Geely Emgrand L EM-i Australia, Proton eMas 8 PHEV Malaysia

Geely Emgrand L EM-i: Australian Launch and Proton eMas 8 PHEV Prospects for Malaysia

The Geely Emgrand L EM-i is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sedan developed by Geely, confirmed for launch in Australia in the first half of 2027. Based on Geely's fifth-generation Emgrand, it will be sold as the Emgrand L EM-i in right-hand-drive markets, with a strong likelihood of a Malaysian variant under Proton's eMas sub-brand, possibly named the eMas 8 PHEV. The vehicle is designed to offer a long electric-only range (over 80 km WLTP) and an extended combined range (over 1,000 km), addressing the needs of fuel-conscious buyers in tropical, urban Southeast Asian conditions. For Malaysians, the potential Proton eMas 8 PHEV would be distributed by Proton's subsidiary Pro-Net, which also manages the eMas 7 PHEV, providing local warranty and service networks.

Geely Emgrand L EM-i is a right-hand-drive PHEV sedan that Proton may rebadge as the eMas 8 PHEV for Malaysia, following the pattern of the eMas 7 PHEV.

Key Facts

As of September 2026, no official Malaysian pricing or launch date has been announced for a Proton eMas 8 PHEV.

What Is the Geely Emgrand L EM‑i and Why Does It Matter to Malaysia?

The Geely Emgrand L EM‑i is a plug‑in hybrid sedan based on the fifth‑generation Geely Emgrand, specifically tuned for right‑hand‑drive markets. It was first presented as the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 at the Auto China 2026 event in Beijing. For Malaysia, the significance lies in Proton’s potential rebadging of this car as the eMas 8 PHEV, which would slot above the existing Proton eMas 7 PHEV.

According to Paul Tan’s Automotive News, Geely confirmed the Australian launch for the first half of 2027 as the Emgrand L EM‑i. The model is part of Geely’s three‑pronged Australian offensive alongside the Monjaro EM‑i and the Battleship 700. In Malaysia, Proton has previously hinted at an eMas sedan during the sub‑brand’s launch in 2024, and independent renders by Theophilus Chin show how a Proton eMas 8 PHEV might look.

The Emgrand L EM‑i is the first Geely PHEV sedan to be confirmed for right‑hand‑drive production, making it a prime candidate for Proton’s Malaysian eMas lineup.

What Are the Powertrain and Performance Specifications?

Geely promises combined output of over 245 PS and 250 Nm for the Australian‑bound Emgrand L EM‑i. This is achieved by pairing the 1.5‑litre BHE15‑BFN four‑cylinder engine (99 PS / 125 Nm) with a more powerful electric motor than the standard model – boosted by 27 PS and 30 Nm to 190 PS and 240 Nm for the motor itself. The system uses an 11‑in‑1 single‑speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

The largest available battery is a 17 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, delivering an WLTP‑rated all‑electric range of over 80 km. Combined with the petrol engine, total range exceeds 1,000 km. Charging capabilities include up to 30 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 30‑80% top‑up in 20 minutes, plus 3.3 kW AC charging and a 3 kW V2L function for powering external devices.

With a 17 kWh battery, the Emgrand L EM‑i achieves over 80 km of pure electric driving on WLTP cycle, a figure that directly responds to Malaysia’s daily commuting distances.

How Does the Emgrand L EM‑i Compare in Size to the Proton S70?

Based on the fifth‑generation Emgrand, the Emgrand L EM‑i is significantly larger than the fourth‑generation model that underpins the Proton S70 (Malaysia’s version). The new car measures 4,806 mm long, 1,886 mm wide and 1,490 mm tall – 204 mm longer, 77 mm wider and 24 mm taller than the S70. Its wheelbase extends to 2,756 mm, a 129 mm increase over the S70’s 2,627 mm.

However, the car retains a torsion‑beam rear suspension, which in the Malaysian market is often associated with lower‑segment vehicles. This may influence buyer perception when Proton positions it against more established C‑ or D‑segment sedans.

The Emgrand L EM‑i is over 200 mm longer and 129 mm longer in wheelbase than the Proton S70, offering substantially more cabin and boot space.

Will the Geely Emgrand L EM‑i Arrive in Malaysia as the Proton eMas 8 PHEV?

No official confirmation has been made, but the evidence strongly points to a Malaysian launch. Proton teased an eMas sedan during the eMas sub‑brand’s 2024 launch, and Geely has previously introduced RHD versions of its cars in other markets before Malaysia – for example, the Starray EM‑i, which became the Proton eMas 7 PHEV. The Emgrand L EM‑i is confirmed for RHD Australia, so the conversion work is already done.

Independent designer Theophilus Chin has produced renders of a Proton eMas 8 PHEV, showing a diamond‑pinned grille similar to the Proton S70, replacing the standard “waterfall” grille. The question of whether Proton collaborates with Geely on RHD conversion remains unclear, though earlier Pro‑Net claims suggested shared development costs.

Given that the Emgrand L EM‑i is already being made in RHD for Australia, Proton’s eMas 8 PHEV would require minimal incremental engineering, making a Malaysian debut highly plausible.

Who Is This Car For in Malaysia?

The Proton eMas 8 PHEV, if launched, would target urban professionals and families in Klang Valley and other major cities who are looking for a fuel‑efficient sedan that can handle daily commutes entirely on electric power, eliminating the need to visit petrol stations for most days. With a WLTP EV range of over 80 km, it exceeds the average Malaysian daily mileage (approx. 40‑60 km), allowing zero‑emission travel for most commutes.

It is also suitable for those with access to home charging (Type 2 AC at 3.3 kW – compatible with standard 240V outlets in Malaysian terraces and condos) and occasional DC fast charging for longer trips. The 609‑litre boot is a practical advantage for families, while the V2L function could serve as a backup power source during Malaysia’s frequent thunderstorms and outages.

For Malaysian buyers, the eMas 8 PHEV’s 80‑km EV range, 1,000‑km total range, and 3‑kW V2L output align directly with local commuting patterns and climate resilience needs.

Common Questions

Is the Geely Emgrand L EM‑i confirmed for sale in Malaysia?

No. Geely has only announced the Australian launch for the first half of 2027. Proton has not yet confirmed a Malaysian version, but renders and past eMas teasers suggest a potential Proton eMas 8 PHEV is in the pipeline.

What charging options will the Emgrand L EM‑i offer in Malaysia?

The car supports up to 30 kW DC fast charging (30–80% in 20 minutes) and 3.3 kW AC charging. Malaysian buyers would use standard Type 2 home chargers (compatible with 240V mains) or public DC stations, including those operated by local providers like Gentari and ChargEV.

How does the Emgrand L EM‑i’s range compare to the Proton eMas 7 PHEV?

The eMas 7 PHEV, also based on a Geely platform, does not have a published WLTP EV range in the source. The Emgrand L EM‑i’s over 80 km WLTP EV range and over 1,000 km total range are confirmed figures from the Australian launch announcement.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based exclusively on the original source material: “Geely Emgrand L EM‑i in Australia 1H 2027 – 80 km WLTP EV, 1,000 km total; in Malaysia as Proton eMas 8 PHEV?” published on 25 September 2026 by Paul Tan’s Automotive News (paultan.org). All specifications, dates, and statements are credited to that article. No additional sources were used. Currency conversion to RM was not required because the source does not include any pricing figures.

“As for charging, the Chinese-market Starshine 6 supports up to 30 kW of DC fast charging and we expect this to be carried over to global markets, enabling a 30 to 80% top up in 20 minutes.”

Paul Tan's Automotive News, 25 September 2026

This article was last updated on 19 November 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was derived from the source’s references to Proton eMas 7 PHEV, Proton S70, and Pro-Net’s earlier statement.