This electrified SUV serves as the internal combustion-assisted counterpart to the fully electric e.MAS 7.
After what feels like months of teasers and soft hints, Proton has finally pulled the covers off the e.MAS 7 PHEV. This incidentally marks a rather important milestone for the brand, as it is the first-ever e.MAS model to feature an internal combustion engine alongside its electrified hardware.
And of course, having likely already heard all about the car from its many, many teasers, the big headline here is pricing. The e.MAS 7 PHEV is priced at RM 109,800 for the Prime, RM 123,800 for the Premium, and RM 129,800 for the Premium Plus, making it the new cheapest plug-in hybrid SUV on sale locally, undercutting the RM 130,000 Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV.
But that’s not even the full story, as Proton is currently also offering a RM 4,000 launch rebate, bringing prices down to RM 105,800 for the Prime, RM 119,800 for the Premium, and RM 125,800 for the Premium Plus. On top of that, buyers can book the e.MAS 7 PHEV for just RM99 and receive RM 500 off their booking fee if their car is among the first 5,000 units to be successfully registered.
Furthermore, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is eligible for the government’s matching grant for old car disposal, worth RM 4,000 in total (RM 2,000 each from Proton and the government). Additional launch goodies include five years’ free 2GB monthly data worth RM 1,000, a complimentary 7 kW home charger valued at RM 1,500, and complimentary add-ons with the purchase of the e.MAS Care insurance package worth RM 1,000.
Now in getting into the car itself, it should come as no surprise that the e.MAS 7 PHEV is very much like its fully electric sibling. The big change of course is that it now comes with an engine, which is to be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit that is not too unlike what currently sits under the bonnet of the new Saga.
The ICE component produces 99 PS and 125 Nm, and is paired with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 218 PS and 262 Nm. Combined system output stands at 262 PS and 262 Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels via an 11-to-1 electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT).
Battery specifications vary by variant. Both the Prime and Premium are fitted with an 18.4-kWh CATL LFP battery, providing up to 83 km of EV-only range and a combined driving range of up to 1,000 km. DC fast charging is supported at up to 30 kW, enabling a 30–80% charge in under 20 minutes.
The Premium Plus meanwhile ups the ante with a larger 29.8-kWh Geely Aegis short blade LFP battery. This extends EV-only range to up to 146 km and increases the combined range to 1,065 km. DC charging capability is also doubled to 60 kW, trimming the 30–80% charging time to under 16 minutes.
Just for those who are nerdier as well, it is worth pointing out that this is a series-parallel hybrid system, similar in concept to Honda’s e:HEV setup. The car is driven primarily by the electric motor, with the petrol engine able to clutch in at higher speeds when it becomes more efficient to do so. The system also limits battery charging to 85% and prevents the state of charge from dropping below 20% to protect long-term battery health.
And while on the subject of anoraks, despite being largely the same car, the PHEV does differ slightly in size compared to the EV. The e.MAS 7 PHEV measures 4,740 mm long, 1,940 mm wide and 1,685 mm tall, riding on a 2,755 mm wheelbase. This makes it 125 mm longer, 39 mm wider and 15 mm taller than the fully electric e.MAS 7, with a marginally longer wheelbase as well.
As for the more obvious visual differences meanwhile, the e.MAS 7 PHEV gets a split headlamp design and a more stylised front bumper. New multi-spoke alloy wheels and conventional door handles replace the EV’s flush units along the sides, while the number plate has been relocated from the bumper to the tailgate.
Moving along inside, it’s largely a game of spot-the-difference between the near-identical cabins of the PHEV and EV. The kit list is expectedly decent for a car of Chinese origin, featuring a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, a 13.8-inch head-up display, leatherette upholstery, powered tailgate, powered and ventilated front seats, fully reclining front passenger seat, 256-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a 16-speaker Flyme Sound Wanos audio system with speakers in the headrests.
The only difference between the Premium and Premium Plus, apart from the larger battery, is the availability of the panoramic sunroof. As for the Prime, the speaker count drops from the Premium’s 16 to six, it also loses the centre airbag to become a six-airbag setup, the surround-view camera is replaced by a reverse camera, and rather interestingly, it also does without a tonneau cover.
Finally, on the safety front, all variants get a comprehensive ADAS suite including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping functions, traffic sign recognition and leading vehicle departure alert. The Prime however does omit several advanced features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, emergency lane keep assist and occupant detection alert.
Colour choices for the e.MAS 7 PHEV include Obsidian Black, Lithium White, Mercury Silver, Galena Grey and Aquamarine Blue, paired with either Alabaster White or Onyx Black interiors. Warranty coverage stands at six years with unlimited mileage for the vehicle, and eight years or 160,000 km for the high-voltage battery and components.
Finally here, just a quick word on Proton’s rather aggressive 2026. This launch incidentally marks the brand’s fourth new model introduction in just two months, following October’s e.MAS 5, November’s Saga and January’s X70. And if rumours are to be believed, the momentum isn’t slowing anytime soon, with four-cylinder versions of the X90 and S70 said to be waiting in the wings.
