Proton e.MAS 7 test drive: can It outshine the competition?

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KATHMANDU: Proton officially entered Nepali electric vehicle market with the launch of its first EV, the e.MAS 7, at a special event on March 24, 2025. Originally built in China as the Geely Galaxy E5 crossover SUV, the vehicle is now rebranded under Proton for right-hand-drive markets like Nepal. Most people still recognize the car as the Galaxy E5.

Proton is represented in Nepal by Jagdamba Motors. With e.MAS 7, Proton joins the lineup of over 30 electric car models in the Nepali market.

The Proton e.MAS 7 comes in two variants: the Prime, starting at Rs 5.699 million, and the Premium, priced at Rs 6.799 million. The car is available in six attractive shades-Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose, Moyu Black and Lithium White. The pricing places e.MAS 7 in direct competition with the BYD Atto 3 and Omoda E5, and it may also appeal to Deepal S7 enthusiasts.

Test Drive

Mero Auto took the e.MAS 7 for a spin around Kathmandu’s hilly and winding roads to test its off-road capabilities.

The range provided by Geely’s Blade battery is better in comparison to several of its competitors. The SUV’s overall size and its sense of luxury also make a strong impression.

Inside, the minimalist cabin design creates a comfortable environment, with ample storage space for both driver and passengers. The exterior gives the impression of a premium executive crossover, with sharp body cladding, sleek wheel arches, and either 18- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the variant.

The 160 kW motor and 320 Nm of torque offer a balance of power and practicality.

Battery and Features

In Nepal, the e.MAS 7 comes with two battery options: a 49.5 kWh pack for the Prime variant, offering a WLTP range of 345 kilometers, and a 60.2 kWh pack for the Premium variant providing a range of 410 kilometers. The SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under seven seconds. The Prime supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging, while the Premium can go up to 100 kW. Both versions support up to 11 kW AC charging.

The car has a drag coefficient of 0.275 and a turning radius of 5.4 meters, one of the best in its segment. With a length of 4615 mm, a width of 1901 mm, and a height of 1670 mm, it offers a spacious interior. A wheelbase of 2750 mm, boot space of 461 liters and ground clearance of 173 mm adds to the car’s appeal.

When it comes to features, the e.MAS 7 brings a premium experience. It includes a multi-function antibacterial steering wheel, leather seats, electrically adjustable seats, an adjustable steering column, and ventilated seats. The cabin is lit with customizable 256-color ambient lighting, while a power tailgate and panoramic sunroof enhance its luxury feel.

On the tech side, the e.MAS 7 is well-equipped with a 10.2-inch digital driver display, a large 15.4-inch infotainment screen and a heads-up display. The air conditioning system includes an N95 filter, and a 16-speaker audio setup will surely appeal to young drivers.

 

Safety has not been compromised either. The vehicle includes airbags, ABS, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Key safety features include autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a high-quality 360-degree camera system for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.

In conclusion, the Proton e.MAS 7 combines solid performance, advanced technology, and a comfortable, stylish design. It’s competitively priced and well-suited for Nepal’s evolving EV landscape. While it enters a crowded segment, Proton’s first electric offering brings enough to the table to stand out many of its rivals.

Proton e.MAS 7 test drive: can It outshine the competition?

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