PROTON'S second electric vehicle (EV) has officially made its public debut, which could only mean its launch is imminent.

Currently on display, the e.Mas 5 can be viewed by the public at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) in MAEPS, Serdang.

No official details have been revealed though the model, at least from the exterior, shows it is the localized battery electric hatchback (BEV HB) Geely Xingyuan or Star Wish as it is known in other markets.

Going by that detail we can infer that the e.Mas 5 will be rear-wheel drive (RWD) and comes in at least two variants: One with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 30.12-kWh battery unit with a range of up to 310 km (CLTC) that's paired with an electric motor that delivers 79 PS and 130 Nm, and the other being a 40.16-kWh battery delivering up to 410 km whose electric motor powers out 116 PS and 150 Nm. 

Expected to launch by Q4 2025, the e.Mas 5 may just be Proton's first sub-RM100,000 EV. However, the technicality in that issue is that it'll have to come locally assembled (CKD) since imported EVs (CBU) are still not permitted to be priced below RM100,000.

That and Proton's EV plant in Tanjong Malim is estimated to begin operations only at the end of this year. Another challenge is that EV import tax exemptions will be expiring at the same time.

The overseas price of the Geely Xinyuan/Star Wish after conversion puts it anywhere between RM50,000 to RM80,000.