Car Buyer's Guide

BYD Dolphin vs Proton eMas 5

BYD Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

No longer on sale — shown for reference

Proton eMas 5

Proton eMas 5

Verdict

The BYD Dolphin costs RM40,730 more, but its 44.92-kWh battery and 340-km range give it a meaningful 115-km advantage over the Proton eMas 5’s 30.12 kWh and 225 km. It is also stronger at 94 hp and 180 Nm versus 77 hp and 130 Nm, and brings adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and a 360-degree camera. The locally assembled eMas 5 counters with a larger 375-litre boot, rear air vents and an unlimited-mileage six-year vehicle warranty. For tight budgets, the Proton’s lower entry cost is decisive; for longer trips, the Dolphin’s extra range matters more.

The Dolphin Premium Extended Range (RM125,530) sits above every eMas 5 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.

Dolphin

Pick the BYD Dolphin if you need 340 km of range, 94 hp and a fuller active-safety kit with autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.

eMas 5

Pick the Proton eMas 5 if RM59,800, a 375-litre boot and an unlimited-mileage six-year vehicle warranty suit your priorities.

Key differences

  • Price: BYD Dolphin RM100,530; Proton eMas 5 RM59,800.
  • Battery and range: BYD Dolphin 44.92 kWh and 340 km; Proton eMas 5 30.12 kWh and 225 km.
  • Motor output: BYD Dolphin 94 hp and 180 Nm; Proton eMas 5 77 hp and 130 Nm.
  • Boot space: BYD Dolphin 345 litres; Proton eMas 5 375 litres.
  • Rear suspension: BYD Dolphin torsion beam; Proton eMas 5 multi-link.
  • Charging: BYD Dolphin 7 kW AC and 60 kW DC; Proton eMas 5 6.6 kW AC and 53 kW DC.

Dolphin

  • 340-km EV range from a 44.92-kWh battery
  • 94 hp and 180 Nm motor output
  • Autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
  • RM40,730 dearer
  • 345-litre boot is 30 litres smaller
  • No rear air-con vents

eMas 5

  • RM59,800 entry price
  • 375-litre boot and rear air-con vents
  • Unlimited-mileage six-year vehicle warranty
  • 225-km range is 115 km shorter
  • 77 hp and 130 Nm trail the Dolphin
  • No autonomous braking or adaptive cruise control

What the Dolphin has over the eMas 5

Airbag Disable FunctionAutonomous Braking SystemCollision WarningCruise ControlAuto HeadlampsSteering TelescopicParking Sensor FrontFolding Wing Mirrors

What the eMas 5 has over the Dolphin

Rear Air-conHill Start Assist

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The Dolphin's wheelbase is 50 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. Boot space favours the eMas 5: 375 litres against 345.

Dolphin 4,290 × 1,770 × 1,570 mm · wheelbase 2,700 mmeMas 5 4,135 × 1,805 × 1,580 mm · wheelbase 2,650 mm
1,5704,290 mmWheelbase 2,700 mm1,5804,135 mmWheelbase 2,650 mm

Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.

Price & overview
PriceRM100,530RM59,800✓
Body typeHatchbackHatchback
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM50RM30✓
Monthly instalment (est.)RM1,025/moRM610/mo✓
Insurance / year (est.)RM2,862RM1,803✓
Electricity / year (est.)RM1,174✓RM1,190
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM5.87✓RM5.95
5-year running costs (est.)RM20,428RM15,111✓
Charging (estimated)
AC charge 0–100% (est.)6.4 hours4.6 hours✓
DC charge 10–80% (est.)50 min40 min✓
Powertrain
Engine Tech—400V architecture
FuelElectricElectric
Number of Motors11
Motor Horsepower94 hp✓77 hp
Motor Torque180 Nm✓130 Nm
Battery Capacity44.92 kWh✓30.12 kWh
EV Range340 km✓225 km
Charging Rate (AC)7 kW✓6.6 kW
Charging Rate (DC)60 kW✓53 kW
V2L3.3 kW3.3 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Transmission ManufacturerBYD—
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h12.3 seconds—
Top Speed—125 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,290 mm4,135 mm
Width1,770 mm1,805 mm
Height1,570 mm1,580 mm
Wheelbase2,700 mm2,650 mm
Weight—1,230 kg
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space345 litres375 litres✓
Front Tyre195/60R16205/65R15
Rear Tyre195/60R16205/65R15
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit—
Factory TyresLinglong Eco Master ELinglong Comfort Master
Wiper Blade (Driver)—24 inch
Wiper Blade (Passenger)—17 inch
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamMulti-link
Front Wheels16" Alloy15" Steel
Rear Wheels16" Alloy15" Steel
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
Airbags6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓—
Child Safety LockManual for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Two Outer Rear SeatsAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes—
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionWarning Only
Collision Warning✓—
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFront Seats Only
Safety NotesRear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Brake—
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorHalogen Projector
TaillampsLED CombinationFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustableManual Adjustable
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlManual Air-con
Rear Air-con—Rear AC Vents
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Front USB-A, 1 Front USB-C, 1 Rear USB-A, 1 Rear USB-C2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front
Audio12.8” Rotating Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 6 Speakers, Bluetooth, Navigation14.6" Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Driver’s Side Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal)
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps✓—
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control—
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓—
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationManual Operation
Parking Sensor Front2 Sensors—
Parking Sensor Rear3 Sensors3 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes
Folding Wing Mirrors✓—
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Hill Start Assist—✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 kmUnlimited✓
Warranty Manufacturer6 years6 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000-km Battery Warranty, 8-year/150,000-km Electric Drive Unit Warranty8-Year/160,000 km BEV and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.

Our reviews & guides

Dolphin vs eMas 5 FAQ

Is the BYD Dolphin or Proton eMas 5 better?

The BYD Dolphin is the better-equipped long-distance choice, with 340 km range, 94 hp, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. The Proton eMas 5 is the stronger budget choice, costing far less while providing a larger boot and rear air vents.

What is the price difference?

The BYD Dolphin costs RM100,530 and the Proton eMas 5 costs RM59,800, so the Dolphin is RM40,730 more expensive.

Which has the longer EV range?

The BYD Dolphin has the longer claimed range at 340 km, compared with 225 km for the Proton eMas 5. Its battery is also larger at 44.92 kWh versus 30.12 kWh.

How long does charging take?

The Dolphin's 44.9 kWh battery takes about 6.4 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 50 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 60 kW peak. The eMas 5's 30.1 kWh battery takes about 4.6 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 40 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 53 kW peak.

Which one is locally assembled?

The eMas 5 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the Dolphin is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.

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