The launch of Proton’s first electric vehicle (EV) is drawing closer by the day. Yet, Proton has not stopped trickling out more information about the vehicle to the media. Not too long ago, we were invited to Proton’s test track to experience the latest e.MAS 7. Apart from that, we were also given the opportunity to have a proper walkaround of the vehicle without any camouflage. In this article, however, I will focus solely on the interior and my first impressions of the vehicle.
For the upcoming e.MAS 7, the interior marks a departure from the designs found in Proton’s ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. It shares the same interior design as the Geely Galaxy E5, as both vehicles were co-developed side by side. While Proton describes the interior as dark blue, it appears much closer to black. This darker shade will likely resonate well with Malaysians, who generally prefer darker interiors.
The interior is minimalist, a characteristic often seen in Chinese-made vehicles. In front of the driver, the e.MAS 7 features a digital instrument cluster. Its clean design makes it easy to read. At the center of the dashboard is a large infotainment screen running software entirely different from that of Proton’s ICE models. The higher-spec e.MAS 7 even comes equipped with a 16-speaker sound system. While I didn’t get a chance to test the sound system, I’ll reserve my thoughts for the full review. 
On the test track, I found the e.MAS 7 impressively stable, even at speeds above the national limit. The steering felt solid, giving the vehicle a confident and composed handling characteristic. I also noticed that the suspension felt stiffer than that of the Galaxy E5. This setup seems more suited for Malaysian preferences, as many Malaysians favor firmer handling. Despite the stiffer suspension, the ride was not uncomfortable. 
Due to the limited time I had with the vehicle, that’s all I can share about the e.MAS 7 for now. To recap, the e.MAS 7 will be available in two variants: Premium and Prime. There will be differences in specifications and range between the two. Proton has estimated the price of the e.MAS 7 to be around RM 120,000. The vehicle will be powered by a 12-in-1 electric motor mounted on the front axle. Proton claims that the e.MAS 7 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. In terms of range, the Prime variant is expected to offer a WLTP range of 345 km, while the Premium variant will provide a range of 410 km.
The order books are now open, and you can use the Proton e.MAS app to place a booking for this exciting new EV. 
