Proton previews the eMAS 7 Plug-In Hybrid - 18.4kWh battery, 940+km combined range

Proton’s electrification strategy takes another major step forward with the first public showing of the Proton eMAS 7 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). The new model, one of the company’s most awaited new models, is being exhibited at the Proton Tech Showcase held at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE). 

At a glance, the eMAS 7 PHEV shares its body structure with the fully electric eMAS 7 BEV, as both are built on the shared Geely Modular Architecture (GMA) platform. Despite this common foundation, Proton has given the PHEV variant its own visual identity. Among the design distinctions are a revised rear light signature, a differently shaped number plate recess, conventional protruding door handles and a more intricate front fascia dominated by a full-width LED light bar.

While Proton has not yet released official technical specifications, the eMAS 7 PHEV is expected to feature a hybrid system similar to that used in comparable Geely models. Should it follow the setup of its Chinese-market counterpart, the Geely Starship 7, the powertrain would pair a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (producing around 111 PS and 136 Nm) with Geely’s 12-to-1 electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT). 

This system incorporates a starter-generator and a front electric motor delivering up to 238 PS and 262 Nm. In the Starship 7, this configuration is supported by a 19.09 kWh battery that enables up to 135 km of pure electric driving under the CLTC cycle, with a total driving range of up to 1,575 km.

However, Proton may instead align the eMAS 7 PHEV with the powertrain used in the Geely Starray EM-i, which has already been homologated for export markets and adapted for right-hand drive (RHD)—an approach showcased earlier at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). 

The Starray EM-i employs a slightly detuned 99 PS/125 Nm engine and a 218 PS/262 Nm electric motor, paired with an 18.4 kWh battery. This setup provides up to 83 km of electric-only range (WLTP) and a combined range of around 943 km. Though less powerful than the Starship 7’s hardware, it achieves superior fuel economy, rated at 2.4 L/100 km compared to 3.15 L/100 km.

Set to become the third entry in Proton’s eMAS family of electrified cars as well as the brand’s first plug-in hybrid, the eMAS 7 PHEV marks a significant milestone in the automaker’s electrification roadmap. Visitors can view the model at the Proton Tech Showcase from 5 to 7 December 2025, where Proton is also hosting a series of tech talks and presentations highlighting its latest innovations.