Proton eMas 5 vs BYD Atto 3 Malaysia — Which SUV EV Wins in 2026?
Published: April 24, 2026 | By EV Sifu
The battle for the best affordable EV SUV in Malaysia has never been more intense. The Proton eMas 5 and BYD Atto 3 are the two most talked-about names under the RM150k mark — and Malaysian buyers are right to compare them carefully before signing on the dotted line.
Both are C-segment electric SUVs with Chinese-tech roots, competitive pricing, and growing service networks across Malaysia. But they are not the same car — and depending on your lifestyle, one will suit you significantly better than the other.
We’ve spent time with both, dug into the real ownership numbers, and this is our definitive Proton eMas 5 vs BYD Atto 3 Malaysia breakdown for 2026.
Quick Specs at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here’s the full side-by-side spec comparison between the Proton eMas 5 and BYD Atto 3 as sold in Malaysia for 2026. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.
| Specification | Proton eMas 5 (Extended Range) | BYD Atto 3 (Extended Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (OTR) | From RM116,800 | From RM121,800 |
| Top Variant Price | RM128,800 | RM149,800 |
| Battery Capacity | 61.1 kWh (Standard) / 66 kWh (Extended) | 49.92 kWh (Standard) / 60.48 kWh (Extended) |
| NEDC/WLTP Range | Up to 490 km (CLTC) | Up to 480 km (NEDC) |
| Motor Output | 150 kW (204 PS) / 340 Nm | 150 kW (204 PS) / 310 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 160 km/h |
| AC Charging (Max) | 11 kW (3-phase) | 7 kW (single-phase) |
| DC Fast Charging (Max) | 80 kW | 88 kW |
| Boot Space | 579 litres | 440 litres |
| Frunk | No | No |
| ADAS Level | L2 (CDAS suite) | L2 (ADAS suite) |
| Warranty | 5 years vehicle / 8 years battery | 6 years vehicle / 8 years battery |
| Country of Origin | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
Note: Prices correct as at April 2026. Specifications reflect top Extended Range variants unless stated. Always verify with official dealers for the latest pricing.
Price & Variants in Malaysia
The Proton eMas 5 is the more affordable entry point of the two, starting from RM116,800 for the Standard Range variant. The Extended Range Premium tops out at RM128,800 — making it one of the most competitively priced EVs in Malaysia right now.
The BYD Atto 3 comes in at RM121,800 for the Standard Range and goes up to RM149,800 for the Extended Range. That’s a notable RM21,000 gap at the top — which buys a lot of petrol, or a very decent home EV charger setup.
The eMas 5 is assembled locally (CKD) at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant, which is a big reason for its lower price point. Proton is also reportedly working on increasing the local content percentage, which could bring costs down further over time.
BYD Malaysia, meanwhile, continues to sell the Atto 3 as a CBU (Completely Built Up) unit imported from China. The brand’s aggressive aftersales expansion — now at over 50 service centres nationwide — partially justifies the premium for some buyers.
🏆 Price Winner: Proton eMas 5 — RM13,000 cheaper at the top variant level is a significant advantage in this segment.
Range & Charging Speed
Both cars offer similar headline range figures, but the real-world story is more nuanced. The eMas 5 Extended Range claims up to 490 km on CLTC, while the Atto 3 Extended Range quotes 480 km on NEDC — note that CLTC and NEDC are both more optimistic than real-world driving conditions in Malaysia.