Proton is putting a lot of effort into promoting its upcoming Proton e.MAS 5 EV — and for good reason. This is a vehicle the company is especially proud of, as it will be the first EV officially launched in Malaysia priced below RM100,000. While we’ve only seen the car in static form so far, Proton recently invited members of the media to its test track for a firsthand experience of the e.MAS 5’s dynamic capabilities.

The e.MAS 5 is Proton’s B-segment hatchback, powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor. It comes with two battery options: a 40 kWh pack for the Premium variant and a 30 kWh pack for the Prime variant. These allow driving ranges of up to 325 km and 250 km, respectively, on a full charge. The motor produces around 116 hp and 150 Nm of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0–50 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

So, how does it perform in real life? The test drive was brief, but here are my first impressions.

My session started with a few laps around the oval track. Since this was a pre-production model, Proton limited its top speed to 140 km/h. On the straights, the car managed to reach that top speed easily. Through the high-speed banked corners, the e.MAS 5 felt stable and composed, showing minimal nervousness even at full speed.

Next, I tested its acceleration. The power delivery was smooth and linear—not blisteringly quick, but perfectly adequate for a car in this class. Its single electric motor isn’t the most powerful on the market, but it provides more than enough performance for daily use. Following that was the low-speed slalom course, designed to demonstrate the car’s agility. The e.MAS 5 handled the tight turns well, showcasing its nimble handling and precise steering.

Then came the figure-eight course, meant to highlight the car’s tight turning radius. Proton proudly pointed out how maneuverable the e.MAS 5 is in confined spaces. Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup, the car even felt a little playful when given a quick jab of throttle. On sandy patches, the rear could step out slightly, though on grippier surfaces, it stayed planted. The final activity was the staggered gate test, which evaluated stability at higher speeds. The e.MAS 5 once again impressed here — it remained composed, predictable, and easy to place through the gates, inspiring confidence behind the wheel.

Overall, after this short test session, the Proton e.MAS 5 shows very promising dynamic capabilities for an entry-level EV. For those seeking a city-friendly electric car, it looks set to be a practical and enjoyable choice. All that’s left now is to see how Proton prices it. The e.MAS 5 certainly looks like a strong contender in Malaysia’s growing EV market, and I’m eager to find out what it’s like to live with daily.

Stay tuned for the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 5 on October 30.