It’s been some time since Proton and Geely partnered up, and since then, the national carmaker has launched its first-ever SUV model – the X70 – along with refreshed versions of the Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga.
The company has other models planned for the future, which include a locally-assembled version of the X70, and by securing use of intellectual properties (IP) and the rights to manufacture and sell three Geely models, the Geely Boyue-based SUV will also be joined by other models based on the Binyue compact SUV and Jiaji MPV.
While the X70 may have been well received by car buyers here, there are those who are looking forward to the arrival of Proton’s smaller SUV offering, which many have tentatively referred to as the X50. Here’s what we know about it so far.
Will it really be called the Proton X50?
At this point, Proton has not officially named its upcoming compact SUV but there are a few indicators to suggest that the “X50” name will be used. Firstly, Proton had previously explained that the larger X70 currently on sale used an alphanumeric naming method to make it easier for it to be sold in other markets, without having to adjust for naming conventions in other markets.
In the case of the X70, the “X” denotes a vehicle in the crossover or SUV segment, while the number “70” refers to the size/class of the vehicle. The naming system, which mimics the Volvo XC line-up, therefore accommodates larger or smaller models that may come in the future, and as the company’s compact SUV is sized smaller than the X70, the use of X50 is highly likely.
Another hypothesis for the use of the name “X50” is a filing that Proton made with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) to trademark the name “Proton X50.” The filing (application number 2018003484) was made on March 28, 2018, and was legally accepted on September 24, 2018.
Of course, companies do file for trademarks in advance in preparation for their new products, and Proton is no exception. Only time will tell if Proton will indeed christen its compact SUV the “X50,” but for now, we’ll refer to it as such.
What will the Proton X50 be based on?
Like the X70 that is based on the Boyue, the X50 will also be adapted from an existing Geely model, namely the Binyue that was launched in China back in August 2018. We’ve already seen a camouflaged example of the Binyue on Malaysian roads in the past, with Proton conducting testing for the model ahead of its debut.
Built on Geely’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA), the Binyue measures 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,609 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. By comparison, the X70 is 4,519 mm long, 1,831 mm wide and 1,694 mm tall, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase.
If the X70 is an indication, the Binyue-based X50 should get a number of styling and equipment revisions that are specific for the Malaysian market. With Proton adopting the “Infinite Weave” look on many of its recent models, including the Saga, the X50 should follow suit. If you need some idea of what that might look like, Theophilus Chin’s renders are certainly worth checking out.
What equipment/powertrains are available for the Proton X50?
In China, the Binyue is offered with a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engines, starting with the base 1.0 litre option (134 hp and 205 Nm) that comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Higher up, there’s a 1.5 litre unit (174 hp and 255 Nm) co-developed with Volvo, which comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid powertrain available for the Binyue, which is based on the 1.5 litre powertrain mentioned earlier, but with an electric motor and battery pack added. The total system output for this setup is 255 hp and 415 Nm, and the PHEV variant is said to have an electric-only range of 60 km.
It isn’t known which (or if any) of these powertrains will be offered for the X50 when it is launched, but we’re expecting the non-hybrid 1.5 litre option to be the preferred option. If our prediction comes true, the X50 will be the first Proton model that comes with a dual-clutch gearbox, unless of course such a transmission is introduced in the X70 earlier.
As for equipment, the Binyue in its home country features Level 2 autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and parking assist, along with GKUI system, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), seven-inch LCD instrument panel and 10.25-inch main display, among others.
The X50 should benefit from most of these features with question marks applicable for the the Level 2 autonomous driving features and AEB. The X70 already comes with the GKUI system and a “Hi Proton” voice activation term, and it shouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect the X50 to get the same system.
When will the Proton X50 be launched here? Will it be a locally-assembled model?
The question on everyone’s mind, to which no one has a clear answer until Proton officially gives a date. According to AmInvestment, the X50 is slated to arrive in October 2020 as a locally-assembled (CKD) model.
Last year, Proton announced an investment of RM1.2 billion to upgrade its Tanjung Malim facility in order to locally assemble the X70, with production of the SUV said to begin in September 2019. At the time, the company didn’t reveal if the upgrading works include support for the BMA platform that the X50 rides on, although it is very likely that this is part of the plan.
Currently, the X70 is a fully-imported (CBU) model, and with the imminent launch of the CKD version, the introduction of the X50 will likely be pushed back for now. Given the suggested timeframe by AmInvestment, there’s certainly reason to believe that X50 will be launched as a CKD model right from the start, although this should be taken with a grain of salt for now.
What will the Proton X50’s pricing be like?
Another question on the minds of many, and only Proton knows the answer. As it is now, the X70 ranges from RM99,800 to RM123,800, so the smaller X50 should theoretically be priced below that.
A lot of figures have been floated about on social media, with all of them being no more than pure speculation for now. Us, we’d hazard a guess that the X50 would be priced around RM20,000 less than the X70, slotting in neatly between RM79,800 and RM103,800, with a small overlap between an (expected) X50 Premium and X70 Standard.
If accurate, the X50 would severely undercut many other B-segment SUV models in the market like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR. Seeing how the X70 did the same to its competitors in C-segment, we would reckon that Proton would like to shake things up again with its compact SUV.
Anything else should I know about the Proton X50?
Well, we’ve already written a few articles in the past that have some relation to the compact SUV, so here’s a list of them for further reading:
- FIRST LOOK: 2019 Geely Binyue – new Proton X50?
- Geely Binyue PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV launching soon – will we get it as the Proton X50 PHEV?
- Proton X50 SUV rendered with Infinite Weave grille
- SPYSHOTS: Geely Binyue B-segment SUV spotted testing in Malaysia – new Proton X50 on the way?
- Geely Binyue launched in China
- SPIED: Geely Binyue, Proton X50 seen testing on LPT
- SPIED: Proton X50 next to X70 CKD with taped up wheel caps and front emblem – new Proton logo?
- SPYSHOTS: Proton X50 spotted road-testing again
- SPYSHOTS: Proton X50 with local Infinite Weave grille
- Proton X50 SUV – 2020 launch confirmed, CKD straight
We’ll continuously update this post with information as they are revealed to us, so watch this space for more information about the Proton X50. It’s certainly an eagerly anticipated model for many car buyers in Malaysia, and we’re just as excited to bring you up to speed on the compact SUV leading up to its launch. Stay tuned.
GALLERY: Geely Binyue
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.
“With nearly 4,000 total units sold, the cumulative sales figure for the recently launched models is at an impressive 36% of Proton’s overall sales and more importantly, with over 10,000 bookings received thus far, there is a healthy order book to fulfil over the coming months,” it added.
Proton said the biggest contributor was the Proton X70. A total of 2,439 units were sold in May and cumulatively 13,572 have been delivered in the first five months of the year, meaning the Proton X70 remains as the SUV market leader in overall sales.”
This 3 sillinders engine will shaken in long run. More regret p1 buyer in counting.
Nobody regret buying any three cylinder engine vehicles from Kancil to entry level BMW 3er with 1.5T three pots and Yamaha MT09, no reason to regret this one.
BMW i8 is three cylinder too…
Only those who know nuts about car will regret.common below 100k how much more u can regret???? Those who quoted this I’m sure they don’t have much insight about car..they only follow what olden ppl says Toyota Honda the best! Ppl will improve and not everyday is Sunday !!! Unless u urself is not improving n remain as failure that’s why u think ppl can’t do better ??? Haha..anyway I don’t owned proton or x70 but I test drove before..just sharing fact don’t simply whack when u r empty inside
like ur miniature brain shake inside ur skull while on the move
Not so sure.. but we have been told that this engine was developed by Volvo according to an official statement from Volvo itself.. However, Geely claimed it was a co-developed with Volvo. Hopefully it will be a long lasting engine.
People got no confident in driving Perodua cars with that tikus logo. Even though the car looks cheap, but we recommend better go for world game changing SX-11 or X50.
Agree. the X50 symbolized our reborn MY Baru,
Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.
Ya…HR-V see everywhere with 500 units on the road in Singapore . X50 or BinRui just launch in China last year end, every month 20k units sold, 1st country export to Philippines. Coming soon will be launch in Malaysia called X50.
Malaysia tidak boleh attitude,that’s why we are behind in sales n marketing aspect of business strategies. My friend, a lot if planning is being done to move a product. Even Honda has their problems worldwide on the air bag issues, Toyota brake issues etc as long as the portals could remediate the faulty issues consumers loyalty would still be there. SERVICE n MAINTAINANCE are key subject to any products that had been sold into the market.
Exactly ! As good as they don’t have confident with themselves …in other words for them “other country moon is more round that their own country”
The European Union with 517 Million people is FIRST world too. Honda has a market share in the EU with all models of 0.91%. It’s more likely to see a Lamborghini there then a HRV. Stop spreading false facts, Mr. Honda salesman.
Who cares what happens in other countries? The sales success of the X70 proves it
The amount of stupid people who think they are smarter than the Proton CEO is amazing!! One of the major reasons why Geely needs to JV with Proton is with PRoton’s expertise in converting LH drive car to RH drive. This was what happened to the X70. Hence you don’t see Geely RH in Singapore, at least for now.
41,000 people disagrees with you. That makes you a 0.0025% minority. Even a margin of error has a higher percentage than you do.
Yeah, that’s what you said about the X70. Now, everywhere can see X70. Got balls to bet the X50 will repeat that success?
If X50 can keep the price range from RM80~100k, many potential HRV buyer will be in dilemma in decision making next year. But I strongly believe many Malaysian will give it a try on X50 as HRV is not that good as well.
CHR & CX3 can stop it CBU into Malaysia after X50 launch…lol
This is the real game changer that will bury off the Aruz indefinitely under a mountainous landslide.. Btw Perodua already waiving a white flag by killing off the Aruz lineup once the X50 launching.. Perodua getting burned alive after years of their arrogance and stinginess.
I guess proton hurting honda sales hahah
Xc60 killer. Bye bye Volvo.
its like langit and bumi la, both are very different segment but produced by the same company, however u cant compare xc60 with this junk for negara dunia ke3 la
Sell rm30k full spec, then people buy like hotcake. Lawan axia suv wannabe mahhhhhh. Muahahahaha!
This will rock the SUV market once again just like big bro X70.
Wow Volvo XC40 lookalike.
Of course it has Volvo DNA because it was co-developed by volvo for geely.. Anyway there is a geely model that is fully developed by volvo using their current chassis sold with higher price..
nahh, better go for aruz, cheaper safer n more reliable compared to this suspicious one, confirm lagi expensive.
Aruz is not safe. They used an unknown G specced Aruz which never existed to do ANCAP testing. You got prove your Aruz Xspec is as safe as unknown tested Gspec?
It’s ASEAN NCAP though, which makes their results all the more suspect because for NCAP testing it should be done on cars bought anonymously off the showroom. So far, I haven’t seen the G variant Aruz they had tested.
But Aruz has Toyota’s “no acceleration safety feature” directly build-in by design.
I guess Asean Ncap committee should revise their evaluation and take anti-acceleration lagging CVT as a safety feature only appreciated by slow unkers and geriatric drivers.
Whatevever safery features u install but once accident car surely will be badly damaged
Cheaper yes. Safer no.
Safer? No no no ..in your dream
i think they will put the price range between rm60-80k, like that really game end for the other’s brand SUV…
Oct 2020? Still have time to kumpul2 deposit.
How volvo came up with the name XC? For those not knowing it all began in the late 90s after Volvo facelifted all its models with new names. 900 series became S90. 850 became s70 and the estate version was v70.
Then Volvo started playing with the idea of making the v70 a softtoader. This was of course in preparations to the coming XC90 in the new millennium.
Volvo named the car V70 Cross Country.
The name later on was shortformed as XC (cross = X, Country = C)
Did i just learned something completely beneficial from paultan comment section? Thanks!
after decades reading the comments section, this is one of the beneficial comments
Most car review sites in Malaysia only talk about specs, new car performance and pricing, these are already available on paper. Seldom have objective reviews on how the car was built, long term mechanical and electrical servicability. We are buying cars for more than 5 years, at least most of us. Maybe paultan can consider getting experince car mechanics for these types of review.
If Proton Execs are reading this…
PLEASE please bring in the Jiaji next!
Probably more likeliness to volve xc40.
This car looks nice than HRV but the reliability is Questionable …
I still cannot accept the fact that Geely bought over our country.
Our beloved Tun please help us out to buy over Geely and Volvo and BMW also.
We’re gonna get Flying Car-pet. Win Liao. Geely Volvo Bee-Em Mar-see-dee also don’t have. Syukur Msia Aman.
proton pls bring Geely Xinyue here, I rather buy it at rm200k++ rather than new Accord and Camry
full of cash in pocket already and really to spend..
Comparing suv coupe to a saloon. Typical msia driver
So many H&T fanboy butthurt in this thread.. hahahaah.. the butthurt even worse when x50 surpassing HRV/CHR sales next year..
Really excited for the PHEV versions. Not reliable? Resale value? Like I CARE! I have some money to burn. Hehe
don’t forget second,third row aircon blower
Kereta cina kokak
Really a helpful article. Thanks for sharing.
This is the ever car from Proton and for Malaysian mass market along with the X70!
Cant wait for this car! Really want to try. The article is mostly hearsay but I still waiting for the release.
Innovative