Up Genting With 116PS, No Problem - Putting the Proton eMAS 5 to the Test Beyond the City

When Proton unveiled the eMAS 7, it represented a milestone: the national carmaker’s first step into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) space, and Malaysia’s first nationally-branded EV. Expectations were understandably high, especially if you knew how technically and operationally significant was the Geely model it was based on. While early conversations inevitably circled around pricing, the market response has since done most of the talking. 

As we neared the end of 2025, the eMAS 7 had already chalked up 10 consecutive months as Malaysia’s best-selling BEV — an impressive achievement for a debut effort in a rapidly crowding segment. Can it keep the momentum rolling as we step into 2026? 

With a solid foundation laid, Proton is now pressing forward with its second fully electric act, and this one may prove even more disruptive. Enter the Proton eMAS 5 — smaller, significantly cheaper, and squarely aimed at the urban dweller. Yet, as we recently discovered, it’s far from being a one-trick, city-only pony.

Launched locally in October 2025 ahead of its would-be competitors on the local scene, the eMAS 5 slots into the B-segment hatchback category and is based on the Geely Xingyuan, or StarWish. That lineage matters, because the Xingyuan wasn’t just popular in China — it was the country’s best-selling BEV and the overall best-selling passenger car in the first half of last year. Proton is clearly betting on proven hardware.

Affordable EV Motoring That's Actually Affordable

The eMAS 5 is offered in two variants: Prime and Premium, both featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor driving - obviously - the rear wheels. On paper, the numbers might look modest, but context is everything here.

The entry-level Prime produces 79 PS and 130 Nm of torque, drawing energy from a 30.12 kWh CATL-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a WLTP-rated range standing at 225 km. Step up to the Premium, and output increases to 116 PS and 150 Nm, drawing juice from a larger 40.16 kWh LFP battery good for a WLTP range of 325 km.

Those figures won’t set spec-sheet warriors alight, but pricing absolutely will. At RM 59,800 for the Prime and RM 72,800 for the Premium, the eMAS 5 currently holds the title as the most affordable BEV on sale in Malaysia - figures that held true now that the Perodua QV-E and TQ Wuling Bingo have also entered the fray. 

Proton sweetens the deal further with a RM 3,000 rebate running until 31 December, and for buyers who’ve been EV-curious but hesitant due to cost, the eMAS 5 lands right where it needs to.

Designed For The Urban Grind

Aside from some time with it on Proton’s Shah Alam test track, our first real world introduction to the eMAS 5 came during a media drive that took us from Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in up to Genting Highlands. While not a full-blown range torture test, the route offered a good mix of real-world urban driving, congested city streets, and a demanding uphill climb — a solid sample of what many Malaysians might realistically throw at this car.

We drove the Premium variant, setting off from COE with a full charge and immediately diving into morning traffic around Shah Alam . As expected, this is where the eMAS 5 feels most at home. Throttle response is smooth and predictable, noise levels are low at city speeds, and overall ride comfort is commendable for a compact hatchback.

That said, sharper potholes do expose the suspension’s limits slightly, suggesting the damping could be a touch more compliant over rougher surfaces. From Shah Alam, we threaded our way into Petaling Jaya for lunch, then pushed on into the heart of Kuala Lumpur for a quick pre-planned durian stop at Jalan Alor, where the car was pitted with situations about as tight and chaotic as city driving gets.

The light steering, a crisp 360-degree camera system, and a remarkably tight 4.95-metre turning radius combine to make squeezing through narrow alleys and cramped parking spots almost too easy, especially if you’re used to contending with something larger. Proton is keen to highlight that turning circle figure, and after experiencing it first-hand, it’s easy to see why. In dense urban environments, the eMAS 5 genuinely feels like it shrinks around you despite it being noticeably lager than, say, a Perodua Axia.

Small Footprint, Clever Packaging

Despite its compact dimensions, the eMAS 5 punches above its weight when it comes to practicality. The rear-mounted motor layout frees up space at the front, allowing Proton to fit a 70-litre frunk — five litres larger than the one found in the BYD Seal 6. Better still, it’s supported by pneumatic struts, a premium touch rarely seen or expected at this price point.

To sate our curiosity science (and to milk a photo opportunity), we collectively put it to the test by loading it up with durians. The result? Something like a dozen fruits fit comfortably. Laugh if you like, but anyone who’s ever transported durians — or anything equally….aromatic — will appreciate the value of a sealed front compartment. With the air-conditioning strictly set to recirculation, barely a whiff made it into the cabin, and that was probably our breaths. 

That frunk complements a 375-litre main boot, and together they form part of a total of 32 storage compartments scattered throughout the car. Highlights include a 28-litre under-seat compartment and a generous 20-litre storage area beneath the centre console. For a B-segment hatchback, the eMAS 5 is impressively versatile, especially for families or urban dwellers who need clever storage rather than sheer size.

Efficiency That Impresses In The Real World

Leaving Jalan Alor, we headed towards Bamboo Hills for a short stop, arriving with an indicated range of around 270 km and an average energy consumption figure of just 10 kWh/100 km. Admittedly, we hadn’t been driving aggressively — most of the journey had been stop-start city traffic at moderate speeds — but dismissing the figure outright would be unfair.

Many drivers spend the majority of their time in similar conditions, and for that use case, the eMAS 5 appears genuinely efficient. Based on that consumption and the Premium’s 40.16 kWh battery, achieving close to 400 km on a single charge doesn’t feel unrealistic under the right conditions. Even a consistent 300 km would be more than sufficient for typical urban usage.

Pair the car with a home charger, and daily usability becomes even more compelling. Plug in overnight, wake up to a full “tank”, and repeat — that’s where EV ownership really shines.

Taking On Genting Highlands

The real question, though, was whether the eMAS 5 could handle something beyond city limits. Genting Highlands provided the answer.

With three occupants, some luggage on board, and a less-than-gentle right foot, we climbed steadily towards the Chin Swee Caves Temple. Upon arrival, the range indicator still showed roughly 150 km remaining, albeit with energy consumption climbing to around 25 kWh/100 km. That spike is entirely expected given the sustained uphill gradient.

Had we turned around immediately and headed back to Shah Alam, range would not have been an issue. In fact, the descent would have allowed regenerative braking to claw back a healthy chunk of energy. Genting may not be far from Kuala Lumpur, but the drive is a useful benchmark for real-world EV capability, and the eMAS 5 passed it without drama.

The takeaway here isn’t that every BEV can do Genting — many easily can, in fact — but that thoughtful planning and sensible driving adjustments make a bigger difference than raw range figures alone.

Surprisingly Competent In The Bends

Beyond efficiency and range, the eMAS 5 delivered an unexpected bonus: it’s actually enjoyable to drive! On the climb, the car felt composed through tight corners and hairpins. True, the steering is light and doesn’t offer much feedback, but the rear-wheel-drive layout gives the car a balanced, agile feel that works in its favour.

That tight turning radius again plays a role here, helping the car change direction eagerly. Meanwhile, the independent multi-link rear suspension keeps body roll in check and maintains stability through successive bends. For a budget-focused urban BEV, the chassis feels well-sorted.

Also, despite its modest power output, the eMAS 5 never felt out of its depth. It builds speed confidently, and in one particularly spirited stretch, it even managed to hang onto the tail of a hot hatch heading uphill that was most definitely a regular of the this famous weekend morning route. Impressive. 

The Bigger Picture

The Proton eMAS 5 isn’t about headline-grabbing power figures or class-leading range. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals right. It’s easy to drive, easy to live with, genuinely practical, and surprisingly fun when the road gets interesting. 

Most importantly, it does all of this at a price point that brings EV ownership within reach of a far wider audience. We’ve said it before, but perhaps not as emphatically as warranted, but the affordable end of the EV spectrum is where this technology and format of car shines. Buying trends have consistently shown that they aren’t compelling alternatives to combustion-powered cars as primary ‘do-everything’ vehicles, but excel in short-to-medium throw commutes.

For urban buyers looking to make the jump to electric without breaking the bank — and for those who occasionally want to escape the city provided it can arrive with range to spare, the eMAS 5 makes a compelling case, one that so far looks to be the most enticing next to its direct competition. Proton’s second BEV may be smaller and cheaper than the first, but in many ways, it feels like an even more important step forward.