Proton eMas 5 Tested: Is This the Best Family EV Under RM150k in Malaysia?
Published: April 28, 2026 | By EV Sifu Editorial Team
The Proton eMas 5 has been one of the most-anticipated Malaysian EVs in recent memory — a local badge, a competitive price point, and a promise to shake up the sub-RM150k EV segment. But does it actually deliver when you take it off the spec sheet and onto the real roads of Malaysia?
We spent two weeks with the Proton eMas 5, covering KL city traffic, the PLUS highway, and a Genting run to give you the most complete Proton eMas 5 review Malaysia has seen. Here’s the honest verdict.
Proton eMas 5 Specs & Variants
The Proton eMas 5 is offered in two main variants in Malaysia — the Standard Range and the Extended Range — giving buyers a clear choice between value and capability. Both variants sit under the RM150k ceiling that defines this fiercely competitive segment.
Here’s the full breakdown of what you’re getting:
| Specification | eMas 5 Standard Range | eMas 5 Extended Range |
|---|---|---|
| Price (OTR, with SST exemption) | RM 119,800 | RM 139,800 |
| Battery Capacity | 49 kWh (usable) | 66 kWh (usable) |
| Motor Output | 150 kW / 204 PS | 175 kW / 238 PS |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 360 Nm |
| WLTP Range (claimed) | 430 km | 560 km |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 sec | 6.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 185 km/h |
| AC Charging | 11 kW (Type 2) | 11 kW (Type 2) |
| DC Fast Charging | 80 kW | 100 kW |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD |
| Boot Space | 440 litres | 440 litres |
| Frunk | No | No |
| ADAS Features | AEB, LKA, ACC | AEB, LKA, ACC, LCA |
| Warranty (Battery) | 8 years / 160,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
For most Malaysian families, the Extended Range variant at RM139,800 is the sweet spot. The extra RM20,000 buys you significantly more usable range and a marginally punchier motor — a worthwhile premium for highway-heavy commuters.
Driving Impressions: How Does It Feel on Malaysian Roads?
Get in, and the eMas 5 immediately feels planted and composed — more so than you’d expect at this price point. The suspension tune is clearly calibrated for Malaysian roads: it soaks up the ubiquitous potholes and speed bumps (the anak-anak jalan that no Malaysian can escape) without jarring the cabin.
Power delivery is smooth and linear. Flooring it from a standstill in the Extended Range gives you a confident 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h — fast enough to merge with confidence on the Federal Highway, but not so aggressive that passengers get flung back in their seats.
Steering feel is adequately weighted, though it leans towards the light end of the spectrum in Normal mode. Switching to Sport mode tightens things up noticeably, but honestly, most Malaysians will live in Normal or Eco.
Regenerative Braking
The eMas 5 offers three levels of regen braking, adjustable via paddle shifters. At the highest setting, you can almost achieve one-pedal driving in stop-start KL traffic — a genuine quality-of-life win for daily commuters on the LDP or NPE corridors.
The physical brake pedal feel is progressive and predictable. This matters more than many buyers realise: poorly tuned brake pedals on EVs can feel spongy or disconnected, but Proton has done solid work here.
Highway Cruising: KL to Penang Feel
At highway speeds (110–130 km/h on the PLUS), the eMas 5 feels composed and refined. Wind noise is acceptably low, and road noise — always a challenge on Malaysian tarmac — is well-suppressed thanks to decent acoustic glass and tyre insulation.
Adaptive Cruise Control works well in light traffic, though it can be a touch hesitant when cutting in during heavy PLUS holiday traffic. It’s a minor gripe, not a dealbreaker.
Real-World Range Test Malaysia
The eMas 5 Extended Range claims 560 km on the WLTP cycle — but we all know WLTP is