Here it is, the Proton eMAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), the national brand’s first foray into the fully electric (EV) market. Available in two variants – Prime and Premium – and priced from RM109,800, the eMAS7 is set to challenge the current EV landscape, including the reigning champion in the segment, the BYD Atto 3.
While not a direct competitor due to its larger size, the eMAS 7 offers a value-packed proposition with its competitive starting price and extensive features. Let’s compare these two EVs and see how they stack up.
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Size – Proton eMAS 7 outclasses the BYD Atto 3
With a length of 4,615 mm, width of 1,901 mm, and height of 1,670 mm, the Proton eMAS 7 sits on a 2,750 mm wheelbase. In contrast, the BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall, with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.
The eMAS 7 boasts larger dimensions, which should result in a more spacious interior. This size advantage translates to greater passenger comfort, particularly in terms of legroom and headroom. While both cars fall within the C-segment SUV category, the eMAS 7’s noticeably larger dimensions place it at the upper end of this segment.
RELATED: 2024 Proton eMAS7 launched in Malaysia – First national EV, 2 variants from RM110k!
Exterior design and features – eMAS 7 embraces minimalism, Atto 3 screams character
The Proton eMAS 7 presents a minimalist and sleek exterior, accentuated by streamlined headlights, a narrow full-width rear lightbar-style tail lights, and a grille-less front bumper reminiscent of a Tesla.
Flush door handles further enhance the minimalist aesthetic. The Prime variant rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with Giti tyres, while the Premium variant upgrades to 19-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear tyres and features an active grille.
In contrast, the BYD Atto 3 adopts a sportier design language. Sculpted front and rear bumpers lend it a distinctive presence on the road. A standard feature on the Atto 3 is the powered tailgate, which is only available on the Premium variant of the eMAS 7.
Interestingly, neither car offers a frunk, a feature often found in EVs. Ultimately, design preference is subjective, so the choice between the BYD’s intricate details and the Proton’s minimalist approach depends on individual taste.
Interior design and features – different strokes for different folks
Mirroring the minimalist exterior, the Proton eMAS 7’s interior features a prominent 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display powered by Flyme OS, boasting 16GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM. The system includes a built-in nationwide charging map for convenient trip planning.
Further enhancing the eMAS 7’s practicality is its innovative approach to storage, with a 14-litre compartment under the second-row seats, a 10.8-litre compartment under the centre console, and an additional 51-litre under-trunk compartment. This complements the 461-litre boot space, expandable to 1,877 litres with the second row folded.
In stark contrast, the BYD Atto 3’s interior draws inspiration from a fitness gym, evident in its design elements such as air vents resembling dumbbells and funky door pockets with guitar strings that actually work. Boot space on the Atto 3 is 440 litres and can be expanded to 1,340 litres.
Infotainment is provided by a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature currently absent in the eMAS 7.
While the Atto 3’s infotainment system also includes a built-in charging map, it only displays charging locations at BYD showrooms nationwide, compared to the Proton’s comprehensive map of nationwide charging points. The Atto 3’s infotainment system also has lower specifications, with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM.
RELATED: Get a quote and book your Proton eMAS 7 with us here
Powertrain – eMAS 7 has more power, worse range
Powertrain-wise, the Proton eMAS 7 is powered by a front-mounted “12-in-one” electric motor delivering 218 hp and 320 Nm, which Proton claims is the most efficient drive unit in the industry. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds for the Prime variant and 7.1 seconds for the Premium variant. Top speed is rated 175 km/h for both variants.
The Prime variant, equipped with a 49.52 kWh battery pack, offers a WLTP-rated range of 345 km. The Premium variant has a larger 60.22 kWh battery pack, increasing the range to 410 km (WLTP). Both variants utilise Geely’s Aegis Short Blade battery technology.
In comparison, the BYD Atto 3 has a similar setup but produces slightly less power at 204 hp and 310 Nm, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. With its 60.48 kWh BYD Blade Battery, it boasts a range of 420 km (WLTP). While the Proton eMAS 7 offers more power and a slightly quicker 0-100 km/h sprint time, the BYD Atto 3 edges it out in terms of range.
Safety equipment – Comprehensive ADAS in both EVs
The Proton eMAS 7 comes standard with six airbags and Level two Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like intelligent cruise control (ACC), automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), and traffic sign recognition (TSI). It’s also built around a high-strength cage-type body structure for enhanced occupant safety.
Similarly, the BYD Atto 3 is equipped with seven airbags, adding a driver far-side airbag not present in the eMAS 7. The Atto 3 also offers a comparable suite of ADAS features, including ACC, AEB, FCW, and blind spot monitors.
In conclusion, the Proton eMAS 7 and BYD Atto 3 offer compelling, yet distinct choices for Malaysian EV buyers. The eMAS 7 impresses with its spaciousness, affordability, clever storage solutions, and minimalist design, while the Atto 3 counters with a unique aesthetic, a longer range, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The ultimate decision rests on individual priorities, so which of these EVs will you get?
READ MORE: Proton eMAS 7 now open for booking in Malaysia – 2 variants, from est. RM120k!
