Proton e.MAS 5's Chinese twin gets a dashboard robot, electrically operated front boot, and sporty bodykits - updates due in Malaysia soon?

Geely has introduced two new special-edition variants of the Xingyuan electric hatchback in China, called the STAR Ace and STAR Chill. The Xingyuan is the model on which Malaysia's Proton e.MAS 5 is based, and both new editions come with distinctive styling, a larger battery, an electrically operated front boot and even an interactive dashboard robot.

Both versions are priced at 91,800 yuan (approximately RM55,900), with a limited-time promotional price of 88,800 yuan (approximately RM54,000).

The STAR Ace is the sportier of the two, featuring a factory-fitted bodykit consisting of a front spoiler, rear wing, sports alloy wheels, blacked-out badges and exclusive STAR emblems. It is available in green, orange and silver, complemented by a black interior with red or orange accents.

Meanwhile, the STAR Chill takes a more understated approach, featuring an exclusive beige exterior and a redesigned beige-and-brown interior.

Electric frunk and interactive dashboard robot

One of the most unusual additions is the EVA dashboard robot, which can turn its head through 60 degrees and display more than 50 animated facial expressions. The robot can interact with occupants, while its expressions can be updated through over-the-air software upgrades.

The special editions also receive a 70-litre electrically operated front boot, which supports several opening and closing methods, including a knock function, voice commands, the infotainment screen, mobile application and remote key.

Other features include an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen running Geely's Flyme Auto 2.0 infotainment system, along with STAR branding on the seats.

The STAR Ace and STAR Chill are offered with a 47.14 kWh battery, paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 116 PS and 150 Nm.

The STAR Ace has a claimed CLTC range of 460 km, while the STAR Chill offers up to 480 km. The larger battery is not entirely new to the Xingyuan range, having previously been introduced in other Chinese-market configurations.

How does it compare to Malaysia's Proton e.MAS 5?

In Malaysia, the Proton e.MAS 5 is available in two variants, starting from RM59,800 for the Prime and RM72,800 for the Premium, before promotional rebates.

The Prime features a 30.12 kWh battery paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 79 PS and 130 Nm, delivering a claimed WLTP driving range of 225 km.

Meanwhile, the Premium receives a larger 40.16 kWh battery and a more powerful motor producing 116 PS and 150 Nm, with a WLTP range of 325 km.

Both variants feature rear-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 70-litre front boot, although the Malaysian model's frunk is manually operated.

Updated Proton e.MAS 5 recently spotted testing in Malaysia

Interestingly, a camouflaged Proton e.MAS 5 was recently spotted undergoing testing on the PLUS Highway, raising speculation that an updated version of the electric hatchback could be in development.

The test vehicle appeared to feature additional side skirts and a revised rear bumper, although changes beneath the bodywork remain unknown.

One possibility is the introduction of the larger 47.14 kWh battery, already offered in the Chinese-market Xingyuan and export-market Geely EX2. In the latter, this battery delivers up to 345 km of WLTP range, compared with the current Malaysian e.MAS 5 Premium's 325 km.