Proton eMas 7 – Prime vs Premium variants compared; from RM120k estimated, up to 410 km WLTP EV range

Proton, through its Pro-Net EV division, recently opened the order books for the eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), which is estimated to start from RM120,000. Expected to be launched sometime in December (likely coinciding with KLIMS 2024), the brand’s first EV will be offered in two variants called the Prime and Premium.

If you’re not sure which one to get, we’re here to help. In this post, we’re comparing both variants so you know what you’re getting with each. Before getting into the difference, let’s first focus on what is the same for all versions of the eMas 7 that are set to go on sale.

First up, both variants share the same electric motor at the front that is rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. This is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h.

As for equipment, the eMas 7 comes standard with automatic LED headlamps, active high beam control, pop-out door handles, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, powered side mirrors (with heating function), a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a multi-function steering wheel.

The list continues with leatherette upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, walk away auto lock, a wireless phone charging pad as well as single-zone climate control with N95 filter and rear vents.

On the safety and driver assistance front, there are six airbags (front, side, curtain), brake auto hold, a 360-degree camera, rear reverse sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking, lane change assist, a blind spot monitor, door open warning and traffic sign recognition.

The available colours are Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose and Lithium White – check out Theophilus Chin’s renderings of the eMas 7’s colours above. The interior only comes in Indigo Blue, which appears very much like black if you’ve seen the car in-person at the recent Auto Car Expo (ACE) – the Premium variant was showcased to the public then.

In terms of differences, the Prime variant of the eMas 7 uses Geely’s Aegis short blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an energy capacity of 49.52 kWh for a WLTP-rated range of 345 km (410 km NEDC). The Premium’s battery has a higher capacity of 60.22 kWh, which bumps the range to 410 km if following the WLTP standard (470 km NEDC).

Both variants support AC charging at a max capacity of 11 kW, with the Prime needing 4.9 hours to get from a 30-80% state of charge (SoC), while the Premium needs 6.1 hours. The range-topper can handle a higher DC input of 100 kW compared to the Prime that manages 80 kW, but both are quoted as being able to get from the same 30-80% in 20 minutes with fast charging. A vehicle-to-load function is standard across the board.

Proton eMas 7 spec sheet; click to enlarge

Moving on to equipment, the Prime comes with 225/55 Giti tyres paired with 18-inch wheels, with the Premium sporting larger 19-inch units and 235/50 Goodyear rubbers. Other bits of kit exclusive to the Premium include a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, a front active grille shutter and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Additional features that the Premium get are a windshield-projected head-up display, a memory function for the front driver’s seat, a four-way powered front passenger seat, ventilation function for the front seats, 256-colour ambient lighting, a 16-speaker sound system instead of the Prime’s six-speaker setup as well as front parking sensors.

Money on the table, which variant of the Proton eMas 7 would you go for? How much do you expect the two variants of the EV to be priced at when it is launched later this year? Share your views in the comments below.