Proton X50: Features explained

The Malaysian auto news has been awash with the upcoming Proton X50 since last weekend when the company officially revealed its images on social media. Given its striking design and hi-tech features, the SUV is considered a strong contender in the B-segment SUV category, giving tough competition to Ford EcoSport, Toyota C-HR, and Honda HR-V. 

The younger sibling of Proton X70 is a rebadged version of Geely Binyue/Coolray available in China and the Philippines, respectively. However, the automaker has given its some styling tweaks, right from the front grille that features the signature infinite weave pattern. Talking about the X50 specs, Proton has not yet released any details, but some of the bits are confirmed through the revealed images, and for some, reference can be taken from the donor model. So, here we have come up with the features of Proton X50, have a look.  

LED headlamps & LED DRLs

In place of old school halogen units, all the modern-day vehicles come with slick and appealing LED units. Proton X50 also follows suit and features the LED-equipped headlights paired with LED daytime running lights. 

Panoramic sunroof

The official images of the Proton X50 show off its blacked-out top with the panoramic sunroof. This prominent feature is supposed to be the first in the class. However, it could only come with the top-spec variants, skipping the base ones, like the X70. 

Hi-tech infotainment system

Inside the cabin, the Proton X50 will have an advanced touchscreen infotainment system, which is likely to be the same one available in X70. The said system is powered by the GKUI (Geely Smart Ecosystem user interface). It comes with the 'Hi Proton' voice assistant functionality that has also been programmed to pick up the Malaysian accent.

Along with answering the basic queries related to weather, time, location, the voice assistant also tells about controlling the infotainment system's major functions and vehicle in-car functions.

Automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents

Proton's upcoming SUV also houses an automatic air-conditioning system and that too with the rear AC vents. It automatically controls the temperature, air-flow, and air distribution inside the car and controls the fan speed and air circulation. AC vents for the rear passenger is another pleasant addition to the specifications list. However, it is likely to be added in the mid-spec and top variants.

Level 2 semi-autonomous driving 

Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong has confirmed that the upcoming X50 will get a full-fledged Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features. This means the SUV will have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which can itself control both steering and braking/accelerating simultaneously under some situations. But at the same time, the human at the wheel must continue to pay full attention and perform the rest of the driving part. It helps in lane centering and adaptive cruise control. 

7-Speed DCT 

In the released images, the Proton X50 interior is completely visible, and thus we can say that the SUV will have a small gear selector denoting a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, borrowed from X70. The automaker introduced this new transmission with the updated X70 CKD model earlier this year. It replaced the old 6-speed automatic gearbox. In fact, it is the same transmission that many Volvo models have.

The 7-speed DCT is built to handle much more torque and contributes significantly to improve performance and mileage. It makes gear changes quicker than ever and enhances the overall driving experience.

Smart key fob

A few days back, a leaked image of Proton X50 key fob appeared on the internet. It is not certain whether the image is genuine or not, but it resembles the size and hexagonal shape of the key fob available with the Geely Binyue/Coolray. Talking about its appearance, the side of the device has a metallic sheen complemented by a brushed strip and the Proton letters in the centre. 

Geely key fob comes with four buttons - two to lock and unlock the door, one to open the boot, and the lowermost to activate the remote engine start function. So, does it mean X50 gets the remote start feature? It may or may not.

Proton X50 Price and availability

Proton X50 price is expected to lie between RM 80,000 and RM 100,000, and its debut is around the corner; Proton will reveal the model next Tuesday, as per the leaks.

The details on the X50 indicate that the compact SUV will offer a great value at reasonable pricing, and it could be a game-changing model in the segment.

Also read: Proton X50 - First impression