Geely Galaxy E5 Facelift Debuts With 800V Architecture and RWD Performance

Geely has officially launched the facelifted Galaxy E5 in China, introducing a significant technological leap for the platform that serves as the basis for the Proton eMas 7. The refreshed model transitions to an 800-volt electrical architecture and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, marking a clear strategic move to challenge competitors like the BYD Atto 3 in both performance and charging speed.

The mechanical heart of the facelifted model is the new Thunder 16-in-1 electric motor. According to the original publisher, this setup produces 333 PS (245 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. This represents a substantial 115 PS increase over the previous front-wheel-drive iteration and narrowly edges out the current China-spec BYD Yuan Plus. The performance benefits are clear, with the vehicle now capable of a 5.8-second zero-to-100 km/h sprint and an increased top speed of 201 km/h.

Battery technology has also seen a revision, with the introduction of second-generation Aegis short blade LFP batteries. These are available in 61.52 kWh and 70.01 kWh capacities, offering CLTC ranges of 550 km and 635 km respectively. While these figures appear impressive on paper, they remain subject to the leniency of the CLTC test cycle, with likely WLTP estimates sitting closer to 450 km and 520 km.

The most transformative change, however, is the charging infrastructure. The vehicle’s DC fast charging capacity has seen a fourfold increase, jumping to 460 kW. This upgrade addresses one of the primary friction points for mass-market EV adoption, potentially slashing stop times at high-speed public chargers significantly compared to the outgoing version.

For Malaysian consumers, these updates are highly significant as they foreshadow the eventual evolution of the Proton eMas 7. As local drivers navigate a climate where unsubsidised RON95 fuel is priced at RM4.57 per litre, the economic case for switching to high-efficiency EVs continues to strengthen. A shift to an 800V architecture in future local models would likely translate into shorter charging sessions at highway R&Rs, reducing the "range anxiety" that currently hinders long-distance travel in battery-powered vehicles.

Furthermore, this development suggests that the partnership between Proton and Geely will continue to push the boundaries of price-to-performance in the domestic market. With Malaysia’s real GDP growing at 6.0% and unemployment remaining low at 3.0%, the appetite for more capable, higher-performance EVs is expected to rise. For SMEs and logistics operators, the move toward higher-torque RWD configurations and faster charging could also shift the internal calculations regarding fleet electrification.

These upgrades arrive at a time when the Malaysian automotive industry is undergoing its most radical transformation in decades. Following the launch of the initial eMas 7, this global facelift demonstrates how quickly Geely is iterating its core EV platform to maintain a competitive advantage. The focus on 800V systems aligns with the broader push to upgrade national charging infrastructure, which is essential to support the next generation of EVs hitting the roads.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether these exact specifications—particularly the 460 kW charging capability—will be prioritised for the Malaysian market in the near term. It is currently unconfirmed if and when Proton will adopt these specific powertrain and charging upgrades for local production. Malaysian buyers will likely have to wait for official announcements from PRO-NET to determine the domestic roadmap for the eMas 7 and its future variants.