We’ve been calling it the Proton X90 for quite awhile now, but did you know that Proton has never officially referred to its upcoming large SUV as ‘X90’ before? Well, until today. The Proton X90 name is now official for the seven-seater SUV, matching its position as the flagship of Proton’s X range, sitting on top of the X50 and X70 SUVs. These are also the first official images of the X90.
Proton revealed the X90 name at a media preview session today, while confirming that the SUV will use a mild hybrid system (more on this later). Production of the “Premium Modern Family SUV” started two weeks ago in Tanjung Malim, and that announcement coincided with the first official teaser of the SUV, and the revelation that Proton will launch the X90 this year in conjunction with its 40th anniversary.
The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue, which is also known as the Geely Okavango in other markets such as the Philippines. Compared to the Geely, the Proton sports a differently grille, one with chrome pins expanding out from the Proton logo. There’s also a unique headlamp design with L-shaped DRLs sweeping up, and the fog lamp surrounds are finished in black instead of chrome.
Besides those cues and rear Proton badging, expect the X90’s design to mirror the Haoyue. Spyshots have also shown a dashboard that’s similar to the Geely’s, except for Proton’s tiger badge on the steering boss, of course.
It’s confirmed that the X90 will come with mild hybrid power. A 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine is supplemented by a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system integrates six key components – belt-starter generator (BSG), DC-DC converter, lithium-Ion battery, battery management system, recuperation braking system and the hybrid module control system. The gearbox is a seven-speed wet dual-clutch unit driving the front wheels.
In case you’re wondering, yes, the 1.5 TGDI engine (without the BSG) is the same one used in the X50 and X70 MC. In those applications, the turbo triple produces 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. Here, the BSG adds on 13 PS and 45 Nm for total output of 190 PS and 300 Nm. The TGDI is made in Proton’s Tanjung Malim engine assembly plant for the X70 MC, and the carmaker has said that the target output for this year is 60,000 engines, which will be used across several Proton models.
The Geely Haoyue is the brand’s largest SUV. At 4,835 mm long and 1,900 mm wide, it’s 316 mm longer and 69 mm wider than the X70. The seven-seater’s wheelbase is 2,815 mm, which is 145 mm longer than the X70’s. The X90 will compete with three-row SUVs such as the Mazda CX-8 and Hyundai Santa Fe, and its size is between those two – see the comparison table above.
The seven-seater’s layout is 2-3-2 and the third row has its own aircon vents. However, you can have a six-seat version of the X90 with two individual captain seats in the middle row, replacing the standard bench. This more luxurious layout – with a panoramic glass roof – is reserved for the Flagship variant, as shown here.
Highlighted new driver assist features are Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW) and Traffic Sign Information (TSI). Also listed are a 10-inch digital instrument panel (full width) and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen for the top variant.
Proton did not release pricing or even the open for booking date, but it did say that there will be four variants of the X90 ranging from Standard to Flagship. We can expect the X90’s RRP to fall in the RM130k to RM150k range given that the X70 is priced from RM98,800 to RM128,800.
There will be a series of preview sessions across six cities starting April 8. More on the X90 here.
Anthony Lim adds:
While no photography was allowed during the preview session for the X90, the presentation revealed more specifications of the D-segment SUV than that ventured in the press release, and we’ll cover most of that ground here.
First off, some relevant numbers regarding the development of the X90, and these are the 96,000 man-hours and 1.2 million km of testing that has been carried out for it. Aside from this, mention was also made of its rear suspension layout, which differs from that of the Haoyue. Where the Haoyue sits on a torsion beam setup, the Proton features a multi-link configuration that has, as the automaker puts it, been tuned for Malaysian roads.
As for wheels, the higher end variants (Premium, Flagship) ride on 19-inch units, which on the Flagship and Premium preview examples were wrapped with 235/50 Continental EcoContact 6 rubbers. Not shown today were the 18-inch wheels, which are shod with 225/55 profile tyres, as indicated by the tyre pressure card on the door sill – these will be found on the Standard and Executive variants.
Up next, cargo space, and there’s up to 2,050 litres of volume to be had when the rear seats are folded down. Still on figures, the standard fit 12.3 inch LCD touchscreen for the infotainment system offers a 1920 x 720 pixel display resolution, 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. There’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support though, but the company says they are working on it.
A quick breakdown of what to expect from the SUV. Standard equipment on the base variant includes full LED headlamps with sequential turn signals, fabric seats and a reverse camera. The X90 will also feature dual-zone air-conditioning and independent rear AC, with all rows on the SUV getting air vent. There’s also a G-Clean system, incorporating a N95 cabin filter and ioniser.
Elsewhere, every row gets charging points for mobile devices, and there are seven in all, ranging from USB Type-A and USB Type-C connections to wireless charging (the latter, from the Premium on). Convenience functions include proximity auto unlock and walk-away auto lock.
The Executive variant adds on front ventilated seats, with the driver’s side being a six-way power adjustable unit. Also going on is leatherette upholstery, an intelligent powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera with 3D display and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The next step up is the Premium, which adds on the aforementioned 19-inch wheels and wireless mobile charging. There’s also ADAS, which brings along the three new driver assist features mentioned earlier (rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and traffic sign information) and auto park assist, and the variant also gets Nappa leather upholstery, while the front passenger seat becomes a four-way power adjustable unit.
Aside from being the only model to offer the 2-2-2 six-seat layout with second row captain seats, the Flagship adds on a large panoramic sunroof and a front passenger ‘Boss’ switch, which allows the seat to be moved forward to provide more in the way of legroom for the second row occupant seated behind it.
We’ll have more on it when the time comes, but for now, read Hafriz Shah’s in-depth article on the Proton X90, covering all aspects of the SUV sighted during the preview session.
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 official images
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90, other exterior colours
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 spyshots
GALLERY: Geely Haoyue
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Mazda 8????
They sell under the Proton badge but are still more expensive compared to the Philippines and China. There’s something wrong here.
If Toyota launch the Innova Zenix here, then habislah Proton X90!
zenix similar sales turnover as fortuner and harrier
Learning from X70, this
easily 8-9km/L anytime
Was hoping for a Geely Xingyue to be the flagship X90, with Geely Haoyue to be X80…
Xingyue will be X110!
idk. that 1.5L engine will be working overtime considering this is already a heavy car. add 7 people in it and this thing would be sipping fuel like no other, mild hybrid or not.
1.6 ton is light for modern large vehicle standard considering it need to meets lots of safety criteria. Any SUV or MPV will drink fuel when loaded. If its made for carrying people or load, twisting force is what matter most.
Will the engine work overtime?
I doubt so as labour office had enforce new working time law so overtime is very limited.
LOL
1.5T? A big car with a small cock with a lot of viagra
Size doesn’t matter as long you know how yo use it brother. 1.5T should be sufficient for the job.
I dislike big cars, huge SUVs and pickups… but i und why there’re sold
Because it’s trending in Malaysia
I’m using x70 without problems for 2 years++. Now I have a family of 6, need to upgrade, x90 will be one of the choices.
Why not an Alphard ?
weeb
Hot car, may need to wait 1 year if buy so I decided to buy another one cherry tiggo 8
You have a bad taste aren’t you
3 cylinder turbo mild hybrid
too many technology
better get alza for 60k.
If one can afford something, there is no need to come up with a lame excuse.
Alza is compact size B segment MPV, X90 is D segment SUV. Proton have compact size B segment MPV last time, Ertiga RM60k but already discontinued.
Right. Low tech like in Alza is the way to go.
It’s been over 2decades and still this Co introduce rebatch cars, from mitsubishi to citroen to honda till geely, so what’s the purpose to have this national brand if they reintroduced rebatch cars only
Proton now own by geely btw. Whats national car?haha
You doesn’t understand business aren’t you. If there’s high profit possibility, why not?
It’s national brand of course however, it’s also a business. What kind of business if there’s no profit? What kind of shareholder don’t want profit? Even if it’s owned by the gov, profit always comes first. I wonder, if you’re one of the shareholder would you even think about whether their cars are rebadges or not?
will it finally come with apple car play and android auto?
Nice, got 48V + 12V dual starter.
While the fully imported Geely Okavango in Philippines price starts at RM104k but now imagine if the same car Manufactured in Malaysia starting price at RM130k you can guess it will be left in the factory.
This thing smells cheap all the way but proton choose to make it ‘premium’ lol
I kinda like the headlamps from Haoyue instead
It’s simply ugly. That 4 lidah for socalled air intake at front and rear bumper are out of place and ugly
For these specs and price 130-150k I think it’s the most worth buy new Suv around for family with more than 2 kids. Must check the review of X70 X50 so far first before buy.
Only Cx8 close fight, the rest out. I mean 6-7 seater new suv
Pls have full ADAS for all variant and auto parking for flagship and Premium
Coconut says only Flagship… The rest can live with peanuts
Tofu besar
Aaaaannnd it’s not getting the facelifted Geely Huehuehue looks nor Proton’n own design… that’s kinda suck…
Resources & design talents put to waste like always…
I thought its a good deal for 7 seat SUV. It has a powerful 1.5L engine with 255Nm torque; the same as a Toyota Fortuner.
It is priced at about 60% of the Fortuner and yet it is a bigger car with hybrid technology so it will be more fuel efficient.
Is it true…..x90 weight a bit light from x70?
Looks very interesting and price very good
3 cylinder engine generally noisy compared to the 4 cylinder. X50, BMW 318i.
Power is not bad with the electrification.
Specifications and convenient features are good especially on the highest spec.
Interior design is good. Access to the 3rd row seat is convenient.
But no AWD? This is SUV, it should have the AWD option for the highest spec model.
And please consider putting the well proven 1.8 Turbo 4 cylinder in the line up. With AWD for the Highest spec model.
no android auto and apple carplay no buy. plus hybrid? good luck considering proton geely’s world class after sales
Proton – Grill Engineering
I’m not all for Proton, but you obviously unaware of the behind the scenes redesign and reengineering LHD vehicles into RHD, while passing UNECE safety test, regulatory bodies and maintain reliability. This is not your moms & pops Aussie LHD-RHD conversion shop like they convert those Dodge Challenger and Rams, ini betul punya for mass pro brader. Not to mention the brake booster, ABS module relayout/reconfiguration, headlamp beam pattern redesign, ingat Grille saja, balik2 grille saja, grille you backside then you know laa Unker, LoL!.
Alang2 reengineering from LHD to RHD, change la the design a bit, people like Unker wont know the work has been done underneath the car. Ok la I add a bit, not just grille, badge also engineered.
Don’t you just love armchair engineers?
Most cars is or should be designed for both side driving. The engineer designer should be hanged if he didn’t. A lot of cars I’ve seen have matching holes on both sides. If converting to RHD, the holes on the chassis that was occupied by the brake booster and steering mechanism would be used for cabling and AC.
Similar mounting points on the floor and wall on both sides. Either it would be used for holding the ac unit or the steering brake cluster.
The biggest driving side specific parts would be the steering rack which can’t be flip around and the dashboard.
Or they could go the way of the forte, attach a giant metal broomstick to the brake pedal to actuate the brake on the left side.
Thats why X70 has tayar makan tepi issue.
Better stick to grill engeering.
3-cylinder + DSG + Turbo + Mild hybrid…every single of these is nightmare for long term usage, can u imagine put them altogether? Simplification is the most durable and reliable….Good luck to those buyers
Check the Haoyue in China the last row thigh support is quite bad even though the space is relatively spacious. Last row mostly suit for kid below 12 years old or adult can sit for short journey like 1-2 hours at best. Now we need to see how much it sell for the top spec. If price at RM 140 it is not gonna sell well.
Expensive but sempit
When the new Innova Zenix comes to Malaysia someday, we better compare it with the X90, then only evaluate, okay?
Any idea for P1 to launch/rebadge “Xingyue /FY11” here??
I’m using x70 without problems for 2 years++. Now I have a family of 6, need to upgrade, x90 will be one of the choices.
Nice n workable car, BUT please remove all PVC cover up the engine for future maintenance. Maybe the design cover duit to certain country.. Tiru pun mau paidah sikit yah..
If not 3 cyllinder then confirm will buy one
looks cheap and low class
Looking at the potential price tag of 120k – 150k, we could make 2 conclusion:
1. Malaysian buying power have increase now they can afford a national car with above 100k price tag
2. Proton slowly moving into premium market, leaving Jurassic PIES to cater the affordable mass market
agreed ?
Expensive saja I taw
RM123k is too expensive for the Geely Haoyue
would have been better if the engine was a bit bigger, may be 2.0 turbo. 1.5 will be too small for a big car like this.
They should do like Toyota did with the new Vios: Remove the spare tyre to offset the weak engine.
Does it comes with Plug in Hybrid?
My personal comment,
This one must use at least the 1.8 Turbo 4 cylinder. That 1.5 please reserve for cars like X50 and Persona.
Also Android Auto and Apple Car Play is a must already, since X70 until now tak kan tak boleh buat. No need so many variants, all we need is competitive pricing and good safety features.
Ini kereta made in china punya..
sparepart takda jual punya..
mesti rugi beli
Hope bashing one please don’t book, hope I got the car for raya but not wait more than 6 months
Rubbish car with rubbish specs. This car should comes with 1.3VVT NA, 14-inch rim, betamek ICE, four drum brakes, and Punch CVT’s powertrain.
Any AWD or 4WD Proton X70 and X90? Otherwise not worth buying as it can’t go to Bario,Kelabit highland or Long Bangan or Long Lelong. Name in Malaysia,made in China proton should consider the people in Borneo. We are waiting.
Kalau harga cecah RM120k-150k, baik ambil Kia Carnival lebih berbaloi.
Simply ugly & outdated design !
Hopefully the rear end of actual model is absolutely different from the pictured one here!
Geely Haoyue RM60-84k
X90 RM130-150k
Most to double price lorrrr…