3…2…1…Motion! The good #3 is the model’s 2nd mannequin in Malaysia after the #1, and the EV’s official debut is simply across the nook now – particularly subsequent week on the Malaysia Autoshow. Professional-Internet had a media preview final week, the place we bought to the touch, really feel and drive the #3 at Proton’s semi-high-speed take a look at observe in Shah Alam.
We’ve lined the #3 since its world debut in April 2023, however right here’s a recap. The #3 is a sister to the good #1, the primary mannequin of the reborn model (now co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, with the latter answerable for design), which now solely sells EVs.
The #3 sits on the Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA) platform, which additionally underpins the #1 and a few different EVs below the Geely umbrella just like the Zeekr X and Volvo EX30. At 4,400 mm lengthy and 1,844 mm extensive, the #3’s footprint is 130 mm longer and 22 mm wider than the #1. It’s not all additional overhangs although, as the two,785 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer than the #1’s. However the obvious stat is the #3’s decrease roof – 1,556 mm is a considerable 80 mm lower than the #1’s top.
The latter could be very distinguished because the #3’s low and curved roofline defines the coupe SUV bodystyle. We’re accustomed to SUV offshoots just like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4, however to those eyes, the #3 form appears to be like higher because it’s a lot much less tall – they didn’t simply take a standard SUV and shave the rear roof off.
Emphasising that near-perfect curve of a roof (damaged up by a small spoiler) is a small bridge connecting the daylight opening and the rear glass – this additionally creates the floating roof impact. It’s not clear right here with the camouflage, which might be off the following time we’re allowed to point out you the #3. Then, you’ll additionally get to see full-width LEDs at each ends, as seen on the #1, and a Mercedes-Benz look that’s much more distinct right here. If Stuttgart’s personal EQ SUVs have been extra enjoyable and daring, they’d appear like good vehicles.
Different premium and/or stunning design highlights embrace flush door handles, frameless home windows and an illuminated brand, all of that are additionally on the #1. The latter has moved from the rear pillar to the entrance wing, although. The boot launch button is neatly hidden into the ‘a’ of the emblem, and there are good logos as welcome lights. By the best way, the #3 appears to be like extra aerodynamic than the #1 and it truly is – Cd is 0.27 versus 0.29 for the taller automotive.
Variants and powertrains mirror the #1. The Professional and Premium have a rear-mounted electrical motor producing 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, good for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. Prime velocity is capped at 180 km/h. The Brabus provides on a entrance motor to make it AWD, and the setup affords 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm – this reduces the 0-100 km/h dash time down to three.7 seconds, a tenth faster than the #1 Brabus.
As for what’s within the floorpan, the bottom Professional comes with a 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and the quoted WLTP vary is 325 km, 10 km greater than the equal #1. Each the Premium and Brabus get a 66 kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NMC) battery, which gives 455 km of claimed vary for the Premium and as much as 415 km for the dual-motor Brabus. Each WLTP vary figures are 15 km greater than the corresponding #1. That’s aero in motion.
Together with its extra athletic form, the #3 is billed because the extra dynamic sister to the #1, and Professional-Internet introduced us again to Proton’s Shah Alam take a look at observe (additionally they did the #1 preview drive right here) to show its claims.
In our current evaluate of the #1, we discovered the Geely-Mercedes EV to be a good touchdown level for these coming from premium ICE vehicles, because it goes round with a bit extra heft within the controls and journey in comparison with typical Chinese language EVs, which some would possibly name ‘Continental really feel’.
Whereas ‘Conti’ is a constructive connotation, some European premium model EVs have a journey that’s too busy, which is at odds with the sleek and serene expertise that EVs present.
The #1 strikes an honest stability between consolation and dynamics, and whereas we have to drive the #3 in the true world to verify the journey high quality and NVH, the identical ought to apply. What’s for certain is that the #3’s physique has much less pitch and dip in laborious acceleration and braking, and physique roll has been additional tamed, giving this good a extra ground-hugging, steady really feel. We mentioned that the #1 has greater than sufficient dealing with and grip for EV patrons – the #3 improves on this rely.
Most EVs are greater than quick sufficient, and that features the single-motor #3. Sadly we began off with the Brabus and a banked oval, which made the next run within the 5.8-second Premium you see right here correctly pedestrian. With out the distortion of the pinned-into-your-seat pressure and pretend huge V8 sound of the Brabus (I managed to succeed in the 180 km/h high velocity), the Premium is a brisk EV.
A degree we famous in our evaluate of the #1 was the quite extreme vitality regeneration even in its mildest setting, which could take some new EV converts without warning. Whereas regen is a crucial a part of EV driving, we needed an extended leash, so to talk, as an possibility for the instances while you’re feeling wealthy with vary and need to glide. The #3 will get that possibility.
A notice on the fancy-looking entrance seats, which in all probability don’t present as a lot assist because the appears to be like recommend, however are nonetheless an enchancment over the quite flat ones within the #1. No magic within the rear quarters – the discount in headroom from the #1 corresponds with the outside roofline.
We need to inform you extra, and positively need to present you extra, however are certain by an embargo set by Professional-Internet. So keep tuned for the general public debut subsequent week, which can include extra specs and particulars. For now, try our evaluate of the #1 and picture a it with a much less quirky/extra common bodystyle, an additional sprint of Mercedes sauce and tighter physique management. good specialties – 22 kW AC charging (150 kW DC additionally beats BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA) and the locally-developed Hi there good app – stay.
No phrase on pricing but, however anticipate the #3 to be barely costlier than the #1, which is priced at RM189,000 for the Professional, RM219,000 for the Premium and RM249,000 for the dual-motor Brabus.
GALLERY: good #3 previewed in Malaysia
GALLERY: good #3 official photos
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