GAC GS3 vs Proton X50
Verdict
The Proton X50 is the sharper buy for most Malaysian buyers at RM89,800, undercutting the GAC GS3 by RM14,000 while matching it closely for pace: 7.6 seconds to 100 km/h plays 7.5 seconds. The GS3 is the bigger car, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot against 2,600 mm and 330 litres, and it gets adaptive cruise, AEB and lane-keeping. But the X50 counters hard with 290 Nm, more airbags, auto climate control with rear vents, a larger 14.6-inch screen and unlimited-mileage warranty.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want the roomier B-SUV and you value adaptive cruise, AEB and lane-keeping assist over cabin convenience kit.
Pick the Proton X50 if you want the lower price, stronger torque, more airbags and the fuller day-to-day equipment list.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Proton X50 RM89,800
- Output: GAC GS3 177 hp/270 Nm; Proton X50 178 hp/290 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: GAC GS3 7.5 seconds; Proton X50 7.6 seconds
- Size: GAC GS3 4,410 mm long/2,650 mm wheelbase; Proton X50 4,380 mm long/2,600 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Proton X50 330 litres
- Warranty mileage: GAC GS3 150,000 km; Proton X50 unlimited
GS3
- Longer body and wheelbase than the X50
- Slightly larger 341-litre boot
- Adaptive cruise control, AEB, collision warning and lane-keeping assist
- RM14,000 dearer
- Only driver and front passenger airbags versus the X50's side and curtain coverage
- Manual air-con and no rear air vents
X50
- Lower RM89,800 price
- Higher torque at 290 Nm
- More comfort and convenience kit, including auto climate control, rear vents, auto headlamps and auto wipers
- Smaller 330-litre boot and shorter 2,600 mm wheelbase
- No AEB, lane-keeping assist or collision warning
- Passive cruise control instead of adaptive cruise
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 103,800 | RM 89,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | 178 hp✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 290 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 7.6 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,351 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres✓ | 330 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | GitiComfort F50 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 6 Times Free Labour Servicing |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
GS3 vs X50 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Proton X50 better?
The Proton X50 is better for most buyers because it costs RM14,000 less, has more airbags, more torque and stronger comfort kit. Choose the GAC GS3 if space and active driver assistance matter more.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800, while the Proton X50 costs RM89,800. That makes the GS3 RM14,000 more expensive.
Which one is quicker and more spacious?
The GAC GS3 is marginally quicker at 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h versus 7.6 seconds. It is also larger, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot against the X50's 2,600 mm and 330 litres.