Spotted in camouflage just last week, the much-rumoured plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Proton eMAS 7 (stylised as the e.MAS 7) could soon make its formal local debut at the upcoming Proton Tech Showcase event, set to be held from 5 to 7 December 2025.
A new Facebook post by the Proton Cars Facebook page appears to be teasing the arrival of the PHEV model, as seen via a blacked-out silhouette at the back of the poster featuring the unmistakeable light signature. The only remaining question, then, is whether it will still be hidden under camouflage.
The light signature on the blanked out model seems to closely match that of the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i in China, also known as the Geely Starray EM-i in Australia and Indonesia. These models have been long been rumoured to form the basis of the Proton eMAS 7 PHEV in Malaysia.
It doesn’t take much to notice the differences in styling outside, as the Geely Starray EM-i stands out with a unique split headlight design, unlike the Proton eMAS 7. The rear lightbar also has a more elegant and stealth-like signature. In Australia, entry-level models come with 18-inch wheels, while higher-end variants offer optional 19-inch wheels.
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Moving inside, the PHEV variant is expected to closely mirror the eMAS 7. Likely features include leather upholstery, a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a 16-speaker Flyme sound system, a 10.2-inch letterbox-style digital instrument cluster, and a floating 15.4-inch infotainment display that could support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the Malaysian market, unlike some overseas versions.
Just like the Proton eMAS 7, the Geely Starry EM-i is built on the same Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA). In Australia, it pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 99 hp and 125 Nm with an electric motor delivering 218 hp and 320 Nm. This setup enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.
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Electric power is supplied by an 18.4 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a claimed fuel consumption of just 2.4 L/100 km and a total driving range of up to 943 km on the WLTP cycle. In pure electric mode, it is capable of travelling up to 83 km. Charging is supported at up to 7 kW AC and 30 kW DC, while a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is also offered.
Notably, the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i has recently received an update in China. This brings a more powerful 238 hp motor and faster 36 kW DC charging that enables a 30-80% recharge in just 20 minutes. It is possible that the Proton eMAS 7 PHEV could adopt this updated powertrain as well.
