Proton is set to launch the refreshed version of its D-segment SUV, the X90, on Wednesday, 11 March. Also known as the X90 MC1, one of the major changes that the model will feature is the new i-GT 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Prior to this, the X90 was powered by a 1.5L GEP3 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 48V belt starter-generator (BSG). It is not known at the moment whether Proton is going to retain the 48V mild hybrid system, but since the i-GT engine family has its own Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) offering as per Proton’s presentation during its Tech Showcase event last year, the possibility seems rather low.
In general, the launch of the 2026 X90 MC1 marks the completion of the i-GT engine migration on all current-generation ICE-based Proton models. The move begun with the 2026 X50 FL, followed by the 2026 X70 MC3 and S70 MC1. In addition to that, the 2026 Saga MC3 is also using the i-GT engine, albeit minus the turbo.
X90 MC1 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
One of the teasers that Proton has published on social media has also confirmed that the 2026 X90 MC1 will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (AACP). The teaser also confirmed that the model will continue to carry a 12.3-inch infotainment display as per the existing X90.
With that, this means AACP is now available across all of Proton’s current generation of vehicles, regardless of ICE, EV, or PHEV. Of course, the availability of AACP is still variant-dependent for certain models.
X90 MC1 to come in just 3 variants?
Meanwhile, the brochure for the X90 MC1 has reportedly been leaked online. The said document didn’t contain in-depth specifications but had enough details to provide an early look at the refreshed model.
For one, the X90 MC1 will apparently come in 3 variants instead of 4. The naming scheme is also different as the 2026 variants are called Lite, Prime and Prime X instead of Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship.
Based on the brochure, it appears that Proton may push the X90 MC1 mainly as a 7-seater SUV. However, there is still a 6-seater option in the lineup, in the form of Prime X, which has a 2nd row captain seat configuration.
According to the document, it appears that Ruby Red and Cinnamon Brown colourways have been dropped. Marine Blue, Armour Silver, Snow White and Jet Grey have been retained while there’s a new option called Quartz Black in the mix.
At the same time, all variants will apparently receive a Black interior, but in terms of material, only Prime X received Nappa leather, while the lower-end variants are draped in leatherette. Furthermore, there are no more 19-inch wheels for the high-spec variants, as it appears that all variants now come with 18-inch wheels.
Well, let’s see how accurate the information coming from this so-called leaked brochure is going to be when the 2026 X90 MC1 i-GT is officially revealed this coming Wednesday.
