Yesterday, Monday, the 23rd of September 2024, PROTON, together with their technology partner, Geely, hosted a Driving Impression event for members of the media and other guests of which the 2025 Geely E5 battery EV was the subject matter, at the PROTON Test Track. The event provided an opportunity for us to experience the left-hand drive variant of the very recently launched Geely E5, which is the development sibling of the upcoming right hand drive Proton e.MAS 7. If you are not interested in reading this article, you can watch what we think in the video posted from our YouTube channel below.
This followed the E5’s 3,700 km journey from China to Malaysia, overcoming challenging weather conditions. The event highlighted not only the E5's engineering and durability of its upcoming sibling, the Proton e.MAS 7. Of course, lots of hopes are riding on the E5 as it has been designed with global sales in mind and will be sold in South East Asia, Europe, the Oceania region as well as in China.
Designed for multiple markets, it will be sold as the E5, the EX5 in certain markets and here in Malaysia and maybe where Proton are already in the markets, as the Proton e-MAS7. It is a front wheel drive SUV. It has a single-motor, front-wheel drive setup rated at 160 kW (215 hp; 218 PS) with a claimed top speed of 175 km/h and a claimed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 6.9 seconds..
It had a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery developed by Geely called the Aegis Short Blade.which they say is safe even if punctured. Battery capacity options are 49.52 kWh and 60.22 kWh with rated CLTC range of 440 km (273 mi) and 530 km (329 mi) respectively. Geely claimed Geely integrated a 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system into the vehicle, which unifies 11 major devices such as motors, electronic controls and reducers.
It was quite an interesting drive at the Proton Test Track. This is especially since we usually drive right-hand drive vehicles there and the E5 given was the same cars that actually arrived on the trip from China and were left-hand drive variants. So PROTON actually set up their banked track to run the opposite way to ensure that those unfamiliar with driving on the 'wrong' side of the road to be able to handle the steep banked corners at speeds of around 110kmh.
We drove at up to 150 km/h on the straights, while experiencing its technology and evaluating the perceived quality of both the interior and exterior design. The styling is quite similar to most in the C segment category and the cabin feels nice but quite in line with EV cars from China in that you will definitely be getting that digital instrument cluster, a very large infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof which makes the cabin airy and a lot of cubby holes to store stuff. There is even an ottoman recliner style front passenger seat. Impressive for getting the spouse to convince you into getting the car.
Of course, being an EV for small families, it is feature packed and if priced right, in either the Geely E5, EX5 in certain markets like Thailand, or even as a Proton e-MAS 7, this could be a good starter EV SUV for most people. But as I stated, it boils down to the price as you are getting basically everything that you and your kids may need in a C-segment SUV.
Watch the video for specifications and more.
“PROTON believes that strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing are essential in fostering innovation and collaboration. Our joint efforts with Geely have resulted in the successful development of the Proton e.MAS 7. PROTON is very proud to be integrating world-class technologies that have been tested and proven under real- world conditions. It gives us confidence to embed them into e.MAS 7, tailored to best suit the needs of Malaysians,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
Getting behind the wheel, members of the media experienced the features of the E5, with an emphasis of comfort, convenience and intelligent technology as well as the E5’s driving dynamics and cornering stability along the Test Track’s outer route. Media invitees also got their first look at Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) platform and powertrain management system in the left-hand drive EV. The initial driving impression was an avenue for media to gain confidence and awareness on the intelligent innovative technology that is also embedded in the Proton e.MAS 7. It was short, but it is actually better than nothing for a vehicle that will only be launched here at the end of the year.
You can follow Proton e.MAS’s website and official social media accounts under the username "Proton e.MAS Cars" for Facebook and Xiaohongshu (the Instagram equal in China), @protonemasofficial; for Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on the latest news and developments from Proton e.MAS. Join us and be a part of the revolution in the automotive industry.
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