eMAS 5 also headed to Thailand in 2025, keeps Geely branding over Proton badge, priced at RM64.5k?

The Geely Star Wish, known in China as the Geome Xingyuan, is set to launch in Thailand later this year in addition to also being scheduled for a Malaysian debut in 2025 under a more locally familiar badge: the Proton eMas 5. The vehicle, albeit heavily wrapped to obscure much of its design details, was previewed recently at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025.

Before that, the Star Wish was prominently displayed at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show back in March (no camo/wrap, either!), widely expected to be Geely’s second model for Thailand, following the Geely EX5, which Malaysians know as the Proton eMas 7. The confirmation of the Thai launch came via Geely’s Thai distributor, Thonburi Neustern, which recently hosted Thai media during Geely’s Auto Shanghai 2025 event.

Price-wise, Thai automotive media outlet AutolifeThailand hinted via some insider knowledge that the Star Wish may be priced below 500,000 baht – around RM64,500 – aligning it with rivals like the MG4 in the compact EV segment. 

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, despite the feverish work to construct a new EV assembly plant in Tanjong Malim, it remains to be seen if it will be ready to roll off units in time, leaving it possible that early batches of the Proton eMas 5 will be fully imported (CBU) units at launch, meaning would mean they’ll be subject to the RM100k minimum price floor for imported EVs. That is, unless Proton can negotiate some special terms of exemption with the government. 

In China, the Xingyuan is offered in five variant with two battery options, both sourced from CATL and using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. The base model comes with a 30.12 kWh battery, delivering 310 km of range (CLTC) and powered by a 79 PS (58 kW), 130 Nm motor. The higher variant includes a 40.16 kWh battery offering 410 km range and a more potent 116 PS (85 kW), 150 Nm motor. 

Reports suggest that Thailand will likely only receive the larger battery version, and there are talks of offering a 50 kWh battery variant to boost range and meet local assembly conditions – a move that could benefit Malaysian buyers too, given our more demanding driving expectations. Charging from 30% to 80% takes just 21 minutes. Both variants feature a rear-mounted electric motor, allowing for extra cargo room in the front boot (frunk), which offers a deep a rather usable 70-litre storage space.

Originally launched in China in October 2024, the Xingyuan is positioned as a direct competitor to the BYD Dolphin, but features a more rounded, organic silhouette, similar in general aesthetics to the other compact EV launching in Malaysia this year: the TQ Wuling Bingo. 

Measuring 4,135 mm in length and 1,805 mm in width, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, the Xingyuan is slightly smaller than the Dolphin, but should offer a very comparable experience in terms of interior space and practicality. The elephant in the room, though, is Perodua, who also preparing to enter the affordable EV market in 2025 with their yet-unnamed but homegrown new fully electric model. It's going to be an interesting tussle!