2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

Click to enlarge

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.

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

Click to enlarge

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.

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

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.

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

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.

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

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.

2023 Proton X90 – first official pics of the 6/7-seater SUV; 190 PS mild hybrid; 4 variants; previews in April

Geely Haoyue panoramic sunroof, similar to X90.

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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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Mazda 8????

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 6
    • Ex Proton Fanboi on Mar 29, 2023 at 5:27 am

      They sell under the Proton badge but are still more expensive compared to the Philippines and China. There’s something wrong here.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 49 Thumb down 6
      • Roti john on Mar 29, 2023 at 10:05 am

        If Toyota launch the Innova Zenix here, then habislah Proton X90!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 17
        • Daihatsu Axia on Mar 29, 2023 at 10:34 am

          zenix similar sales turnover as fortuner and harrier

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
          • Civic Turbo 2018 on Mar 29, 2023 at 2:47 pm

            Learning from X70, this
            easily 8-9km/L anytime

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Donno on Mar 28, 2023 at 6:39 pm

    Was hoping for a Geely Xingyue to be the flagship X90, with Geely Haoyue to be X80…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • anonymous on Mar 28, 2023 at 6:42 pm

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 47 Thumb down 20
    • Maybe on Mar 28, 2023 at 11:08 pm

      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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 9
    • M50B25 on Mar 29, 2023 at 8:02 am

      1.5T? A big car with a small cock with a lot of viagra

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 6
      • Asian size on Apr 06, 2023 at 10:55 am

        Size doesn’t matter as long you know how yo use it brother. 1.5T should be sufficient for the job.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • I dislike big cars, huge SUVs and pickups… but i und why there’re sold

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
  • Cherry on Mar 28, 2023 at 7:01 pm

    Hot car, may need to wait 1 year if buy so I decided to buy another one cherry tiggo 8

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • 3 cylinder turbo mild hybrid

    too many technology

    better get alza for 60k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 46
    • If one can afford something, there is no need to come up with a lame excuse.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 2
    • 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.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
    • Right. Low tech like in Alza is the way to go.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
  • Phuddi sung lee on Mar 28, 2023 at 7:19 pm

    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

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 42 Thumb down 19
    • Proton now own by geely btw. Whats national car?haha

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
    • Concerned citizen on Mar 29, 2023 at 1:47 am

      You doesn’t understand business aren’t you. If there’s high profit possibility, why not?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 9
    • tapsoba on Apr 01, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      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?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • will it finally come with apple car play and android auto?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 19
  • Nice, got 48V + 12V dual starter.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Bob Mal on Mar 28, 2023 at 8:24 pm

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 6
    • This thing smells cheap all the way but proton choose to make it ‘premium’ lol

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 11
  • Panda on Mar 28, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    I kinda like the headlamps from Haoyue instead

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • It’s simply ugly. That 4 lidah for socalled air intake at front and rear bumper are out of place and ugly

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 7
  • 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

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • kckfen on Mar 28, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    Pls have full ADAS for all variant and auto parking for flagship and Premium

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • BomohM on Apr 02, 2023 at 6:52 pm

      Coconut says only Flagship… The rest can live with peanuts

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • PahlawanSamudera on Mar 28, 2023 at 11:47 pm

    Tofu besar

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • AkooIm on Mar 28, 2023 at 11:48 pm

    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…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • 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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  • Is it true…..x90 weight a bit light from x70?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Dale Richardson on Mar 29, 2023 at 5:34 am

    Looks very interesting and price very good

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • tricycle on Mar 29, 2023 at 6:53 am

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
  • REAL X70 OWNER WITH CAR STUCK AT WORKSHOP (FRUSTRATED) on Mar 29, 2023 at 7:36 am

    no android auto and apple carplay no buy. plus hybrid? good luck considering proton geely’s world class after sales

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 26
  • Unker on Mar 29, 2023 at 8:15 am

    Proton – Grill Engineering

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 10
    • Emergency Vehicles on Mar 29, 2023 at 9:14 am

      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!.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 4
      • Unker on Mar 29, 2023 at 2:36 pm

        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.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
      • Hantu Raya on Apr 01, 2023 at 4:02 am

        Don’t you just love armchair engineers?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Mr Nobody on Apr 09, 2023 at 2:07 pm

        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.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Sohai on Apr 09, 2023 at 4:42 pm

        Thats why X70 has tayar makan tepi issue.
        Better stick to grill engeering.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • RyanT on Mar 29, 2023 at 9:13 am

    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

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 12
  • Autodriver on Mar 29, 2023 at 9:24 am

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
    • Alief on Mar 29, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      Expensive but sempit

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Outalingam Crap on Apr 02, 2023 at 2:00 am

      When the new Innova Zenix comes to Malaysia someday, we better compare it with the X90, then only evaluate, okay?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • @NotBruceWayne on Mar 29, 2023 at 9:44 am

    Any idea for P1 to launch/rebadge “Xingyue /FY11” here??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • 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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
  • Yaw Cheng on Mar 29, 2023 at 10:23 am

    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..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • If not 3 cyllinder then confirm will buy one

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • albag on Mar 29, 2023 at 11:40 am

    looks cheap and low class

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 6
  • Mr Mar on Mar 29, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    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 ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Aleif on Mar 29, 2023 at 1:17 pm

    RM123k is too expensive for the Geely Haoyue

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • sanac on Mar 29, 2023 at 1:20 pm

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
    • sonos on Apr 01, 2023 at 6:22 am

      They should do like Toyota did with the new Vios: Remove the spare tyre to offset the weak engine.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Loo Boon Hock on Mar 29, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    Does it comes with Plug in Hybrid?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • March on Mar 29, 2023 at 9:18 pm

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 19
  • Brandon on Mar 31, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    Ini kereta made in china punya..
    sparepart takda jual punya..

    mesti rugi beli

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Book aja on Apr 01, 2023 at 9:50 am

    Hope bashing one please don’t book, hope I got the car for raya but not wait more than 6 months

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • 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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • Samak Lyne on Apr 01, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Ajai20 on Apr 01, 2023 at 10:30 pm

    Kalau harga cecah RM120k-150k, baik ambil Kia Carnival lebih berbaloi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Eddie on Apr 02, 2023 at 12:27 am

    Simply ugly & outdated design !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Syaiful Nizam Hassan on Apr 03, 2023 at 11:19 am

    Hopefully the rear end of actual model is absolutely different from the pictured one here!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Afifa on Apr 05, 2023 at 11:50 pm

    Geely Haoyue RM60-84k
    X90 RM130-150k

    Most to double price lorrrr…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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