Proton X90 Malaysia: 7-seater SUV finally revealed with 187hp mild hybrid engine

At long last, Proton has revealed its worst-kept secret—a three-row SUV now confirmed to be called the X90. This is the national carmaker’s third model to be based on a Geely vehicle (after the X70 and X50), and it brings plenty of new features and technologies to the brand.

As has long been suspected, the X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue (called the Okavango in global markets), and it’s essentially a competitor to the likes of the Mazda CX-8, Nissan X-Trail, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Peugeot 5008. Measuring 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,780mm tall—plus a 2,815mm wheelbase—the Proton is about the same size as the CX-8 (65mm shorter, 60mm wider and 50mm taller, with a 115mm shorter wheelbase) and larger than the others.

In terms of looks, the X90 is practically unchanged from the Haoyue, retaining the angular design with squarish headlights, large grille, blocky wheel arches, upswept window line, slim taillights and a bumper-mounted rear number plate. The only differences are the Proton front crest and rear script, along with a “diamond” front grille—inspired by songkets, Proton claims—similar to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The similarities continue on the inside, which inherits the Geely’s “infinity loop” design around the air vents, prominent door grab handles and centre console. You’ll also find a three-spoke steering wheel, a stubby gearlever and a rotary drive mode selector.

Also fitted is a freestanding 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on the range-topping Flagship variant—the largest ever fitted to a Proton—running on Geely’s E02 processor. It likely uses ACO Tech’s in-house Atlas UI, which is currently used across the Proton lineup, from the Iriz/Persona twins to the X70. A 10.25-inch instrument display sits ahead of the driver.

Aside from the right-hand drive conversion, there are a number of other interior details that separate the X90 from the Haoyue. For one, the Proton is optionally available in a six-seater format with individual second-row “captain’s chairs”, replete with built-in armrests. As far as we know, these are not offered on the Geely version anywhere in the world. The first- and second-row “pillow” headrests are also unique to the Malaysian car.

Secondly, the rear air-conditioning vents, previously located aft of the centre console for the second row and on the window sills for the third row, have now been relocated to the ceiling for both rows. It appears this has been done to make room for the redesigned second-row air-con controls, which lose their temperature adjustment but gain buttons for the rear seat ventilation—likely only offered on the six-seater Flagship. There’s also a new USB-C port for the second-row occupants.

Other features that can be gleaned from the photos are LED head- and taillights, keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic air-con (with rear fan speed adjustment), power-adjustable front seats with passenger-side shoulder (or “boss”) switches, an electronic parking brake, hill descent control, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. Many of these will likely be exclusive to the Flagship, as will the sizeable 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Continental EcoContact 6 tyres.

In terms of active safety systems, the X90 introduces three new features for the brand, including rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and traffic sign recognition. The car should also come with other functions from the X50 Flagship, such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. One question that remains is whether Proton will fit autonomous emergency braking—a feature it has long reserved for top-of-the-line models—as standard across the range.

Proton has also confirmed that the X90 will debut a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the Geely-sourced 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, designed to reduce fuel consumption. Equipped with a 13hp/45Nm belt starter-generator (BSG), the mill develops a total of 184hp and 300Nm of torque—10hp and 45Nm more than the TGDI engine in the X50 Flagship. Again, expect the hybrid powertrain to only be offered on the Flagship.

All this power and torque is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Don’t hold your breath for an all-wheel-drive version, as the X90 uses torsion beam suspension at the rear, making it difficult (if not impossible) to fit drive axles.

The only thing remaining is price, and unfortunately that’s the one piece of information Proton has chosen to withhold until the actual launch. We do know that the car will be offered in four variants—likely Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship, matching the X50—giving the company enough breadth to bring the price low enough for mainstream buyers to consider, while maintaining the Flagship at a price commensurate with its feature set. Could we see it start below the RM100,000 mark?

Want to check out the Proton X90 in person? You’ll be able to do so at a series of preview events held at six cities across the country, starting April 8.