Geely’s attempt at the entry-level affordable electric vehicle market has seen great success with the Geely Xingyuan (a.k.a Star Wish). It has proven to be hot property in China with over 200,000 units produced since its Chinese debut late last year.
The Geely Xingyuan, soon-to-be Proton eMAS 5 for Malaysians, is a compact hatchback designed with city goers in mind. It starts at a price of 68,800 yuan (approximately RM41k) and is positioned to compete with popular BYD models such as the Dolphin and Seagull.
According to CarNewsChina, the Geely Xingyuan recorded 125,000 units sold in 2025 between January and April. In comparison, the BYD Seagull came in second with 113,000 units sold during the same period.
In China, the Geely Xingyuan comes with two battery options: a 30.12 kWh variant with a 310 km CLTC range, and a 40.16 kWh variant offering a 410 km CLTC range. All variants are equipped with CATL lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries featuring liquid cooling.
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The 30.12 kWh variant produces 79 hp and 130 Nm from a front-mounted electric motor, while the 40.16 kWh variant is fitted with a more powerful motor generating 116 hp and 150 Nm.
Based on debut photos of the eMAS 5 (stylised as the e.MAS 5) in camouflage at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, not much appears to have changed in terms of exterior design. If this theme continues inside, Malaysians can expect a 14.6-inch infotainment display paired with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
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The Proton eMAS 5 is slated for launch in Q4 2025 and is expected to be offered as a CBU unit. Prices have yet to be announced, but it is said to be even more affordable than the Proton eMAS 7.
However, with the Malaysian government set to end CBU EV tax exemptions next year, early models may be subject to import duties. While the Geely Xingyuan has outpaced strong competition in China, when it arrives in Malaysia as the e.MAS 5, Proton may face stronger competition as Perodua is also gearing up to go EV.
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