Proton unveils all-new X50 with tech, safety and performance upgrades
Introduced in 2020, the X50 has recorded more than 134,000 units sold and has led the B-segment SUV category for five consecutive years, it said in a statement.
The 2025 model brings redesigned styling, improved safety features, and a new infotainment system that includes Bahasa Melayu voice recognition, a first for the national carmaker.
"The all-new Proton X50 will reinforce the brand's position while attracting a broad range of buyers, from small families to first-time owners and tech-savvy urban drivers," said Proton Edar Sdn Bhd deputy chief executive officer Zhang Qiang.
Exterior updates include a new grille and bumper, rear spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes and redesigned alloy wheels.
The cabin has also been revamped with a floating floor console, column shifters, ambient lighting and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Under the hood, the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT engine producing 133kW and 290Nm of torque. Proton claims a 0–100 km/h acceleration of 7.6 seconds and a 4.7 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency.
Safety upgrades include Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with features such as rear side radar, auto park assist and a 360-degree camera with undercarriage view.
The new X50 will be offered in three variants, namely Executive, Premium and Flagship, with public previews and bookings set to begin in the coming weeks.
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Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Malay Mail
All-new Proton X50 delivers refreshing updates with sleek exterior, advanced tech, and improved comfort in 2026 refresh
PETALING JAYA, July 2 — For the first time since it was launched in 2020, Proton X50 has finally received a significant update that covers its exterior and interior as well as performance, comfort, safety, and tech features. While the all-new X50 is largely based on the Geely Binyou L, Proton said the newly refreshed SUV has 245 new parts that were the result of more than 400,000 manhours of R&D. It has also gone through over 4.3 million km of road testing, according to the national automaker. So, ahead of yesterday's official 'unveiling', we had the opportunity to briefly sample the newly refreshed model. The newly refreshed SUV has 245 new parts that were the result of more than 400,000 manhours of R&D. — SoyaCincau pic 2026 Proton X50 exterior: Refined or aggressive? Honestly speaking, I feel that Proton X50's exterior design was desperate for a makeover after being on our roads for almost five years, and it finally happened with the 2026 X50. For one, I'm in favour of Proton's choice to go with Binyou L's exterior aesthetics. To me, the Binyou L's exterior design looked more refined than Binyou Cool, which is more aggressive. While the latter might be more sporty to some, Binyou L's aesthetics have broader appeal, especially given that one of Proton's target customers is young couples with little kids. That being said, I am also still in favour of the new sport spoiler with carbon fibre-like finish for the Flagship variant. Of course, I'm not ignoring the songket-inspired front grille – it is always good to see Proton continues to insert Malaysian elements into its products. The multi-spoke design on the 18-inch wheels is quite stylish, although I reckon some may feel divided about the red-coloured brake callipers. The Executive variant, which has 17-inch wheels, was not present during the media preview event, so I didn't get to see what the wheel design looks like. The songket-inspired front grille – it is always good to see Proton continues to insert Malaysian elements into its products. — SoyaCincau pic 2026 Proton X50 interior: A pleasant surprise To my surprise (and joy), the interior of the all-new Proton X50 is different from Geely Binyou L and Binyou Cool. When I first saw it, I immediately thought to myself: 'Did Geely just let Proton have free rein on this car's interior?' I'm quite fond of the Proton 7 dashboard and centre console design, so I'm certainly quite delighted to see that minimalist design language has made its way to the all-new Proton X50. Moving the drive shifter from the centre console to the steering column is an interesting decision by Proton as well. Not only that it help free up some space on the centre console, but it also completes the look. On a related note, the semi-transparent sun visors for the driver and front passenger are quite a cool addition to the SUV. Too bad that it is limited to the Flagship variant. The interior of the all-new Proton X50. — SoyaCincau pic 2026 Proton X50: New engine suspension tuning? The media preview session that I joined was rather brief when it came to the actual driving. I was only given two laps at the Proton's oval track with the instruction to keep things under 100km/h and focus more on the L2 ADAS implementation. Nothing much to say on that front aside from that the L2 ADAS works as expected, although mind you that this is being done in a controlled environment and we definitely have to test further in actual traffic conditions. As part of the 'taxi' ride around the oval track prior, the driving instructor that Proton has assigned to my group took us through a slalom run. It was still too brief an experience to judge the car's handling, but as a rear passenger, I did notice the suspension felt just slightly softer than the previous X50. My observation was then confirmed by a staff member who said that some tuning has been done to improve the comfort level of the new model. That being said, it is not known to what extent the tuning affects the driving dynamics, and I guess this is something that needs to be experienced if we get to spend more time with the new SUV. Meanwhile, I also get to briefly experience the new 4-cylinder engine through two runs of 0-100km/h tests with the all-new X50 being put against a non-hybrid Honda HR-V. The new engine certainly feels smoother than its predecessor. However, when I floored the accelerator pedal, the car didn't immediately go. While I don't expect the SUV to immediately shoot off the line as per EV (I'm not that oblivious), the time gap before the car started to actually accelerate is noticeable enough to me. I'm not sure whether this is due to the powertrain characteristic, torque modulation, or just plain safety. The new engine certainly feels smoother than its predecessor. — SoyaCincau pic Ultimately, it is a reminder to me that this is a mainstream SUV and not a high-performance vehicle. 2026 Proton X50: A rather positive first impression It is good to see the Proton X50 has finally received a major update. The update clearly focuses on exterior and interior design as well as tech features. When it comes to driving experience, my time behind the wheel was too brief, and the setup during the media preview didn't let me adequately feel the car's driving dynamics. Perhaps, this is something that we can revisit again at a later time. But all things considered, I like what I see aesthetically – both outside and inside the car. The new infotainment system and UI together with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support out of the box, is a major positive point for the 2026 X50 as well. The Proton X50 has finally received a major update. — SoyaCincau pic As always, it now comes down to the pricing. Proton definitely has to play its cards well to maintain the X50 status as one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market, especially with mounting competition from other brands. — SoyaCincau
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Auto industry poised for subdued growth
PETALING JAYA: The automotive sector appears set for a more subdued 2025, with total industry volume (TIV) projected to normalise after last year's record high. Analysts expected a mixed outlook, shaped by softening consumer sentiment, rising competition, and policy uncertainty, but supported in part by new model launches and ongoing infrastructure development. BIMB Research revised its 2025 TIV forecast downwards to 790,000 units, a 2.5% cut from its earlier estimate of 810,000 units. It noted that the adjustment was prompted by weaker-than-expected momentum in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), attributed to soft consumer sentiment and lingering uncertainty over the timing of RON95 subsidy rationalisation. However, BIMB Research pointed to a potential sequential recovery in the second half of the year, underpinned by promotional activities, longer working days, and stable loan approval rates. Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research) projected a sharper decline, expecting TIV to fall to 750,000 units in 2025, down 8.2% year-on-year, compared to the Malaysian Automotive Association's (MAA) forecast of 780,000 units. HLIB Research remarked that current order backlogs have further dwindled in 2Q25 and this is expected to continue softening in subsequent quarters as consumer sentiment weakens in tandem with a slower economic outlook as well as petrol subsidy rationalisation in the second half of 2025 (2H25). The sector's performance in 1H25 reflected these trends. According to MAA, TIV in May 2025 rose 12.4% month-on-month to 68,000 units, driven by normalised working days after the April festive holidays. However, on a year-on-year basis, sales fell 3.2%, contributing to a 5% decline in year-to-date volume to 316,700 units. This was largely attributed to easing consumer sentiment following the record 816,700 units achieved in 2024. BIMB Research said it saw structural support for the sector from 'new model launches, rising electric vehicle (EV) popularity, and infrastructure buildout'. Key launches expected in the second half included Perodua's eMO battery electric vehicle, Proton's facelifted X50 and new Saga, and Honda's refreshed Civic. Chinese brands were also stepping up, with Chery's iCAUR electric sports utility vehicles set for an Asean debut in the third quarter and TQ Wuling planning a mass-market electric vehicle (EV) below RM100,000 by year-end. BIMB Research noted: 'This strong pipeline across ICE and EV segments is expected to drive demand and refresh the competitive landscape.' Both BIMB Research and HLIB Research maintained a 'neutral' stance on the sector. BIMB Research cautioned that the sector's recovery is expected to be uneven due to elevated borrowing costs, fragile supply chains, and pricing pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Similarly, HLIB Research said earnings were likely to fall in 2025 on the back of lower sales volume and higher operating costs (aggressive sales campaigns), but partially cushioned by the strengthening of the ringgit. On the EV front, BIMB Research highlighted that 'EV adoption will continue to expand structurally, particularly as the current completely built units import tax exemption is set to expire at the end of 2025'. It forecasts EV market share could reach up to 4% by year-end, driven by broader model offerings and stronger national brand participation. Still, achieving the government's 10,000 public charger target by end-2025 remained challenging, with monthly installations needing to average 730 units. The looming revision of the open market value-based excise duty for completely knocked down vehicles in January 2026 could spur frontloaded purchases in late 2025. BIMB Research noted that any delay or adjustment in the policy could 'further sustain demand momentum in 2H25'.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Proton unveils all-new X50 with tech, safety and performance upgrades
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd has pulled the wraps off its all-new Proton X50, a refreshed version of its best-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV), ahead of its official launch. Introduced in 2020, the X50 has recorded more than 134,000 units sold and has led the B-segment SUV category for five consecutive years, it said in a statement. The 2025 model brings redesigned styling, improved safety features, and a new infotainment system that includes Bahasa Melayu voice recognition, a first for the national carmaker. "The all-new Proton X50 will reinforce the brand's position while attracting a broad range of buyers, from small families to first-time owners and tech-savvy urban drivers," said Proton Edar Sdn Bhd deputy chief executive officer Zhang Qiang. Exterior updates include a new grille and bumper, rear spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes and redesigned alloy wheels. The cabin has also been revamped with a floating floor console, column shifters, ambient lighting and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Under the hood, the SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT engine producing 133kW and 290Nm of torque. Proton claims a 0–100 km/h acceleration of 7.6 seconds and a 4.7 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency. Safety upgrades include Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with features such as rear side radar, auto park assist and a 360-degree camera with undercarriage view. The new X50 will be offered in three variants, namely Executive, Premium and Flagship, with public previews and bookings set to begin in the coming weeks.
