walking into an empty room. The likely crosshairs are on models like the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Jaecoo J7 PHEV, both of which already help define what Malaysians expect from a plug-in hybrid SUV in terms of range claims, equipment, and pricing pressure.

But again, the biggest tell right now is not the spec sheet, it’s the fact these cars are already being moved around in volume. When you start seeing multiple e.MAS 7 PHEV units on transporters like this, it usually means the launch is not just “coming soon”, it’s here, and it’s imminent.

Also Read:Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV now open for booking, RM110k–RM130k tentative price