Choosing between the Chery Omoda E5, BYD Atto 3, and Proton eMAS 7 is the biggest decision facing Malaysian EV SUV buyers in 2026. All three are priced under RM160,000, offer over 400 km of range in their top variants, and come with LFP batteries suited to our hot climate. But the Chery Omoda E5 vs BYD Atto 3 battle just got more interesting — BYD slashed prices to as low as RM105,800 on limited stock, while Proton’s eMAS 7 starts from just RM99,800 with the Welcome Benefit rebate.
So which EV SUV gives you the best bang for your ringgit after the 2026 tax changes? Let’s break it down spec by spec.
Table of Contents
Quick Price Comparison (April 2026)
| Model | Variant | Price (OTR) |
|---|---|---|
| Proton eMAS 7 | Prime (49.52 kWh) | RM99,800* |
| Proton eMAS 7 | Premium (60.22 kWh) | RM115,800* |
| BYD Atto 3 | Ultra (60.48 kWh) | RM105,800 (limited tax-free stock) |
| BYD Atto 3 | Ultra (standard price) | RM123,800 |
| Chery Omoda E5 | Single variant (61 kWh) | RM146,800 |
*Proton prices include RM4,000 Welcome Benefit rebate
The pricing landscape has shifted dramatically since these cars launched. The BYD Atto 3 Ultra has dropped a staggering RM44,000 from its original 2023 launch price of RM149,800. Meanwhile, the Proton eMAS 7 entered the market as a CKD (locally assembled) model, giving it a natural price advantage.
The Chery Omoda E5 at RM146,800 is the priciest of the three — but does it justify the premium? Let’s find out.
ALSO READ: Cheapest EVs in Malaysia 2026
Full Specs Comparison Table
| Spec | Chery Omoda E5 | BYD Atto 3 Ultra | Proton eMAS 7 Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | RM146,800 | RM105,800–123,800 | RM115,800 |
| Battery | 61 kWh LFP | 60.48 kWh LFP Blade | 60.22 kWh LFP |
| Motor Power | 150 kW (201 PS) | 150 kW (204 PS) | 160 kW (218 PS) |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 310 Nm | 320 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 7.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| WLTP Range | 430 km | 420 km | 410 km |
| DC Fast Charge | 80 kW | 88 kW | 100 kW |
| DC 30–80% | ~30 min | ~30 min | ~20 min |
| Boot Space | 380 L | 440 L | 461 L |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4424×1830×1588 mm | 4455×1875×1615 mm | 4615×1890×1625 mm |
| ASEAN NCAP | 5-star | 5-star | 5-star (92.57/100) |
| Airbags | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| V2L | Yes | No | Yes |
| Warranty (Vehicle) | 7yr/150K km | 6yr/150K km | 5yr/150K km |
| Warranty (Battery) | 8yr/160K km | 8yr/160K km | 8yr/180K km |
Impact of 2026 Tax Changes on Pricing
This is critical context that most comparison articles miss. Starting 1 January 2026:
- CBU (fully imported) EVs lost their import and excise duty exemptions
- CKD (locally assembled) EVs continue to enjoy duty exemptions until 2027
This directly affects pricing:
- Chery Omoda E5 — CBU from China. The RM146,800 price already reflects the post-exemption reality. Future CKD plans may bring prices down, but for now it’s the most expensive option
- BYD Atto 3 Ultra — CBU. The RM105,800 limited stock was imported before tax changes kicked in. Once this stock runs out, the standard price of RM123,800 applies, and future shipments may cost even more
- Proton eMAS 7 — CKD in Tanjung Malim. This gives it a structural pricing advantage that won’t erode with tax changes. It’s the safest bet for price stability
Bottom line: If you’re buying in 2026, the Proton eMAS 7 offers the most predictable pricing. The BYD Atto 3’s limited tax-free stock is a bargain — but only if you can find one.
ALSO READ: Malaysia EV Market 2026 Overview
Range & Efficiency — Real-World Performance in Malaysia
All three claim over 400 km of WLTP range in their top variants, but how do they perform in Malaysian conditions with the AC blasting?
Estimated Real-World Range (AC on, mixed driving)
| Model | WLTP Claimed | City (est.) | Highway (est.) | Mixed (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chery Omoda E5 | 430 km | 360–390 km | 290–320 km | 330–360 km |
| BYD Atto 3 Ultra | 420 km | 350–380 km | 280–310 km | 320–350 km |
| Proton eMAS 7 Premium | 410 km | 340–370 km | 270–300 km | 310–340 km |
The Chery Omoda E5 edges ahead on range thanks to its slightly larger battery and efficient drivetrain. However, the differences are marginal — we’re talking 10–20 km between them in real-world driving. All three will comfortably handle:
- Daily KL commutes (50–80 km round trip) — charge once or twice a week
- KL to Seremban (130 km round trip) — no issue
- KL to Melaka (300 km round trip) — tight for eMAS 7 Prime; comfortable for all top variants with a buffer
- KL to Penang (700 km round trip) — requires 1–2 charging stops for all three
ALSO READ: Complete Home EV Charging Guide Malaysia
Charging Speed — Where the Proton eMAS 7 Wins
This is one of the biggest differentiators and it’s often overlooked. The Proton eMAS 7 Premium supports 100 kW DC fast charging, beating both the Omoda E5 (80 kW) and Atto 3 (88 kW).
| Model | Max DC Charge | 30–80% Time | 10 min DC Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton eMAS 7 Premium | 100 kW | ~20 min | ~135 km |
| BYD Atto 3 Ultra | 88 kW | ~30 min | ~100 km |
| Chery Omoda E5 | 80 kW | ~30 min | ~90 km |
The eMAS 7’s charging advantage is significant for road trips. A 20-minute toilet-and-coffee stop gets you from 30% to 80% — that’s practically unnoticeable during a long drive. The Atto 3 and Omoda E5 need closer to 30 minutes for the same top-up.
For home charging (where 90% of charging happens), all three support 11 kW AC and will fully charge overnight in 5–7 hours with a proper wallbox.
ALSO READ: EV Charger Installation Malaysia — Condo & Landed
Driving Experience & Performance
Power & Acceleration
The Proton eMAS 7 is the quickest of the three with 218 PS and a 6.9-second 0–100 km/h time. That’s genuinely fast for an SUV in this price range — faster than many petrol SUVs costing twice as much.
The BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda E5 are nearly identical on paper at 204 PS / 201 PS respectively, both hitting 100 km/h in around 7.3–7.6 seconds. In practice, the Atto 3 feels marginally quicker thanks to BYD’s refined motor tuning.
Ride & Handling
- Proton eMAS 7 — Developed on the Geely SEA platform (same as Volvo EX30). The ride is composed and confident, with well-tuned damping that handles Malaysian road imperfections gracefully. It feels the most “European” of the three
- BYD Atto 3 — Comfortable and quiet, with a softer suspension setup that prioritises comfort over sporty handling. Great for daily commuting, slightly floaty at highway speeds
- Chery Omoda E5 — The sportiest-feeling of the three, with tighter steering and firmer suspension. Some may find it slightly harsh over rough roads, but it’s the most engaging to drive through corners
Space & Practicality
The Proton eMAS 7 is the largest vehicle here at 4,615 mm long, and it shows in the cabin. Rear legroom is the most generous, and the 461-litre boot (expanding to 1,877 litres) is class-leading by a wide margin.
The BYD Atto 3 splits the difference with a 440-litre boot and adequate rear legroom. The Chery Omoda E5 has the smallest boot at 380 litres — still practical, but noticeable if you regularly carry bulky items.
Safety — All 5-Star, But Not Equal
All three have earned 5-star ASEAN NCAP ratings, but the scores tell a different story:
| Model | ASEAN NCAP Score | Airbags | Key ADAS Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton eMAS 7 | 92.57/100 (highest ever) | 6 | AEB, ACC, LKA, Lane Change Assist, Evasive Manoeuvre Assist, FCTA |
| Chery Omoda E5 | ~86/100 | 6 | AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, 360° camera |
| BYD Atto 3 | 5-star | 7 | AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, RCTA |
The Proton eMAS 7 achieved the highest ASEAN NCAP score ever recorded at 92.57 out of 100. Its ADAS suite is also the most comprehensive, including features like Evasive Manoeuvre Assist and Active Lane Change Assist that the competitors don’t offer.
The BYD Atto 3 has the most airbags at 7 (including a front centre airbag), which is a meaningful safety advantage in side impacts.
ALSO READ: EV Road Tax Malaysia 2026 — Rates & Exemptions
Running Costs Comparison (2026)
Road Tax
Under the new 2026 kW-based EV road tax:
- Chery Omoda E5 (150 kW): RM160/year
- BYD Atto 3 Ultra (150 kW): RM160/year
- Proton eMAS 7 Premium (160 kW): RM160/year
All three fall into the same road tax band — no difference here.
Insurance
| Model | Est. Annual Insurance |
|---|---|
| Proton eMAS 7 Premium | RM2,200–3,000 |
| BYD Atto 3 Ultra | RM2,500–3,200 |
| Chery Omoda E5 | RM2,800–3,600 |
The Proton eMAS 7 benefits from the lowest insured value, bringing premiums down. The Omoda E5’s higher price tag means higher insurance costs.
Electricity Cost (15,000 km/year)
All three consume approximately 15–18 kWh/100 km in mixed Malaysian driving. Annual electricity cost is roughly RM900–1,200 — essentially identical across the three. That’s around RM75–100/month to “fuel” your EV.
Warranty & After-Sales
| Model | Vehicle Warranty | Battery Warranty | After-Sales Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chery Omoda E5 | 7yr/150K km | 8yr/160K km | Growing — 40+ centres |
| BYD Atto 3 Ultra | 6yr/150K km | 8yr/160K km | Strong — Sime Darby network |
| Proton eMAS 7 | 5yr/150K km | 8yr/180K km | Largest — 170+ centres nationwide |
Proton has the undeniable advantage of the largest service network in Malaysia with over 170 service centres. This matters enormously outside the Klang Valley. BYD benefits from Sime Darby’s established infrastructure. Chery is still expanding but already has 40+ centres.
ALSO READ: EV vs Petrol Running Cost Malaysia
Unique Selling Points
Chery Omoda E5 — The Premium Pick
- Best range at 430 km WLTP
- V2L capability — power appliances from your car
- Longest vehicle warranty at 7 years
- Free home wallbox charger (first 2,000 customers)
- Most premium interior materials and fit-and-finish
BYD Atto 3 Ultra — The Value Champion
- Lowest price at RM105,800 (limited stock) or RM123,800
- BYD Blade Battery — proven LFP tech with excellent thermal management
- 7 airbags — most in this comparison
- 12.8-inch rotating screen — unique party trick
- 8-year free service included with Ultra
Proton eMAS 7 — The People’s EV
- Fastest at 6.9 seconds 0–100 km/h
- Fastest charging at 100 kW DC
- Biggest boot at 461 litres
- Best safety score — highest ASEAN NCAP ever (92.57/100)
- CKD pricing advantage — won’t increase with tax changes
- Largest service network — 170+ centres
- V2L capability included
Our Verdict — Which Should You Buy?
Best Overall: Proton eMAS 7 Premium (RM115,800)
The Proton eMAS 7 Premium is the best EV SUV under RM160K in Malaysia right now. It’s the fastest, charges the quickest, has the most boot space, scored the highest in safety testing, and benefits from CKD pricing that won’t balloon after tax changes. The 170+ service centre network gives peace of mind that no Chinese brand can match yet. At RM115,800, it’s exceptional value.
Best Value: BYD Atto 3 Ultra (RM105,800 limited / RM123,800)
If you can snag the limited tax-free stock at RM105,800, the Atto 3 Ultra is an absolute steal — a proper EV SUV with 420 km range for the price of a Proton X50. Even at the standard RM123,800, it’s competitive. The proven Blade Battery and Sime Darby backing make it a safe choice.
Best for Range & Features: Chery Omoda E5 (RM146,800)
The Omoda E5 is the premium pick if you want the longest range (430 km), best warranty (7 years), and the most refined driving experience. But at RM146,800, the price gap is hard to justify when the eMAS 7 Premium offers more power, faster charging, and a bigger boot for RM31,000 less.
ALSO READ: Best Home EV Charger Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is cheaper — Chery Omoda E5, BYD Atto 3, or Proton eMAS 7?
The Proton eMAS 7 Prime is the cheapest at RM99,800 (with Welcome Benefit rebate). The BYD Atto 3 Ultra has limited tax-free stock at RM105,800. The Chery Omoda E5 is the most expensive at RM146,800.
Which EV SUV has the best range in Malaysia?
The Chery Omoda E5 leads with 430 km WLTP range, followed by the BYD Atto 3 Ultra at 420 km and the Proton eMAS 7 Premium at 410 km. In real-world Malaysian driving, expect roughly 320–360 km from all three.
Which charges fastest — Omoda E5, Atto 3, or eMAS 7?
The Proton eMAS 7 Premium charges fastest with 100 kW DC fast charging, reaching 30–80% in about 20 minutes. The BYD Atto 3 (88 kW) and Omoda E5 (80 kW) both need approximately 30 minutes for the same charge.
Are the Chery Omoda E5, BYD Atto 3, and Proton eMAS 7 safe?
All three have 5-star ASEAN NCAP ratings. The Proton eMAS 7 scored the highest at 92.57/100 — the highest score ever recorded by ASEAN NCAP. The BYD Atto 3 has the most airbags (7).
Will BYD Atto 3 prices increase in 2026?
Likely yes. The CBU duty exemptions for fully imported EVs ended on 31 December 2025. BYD is selling limited pre-tax-change stock at RM105,800, but once depleted, the standard price is RM123,800 — and future imports may cost more. The Proton eMAS 7 (CKD) is not affected by these changes.
Which has the best after-sales service network in Malaysia?
Proton leads with over 170 service centres nationwide. BYD benefits from the Sime Darby dealer network. Chery is expanding with 40+ service centres currently.
Is the Proton eMAS 7 really a Proton?
The eMAS 7 is built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform — the same platform underpinning the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1. It’s assembled at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant. Think of it as a Proton-branded vehicle with Geely-Volvo engineering — which is arguably the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
The EV SUV segment under RM160K in Malaysia has never been this competitive. The 2026 tax changes have reshuffled the deck — CKD models like the Proton eMAS 7 now have a clear pricing advantage over CBU imports from BYD and Chery.
All three are excellent EVs that will save you thousands in running costs versus petrol SUVs. Your choice comes down to priorities:
- Cheapest entry? BYD Atto 3 Ultra (limited stock) or Proton eMAS 7 Prime
- Best all-rounder? Proton eMAS 7 Premium
- Longest range and warranty? Chery Omoda E5
Shopping for a home EV charger to go with your new SUV? Visit evsifu.com.my to compare the best wallbox chargers and get installation quotes for your home — whether you live in a condo or landed property.
Prices and specifications are accurate as of April 2026. The BYD Atto 3 Ultra RM105,800 price applies to limited pre-tax-change stock only. Always confirm latest pricing with your nearest authorised dealer.