Proton X50: Everything we know

So finally, Proton officially revealed its worst-kept secret and announced the name of its upcoming marvel, X50. Till now, the company was hiding the rear images just to hide its badge, but now it unveiled the full-fledged SUV during the media preview at Proton's plant in Tanjung Malim. 

Laid down on Geely's BMA architecture, the X50 is a rebadged model of Geely Binyue available in China and Coolray in the Philippines. But, it gets a total of 406 unique parts as a result of the right-hand drive switching. Proton has already started the local assembling of the model.

However, the full spec sheet, price, and availability details have not been disclosed yet but, here's everything we know about the Proton X50 at the moment.

Proton X50 variants

The upcoming X50 will be available in four variants - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Despite being the most affordable model, the Standard trim comes with a good list of equipment. Check out the variant-wise features in the following image.

Proton X50 exterior design

Based on the Geely Binyue, the SUV borrows the sleek, sweeping lines from its donor model. Although it has some unique touches, particularly at the front reflecting the new corporate face and branding. It features the signature infinite weave grille, inspired by batik and Malaysian wood carvings, and a hunting bow highlighted in red. The grille is flanked by sharp LED headlights that houses LED daytime running lights and tied together by a sculpted chrome trim piece. The red accents on the front and rear brake caliper complement the sporty look of the SUV. 

As standard equipment, the SUV rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. Premium highlights of the Flagship variant are 18-inch alloy and a Panoramic sunroof.

Proton X50 dimensions

Dimensionally, the X50 is a bit smaller than the X70. It measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,609 mm in height, which means it is 139 mm shorter, 31 mm narrower, and 85 mm lower than its cousin. The X50 wheelbase is also 70 mm shorter than the X70.

Proton X50 colours

For X50, Proton is offering a total of 6 colours - Snow White, Armour Silver, Ocean Blue, Jet Grey, Citric Orange, and Passion Red. But, not all colors are available with all variants; the Standard trim can only be had with the first three, the Executive also has the next two in the list, and the higher-spec models are available with all six. The Flagship trim also features the dual-tone exterior. 

Proton X50 interior features

Heading inside, the X50 continues to look good here also, thanks to the Chinese Binyue. Overlaid with red, dark grey, and silver, the cabin is spacious and well put together. The futuristic dashboard features a 'stitched' upper panel, a tall centre console, and some jet fighter-inspired air vents at the corners. Under the centre console, there is a large storage space with a USB port and a 12-volt socket.

The higher-spec trims (Premium and Flagship) incorporate a 10-inch widescreen infotainment touchscreen, while the other variants receive an 8-inch display. These screens run on the latest Geely Key User Interface and support the "Hi Proton" voice control system. 

Other standard highlights include fabric upholstery, rear AC vents, and a reverse camera. Simultaneously, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and power-adjustable driver seats are available in higher versions of X50.

Proton X50 engine specifications

Coming to the mechanical specifications of the Proton X50, the automaker has yet revealed the full details on this. However, it has confirmed that the Flagship variant will be powered by a sophisticated 1.5-litre direct-injection (TGDI) turbocharged three-pot gasoline engine, which is co-developed by Geely and Volvo. In other markets, the same engine generates a maximum power of 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. 

In contrast, the other three variants get a 1.5-litre multi-port injection turbocharged four-cylinder mill generating 150 PS and 226 Nm. All the variants are mated to the X70's seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. The SUV is expected to run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds.

Talking about the X50 fuel economy, Proton says that the SUV is undergoing EEV certification while claiming the fuel consumption of 15.6 kmpl.

Proton X50 safety features

The standard safety features of the Proton X50 are:

• Four airbags
• ABS with EBD and brake assist
• Stability control
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control
• Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors

The higher variants get six airbags, whereas the X50 Flagship exclusively comes with the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. Proton has not revealed its details, but we can expect features like centering assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.

Proton X50 price

When it comes to the Proton X50 price, the automaker continues to keep the cards undercover. However, we can expect a price somewhere between RM 80,000 and RM 100,000.

Proton X50 bookings

Proton is now accepting bookings for the all-new X50. The customers can reserve the SUV with a booking fee of RM 500 at any authorized Proton showroom. The customers' preview sessions will also be held at four different locations starting September 19; however, these will be closed-door events.

Proton X50 rivals

In the Malaysian automotive scene, the Proton's second SUV aims to give cutting-edge competition to some popular names, including Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Ford EcoSport. Given its estimated pricing, it could change the equations of the game. Well, one another potential player in the pipeline is D55L from the Malaysian car giant, Perodua, which is expected to join the list soon.

So this is for now; we hope to get more details on the X50 in the coming days, so stay tuned to Zigwheels Malaysia for updates.

Also read: Proton X50: Features explained