Whether you realize it or not, Proton e.MAS has been in the local market for a year now and since the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7, we have started to see more electric cars on the road. The Proton e.MAS 7 has also been selling well this year and this week they held a media session allowing us to take a closer look at their next electric car model, the Proton e.MAS 5.
B-Segment EV SUV With C-Segment-Like Interior Space
For this media session, we were given the opportunity to see the exterior and interior in a limited time and also from limited angles because the car shown is a prototype version, and only about 60% of it may relate to the final version. The e.MAS 5 has a 70L frunk that can accommodate various items because the electric motor is placed at the rear.
This results in the rear boot, which can be opened automatically, only having a capacity of 375L without any ‘underneath space’ like the Proton e.MAS 7. This rear storage space can be expanded when the rear seats are folded down, making it a capacity of 1320L.
The headlights and front boot design at first glance look similar to the Smart #1 which has many curved sides. The e.MAS 5’s headlights are different from the e.MAS 7’s design. For this model shown, it uses Linglong 205/60 R16/ tires.
Another difference is that the charging port is located on the left quarter panel of the car while the e.MAS 7 places it on the right front quarter panel. Why this change was made is not stated but it makes the e.MAS 7 more towards a continental vehicle design compared to the more Asian e.MAS 5.
On the interior, Proton includes an 8.8-inch screen for the driver with a 14.4-inch infotainment system screen with FHD resolution. It uses the Atlas operating system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tethering, but we didn't get a chance to try it due to the 15-minute time limit given for this session.
There is also a built-in Charging Map function that you also didn't get to try due to time constraints. The steering wheel also has a two-tone color, and in terms of finishing it could have more plastic materials in line with the price that will be offered. A slight difference is in terms of the drive selection knob placed in the middle, and the e.MAS 5 does not use a gear lever on the steering wheel.
When sitting in the back, you can see the spaciousness of this B-Segment EV. In the back seat, it offers large legroom without your knees touching the front seat.
The disadvantage is that it still uses a USB-A charging plug instead of USB-C. If you bought a new device in the last three years, a USB-C cable is provided. It's actually awkward because the new Proton X50 has 3 UBS-C and only 1 USB-A. It's like there's no synergy between Proton's ICE and EV cars.
To ensure comfort, there is also adjustable air conditioning, and this suits us users on the Equator who are constantly sweltering under the sun overhead.
Performance Suitable for Urban Use
In this session, there was also no test drive session offered but if you look at the specifications, the Proton e.MAS 5 is suitable for urban use. The 40 kW battery offers a travel distance of 325 KM WLTP. The 71 kW DC fast charging system allows for 30-80% charging in as fast as 21 minutes while the 6.6 kW AC charging can fill the battery from 0-100% in around 7 hours.
With a small battery capacity, it also has an electric motor that provides a maximum power of 85kW (~113 HP) and torque of 150 Nm with an acceleration of 0-50 km/h in 3.9 seconds. With such performance and a short travel range, it is clear that this EV is targeted as an entry-level class for more relaxed short trips.
There is currently no information regarding the price or other accessory offerings. Judging from the pattern of promotional activities of the Proton e.MAS 7 last year, it may only be sold by mid-October next year.
If you are interested in seeing the Proton e.MAS 5 up close, the Mission 5 roadshow is being held where the Proton e.MAS 5 convoy will stop by several major cities, allowing you to see for yourself and ask Proton more about it.