Proton X50 - Things we know so far

When Proton launched the X70, its first SUV ever, in 2018, we had a feeling that things wouldn’t just stop there and the Malaysian car manufacturer will bring more such vehicles in the future. Fast forward to the present, the smaller Proton X50 has been confirmed for Malaysia and it will be launched in 2020.

So, it was back in early 2019 when we first came across the X50’s prototypes. Proton was rigorously testing its new vehicle but its test mules were heavily disguised. However, it became pretty clear quite soon that the X50 will be based on Geely Binyue/Coolray. One of the biggest reasons for this confirmation was the fact that Proton X70 was based on Geely Boyue which was a result of Proton-Geely’s partnership. Considering the steps that Proton took with its X70, we could map out a few details as to how the X50 would be like.

Proton X50 Exterior

The overall silhouette of Proton X50 will be similar to the Geely’s, however, there would be certain elements that would help the X50 to stand out from its parent model. Just like the X70, the X50 would get Proton’s infinite weave grille at the front. The headlights are expected to be full-LED units with LED DRLs. Proton would also keep a sporty front bumper for an appealing look.

The upcoming Proton X50 would also get powered side mirrors with integrated LED side turn signals. There would be striking-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, maybe dual-tone. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a strong character line running across the side of the vehicle as well as small roof rails. Moving to the rear, we are expecting to see combination LED lamps with signature lighting, roof-mounted rear spoiler with high-mount stop lamp, and quad exhaust pipes.

Proton X50 Interior

The interior of Proton X50 could have a dual-tone theme for a premium look and feel. It would also get dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver seat, bolstered seats, 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls, panoramic sunroof, and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Geely Key User Interface (GKUI). Proton would also include voice commands or voice control functions that could be triggered by saying ‘Hi Proton’. Apart from that, there would also be a fully digital and colour instrument console as well as rear AC vents. As far as the interior space is concerned, it would be similar to that of the Geely Binyue/Coolray.

Proton X50 Engine

One of the key Proton X50 specs will be its engine. Although Proton hasn’t commented about it as of now, we do know what Geely offers with its Binyue/Coolray. There are two engine options - 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 134 bhp of max power and 205 Nm of max torque and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and then there’s a 1.5-litre engine that churns out 174 bhp and 255 Nm of torque coupled to X70’s 7-speed DCT. Out of these engine options, the latter is expected to find its way under the hood of the X50 with different driving modes.

Proton X50 Safety Features

Basic safety features like airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, reverse parking camera, reverse and front parking sensors, etc. would be present in the Proton X50. Apart from that, the X50 would also get adaptive cruise control, park assist, autonomous emergency braking, vehicle stability control, traction control, 360-degree camera, hill-climb assist, electronic parking brake, etc.

Regarding Proton X50 price, we are anticipating the range starting from somewhere around RM 75,000 mark.

When CEO, Li Chunrong at the Chinese New Year media launch, confirmed the X50 for Malaysia, he also revealed that the new X50 will be brought into the country as a full CKD unit and assembled at brand’s local facility. This has to be done because Geely Binyue/Coolray is produced in China in a Left-Hand Drive format and thus can’t be exported directly.

Proton received much appreciation for its X70. Being its first SUV ever, Proton really did a fantastic job and that’s why the X70 is selling like hotcakes. So, expectations from its second SUV have increased automatically. Let’s see whether it meets these expectations or not.

Also Read: Looking into the future rift - Perodua D55L vs. Proton X50