Proton eMas 5 Tested: Is This the Best Family EV Under RM150k in Malaysia?
Published: 29 April 2026 | By EV Sifu Editorial Team
The Proton eMas 5 has been one of the most talked-about EVs in Malaysia since its launch — and for good reason. Built on the Geely GEA architecture and carrying the weight of national EV ambition on its shoulders, it lands at a price point that puts serious pressure on the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and even the Chery Omoda E5.
We drove it hard. KL to Ipoh. City crawling in Petaling Jaya. Night runs on the LDP. This is our complete, real-world Proton eMas 5 review Malaysia edition — no marketing fluff, just honest numbers and a straight verdict.
Full Specs at a Glance
The eMas 5 is offered in two main variants in Malaysia — Standard Range and Extended Range — giving buyers flexibility based on budget and daily needs. Here’s everything you need to know before we dive into the real-world experience.
| Specification | Standard Range | Extended Range (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (OTR, with SST exemption) | From RM119,800 | From RM139,800 |
| Battery Capacity | ~60 kWh (usable) | ~77 kWh (usable) |
| WLTP Range (claimed) | ~430 km | ~550 km |
| Motor Output | Single motor, ~204 hp | Dual motor, ~374 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | ~7.5 sec | ~4.8 sec |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 80 kW | Up to 120 kW |
| AC Charging | 11 kW (Type 2) | 11 kW (Type 2) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Boot Space | ~550 litres | ~550 litres |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Warranty | 5 years vehicle / 8 years battery | 5 years vehicle / 8 years battery |
Note: All specs reflect Malaysian-market variants. Prices are OTR inclusive of current EV incentives. Confirm with your nearest Proton dealer as configurations may vary.
Driving Experience: How Does It Feel on Malaysian Roads?
The eMas 5 drives confidently — and that’s the first thing you’ll notice when you pull away from traffic lights at Jalan Ampang. The single-motor Standard Range variant delivers smooth, linear acceleration that never feels nervous, while the AWD Extended Range is genuinely quick in a way that will embarrass a lot of ICE SUVs at the toll plaza.
Ride quality is tuned for Malaysian roads — that’s not marketing copy, it’s fact. Proton’s engineers worked with the GEA platform to soften the suspension calibration versus the China-market equivalent, and it shows on the broken tarmac sections of the SUKE and NPE. Potholes that would jar you in some competitors are absorbed without drama here.
Steering is light and well-suited to city driving, though enthusiasts will find it a touch numb on winding B-roads like Karak Highway. This isn’t a driver’s car — it’s a brilliant family hauler, and it makes no apology for that. Regenerative braking has three user-selectable levels, and the strongest setting is genuinely usable for one-pedal driving.