Proton New Energy Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net) has just opened the order books for its soon-to-be launched model, the Proton eMas 7 PHEV. To book one, simply place a RM 50 booking fee. Early ones can also enjoy a RM 500 booking rebate.
Estimated prices for Proton’s first-ever PHEV model is in the RM 110,000 to RM 130,000 range, which is within the ballpark of its BEV (battery electric vehicle) brethren, the Proton eMas 7.
Three variants of the Proton eMas 7 PHEV will be offered: Prime, Premium, and Premium Plus.
Proton eMas 7 PHEV? What is that?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the regular eMas 7.
Developed on the same GMA platform as the eMas 7, Proton highlighted that the eMas 7’s platform features five dedicated layout pathways that independently isolates the fuel, electrical, and exhaust system from each other.
Said platform also features a purpose-built protective design that feature six transverse and four longitudinal fuel-electric protective beams, which works with six full 360-degree protection zones. Furthermore, this platform also features a tiered structural layout that comprises of a three-layer stepped protection design that reduces the risk of underbody scraping.
Versus the regular eMas 7, the PHEV version has a redesigned driver footwell that’s been moved forwards, whilst rear-seat knee room is 125 mm. The eMas 7 PHEV’s rear headroom of 73.5 mm is also class-leading, accord to Proton.
How big is the Proton eMas 7 PHEV?
In terms of measurements, the Proton eMas 7 PHEV is 4,740 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,685 mm tall, with a 2,755 mm wheelbase.
That puts the PHEV marginally longer, wider, and taller than the eMas 7. Even the wheelbase is 5 mm longer than the pure electric version. For reference, the eMas 7 measures 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall. The wheelbase of the eMas 7 is 2,750 mm.
What powers the Proton eMas 7 PHEV?
As the PHEV in the nameplate suggests, the Proton eMas 7 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid model. Under the bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s codenamed BHE15-BFN.
This engine may be similar to the one found in the Saga MC3, but Proton has pointed out that this engine has been re-engineered for better fuel efficiency. It produces 99 PS and 125 Nm.
Said engine is paired to an 11-in-1 dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that combines an integrated starter-generator and drive motor, allowing for a combined system output of 218 PS and 262 Nm of torque.
The century sprint of the eMas 7 PHEV Prime and Premium variants are completed in 8.0 seconds, while the Premium Plus completes the same sprint in 8.2 seconds, likely due to the heavier battery.
Under the NEDC cycle, the eMas 7 returns a fuel consumption figure of 4.3 L/100 km for the Prime and Premium variants. The Premium Plus variant returns 4.4 L/100 km under the same test cycle.
When combined with the 51-litre fuel tank, Proton says that the eMas 7 PHEV in its Prime and Premium guises are able to return up to 1,000 km under the NEDC cycle. The Premium Plus variant, on the other hand, is said to be able to do up to 1,065 km under the same cycle.
For the Prime and Premium variants, there’s an 18.4-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, while the Premium Plus variant gets a larger 29.8-kWh LFP battery pack. Both batteries are of the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) type, utilising the Geely Aegis Short Blade technology.
In the case of the former, it offers a pure electric range of up to 170 km under the less stringent NEDC test cycle, while the latter offers up to 105 km under the same test cycle.
As for recharging, the larger capacity unit accepts up to 60-kW of DC charging, enabling a 30% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC) to be achieved under 16 minutes. The smaller capacity battery pack accepts up to 30 kW of DC charging, with the same 30% to 80% charge taking less than 20 minutes.
Is the interior different from the regular eMas 7?
Those familiar with the regular eMas 7 will find themselves right at home in the cabin of the eMas 7 PHEV.
Despite the vastly different exterior design of the PHEV model, the interior of both is nearly identical, barring for some changes within the infotainment system, which now adds fuel percentage.
There’s the customary 15.4-inch 2.5K infotainment display that runs off Flyme OS, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the eMas 7, there’s a 16-speaker Flyme sound system (Premium and Premium Plus variants only).
Furthermore, the eMas 7 PHEV also adds a far side airbag, bringing the total airbag count to seven. This feature was dropped from the eMas 7 when Proton adopted the model from Geely.
How many litres is the eMas 7 PHEV boot space?
According to Proton, the eMas 7 PHEV offers a 528-litre boot space with the rear seats up. With the rear seats folded down, boot space can be maximised to 2,065 litres.
For added privacy, the eMas 7 PHEV features a two-tiered boot system, with an additional 100 litres of underfloor storage space. Scattered around the cabin are 30 storage compartments.
Unlike the rear-wheel drive Proton eMas 5, neither the eMas 7 nor the eMas 7 PHEV feature a frunk. Interior colours include Alabaster White and Onyx Black.
What about standard equipment of the Proton eMas 7 variants?
Starting with the Prime variant, it offers:
- 18.4-kWh LFP battery pack
- Automatic LED headlights with Follow Me Home function
- Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
- LED daytime running lights (DRLs)
- Power-adjustable & heated side mirrors
- 3D full-length LED tail lights
- 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tyres
- 10.25-inch digital driver display
- Multifunction leatherette steering wheel with antibacterial coating
- Leatherette seats
- 6-speaker sound system
- 15.4-inch 2.5K infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 4G & Wi-Fi connectivity
- Integrated Live Charging Map
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
- Walk Away Auto Lock
- 4 USB ports (2 Type A, 2 Type C)
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)
- 6 airbags
- ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESC
- Active Rollover Protection (ARP)
- Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Multi Collision Braking System (PIB)
- L2 ADAS (ICC, ACC, AEB, FCW, EBA, LDW, LDP, LVDA, TSR)
- Reverse camera
Stepping up to the Premium variant, it adds:
- Full-width front illuminated bar
- Auto-Foldable side mirrors
- Powered tailgate
- 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50R19 alloy wheels
- Auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror
- 6-way powered driver seat with memory setting
- 4-way powered passenger seat
- Ventilated front seats
- Fully-reclinable front passenger seat
- Rear central arm rest with cup holder
- 256-colour ambient lighting
- Retractable tonneau cover
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Wireless charging
- 16-speaker Flyme sound system with headrest speaker
- Automatic climate control with N9 cabin filter
- 7 airbags (adds Far Side Airbag)
- ELKA, RCW, RCTA, RCTB, LCW, BSD, DOW
- 360-degree camera with 3D display
As for the top-spec Premium Plus variant, it adds:
- 29.8-kWh LFP battery pack
- Panoramic sunroof with sunshade
When will Proton launch the eMas 7 PHEV in Malaysia?
Now that bookings are opened, it is only a matter of time before Proton launches its first-ever PHEV model. Stay tuned for that.
Proton eMas 7 PHEV photo gallery
