On Saturday, 20 September, motorists on the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) witnessed a striking sight, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, at 100 years old, confidently behind the wheel of the Proton e.MAS 7. Even as he approaches a century in age, the former Prime Minister looked comfortable and in command of Proton’s first mass-market electric vehicle.
Drivers who recognised him along the highway waved in respect, a small gesture reflecting the enduring admiration many Malaysians hold for him.
For Tun Mahathir, this was more than just a leisurely drive. His connection with Proton runs deep, going back to the 1980s when he spearheaded the national car project as part of his wider vision for Malaysia’s industrialisation.
It was under his leadership that Proton was established in 1983, with the first Saga rolling off the line in 1985. Over the decades, he has often been seen in Proton cars, treating them not as ceremonial symbols but as everyday vehicles. That bond between statesman and carmaker has never really faded.
So when he takes the wheel of the e.MAS 7, it is a symbolic moment, the man who once pushed Malaysia into the automotive world is now driving its first electric SUV, nearly four decades after the birth of Proton.
The e.MAS 7 itself has quickly become the best-selling electric vehicle in Malaysia. Available in two variants, Prime and Premium, both are powered by a front-mounted motor producing 218PS and 320Nm of torque.
The Prime does the 0–100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, the Premium in 7.1 seconds, with top speeds limited to 175km/h. Battery options differ, with the Prime carrying a 49.52 kWh pack good for 345km of WLTP range, while the Premium gets a larger 60.22 kWh unit that stretches range to 410km.
Fast charging is efficient, with both models capable of reaching 80% in approximately 20 minutes on DC. AC charging up to 11 kW is also supported. Recent updates have added wireless Apple CarPlay, improvements to the pedestrian warning sound system, and new colours, including Obsidian Black. Limited-run Alabaster White interiors are also available with Quartz Rose and Turquoise Green paint options.
Inside, the e.MAS 7 continues Proton’s push into the digital age, with a 10.2-inch driver display and a massive 15.4-inch infotainment screen running Flyme Auto. The Premium variant takes it further with a 16-speaker Flyme Sound setup. Safety and convenience are addressed with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features as standard.
Priced at RM105,800 for the Prime and RM119,800 for the Premium (on-the-road, excluding insurance), the e.MAS 7 also comes with generous warranty coverage, six years with unlimited mileage for the car itself, and eight years or 160,000 km for the EV battery. Buyers can also opt for Proton’s “Power Pack+” package, which bundles in a home charger, V2L adaptor, unlimited data, and trade-in rebates.
For many Malaysians, seeing Tun Mahathir in the driver’s seat of the e.MAS 7 felt like a full-circle moment. The man who brought Proton into existence in the 1980s is now embracing the brand’s electric future. At 100 years old, he remains as sharp and active as ever, and Proton, too, is proving that it can stay relevant in a fast-changing automotive world.
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