Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 costs RM14,000 more than the RM89,800 Proton X50. It is the quicker car by a tenth to 100 km/h, and its 2,650-mm wheelbase, 341-litre boot and 18-inch tyres give it useful paper advantages for carrying people and luggage. The X50 counters with 290 Nm, six airbags, a 14.6-inch screen and more parking hardware. Its passive cruise control is a clear step down from the GS3’s adaptive system, but the GAC’s two airbags are difficult to overlook.
Pick the GAC GS3 if adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and a larger cabin footprint matter more than the RM14,000 saving.
Pick the Proton X50 if you want six airbags, 290 Nm, a larger 14.6-inch touchscreen and more convenience equipment for RM89,800.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Proton X50 RM89,800.
- Torque: GAC GS3 270 Nm; Proton X50 290 Nm.
- Airbags: GAC GS3 driver and front passenger airbags; Proton X50 six airbags including front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
- Wheelbase: GAC GS3 2,650 mm; Proton X50 2,600 mm.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Proton X50 330 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: GAC GS3 18-inch alloys with 225/55R18 tyres; Proton X50 17-inch alloys with 215/60R17 tyres.
GS3
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction.
- Longer 2,650-mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot.
- 177 hp gives a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Only two airbags versus the X50’s six.
- Costs RM14,000 more.
- Has fewer parking sensors: no front sensors and three rear sensors, against the X50’s two front and four rear.
X50
- Six airbags, including front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
- 290 Nm torque and a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Auto headlamps, auto wipers, navigation and remote boot activation are fitted.
- Passive cruise control versus the GS3’s adaptive cruise control.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or collision warning.
- Shorter 2,600-mm wheelbase and smaller 330-litre boot.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM89,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| 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✓ |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
Used GS3 & X50 for sale
GS3 vs X50 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Proton X50 better?
The Proton X50 is the stronger value choice: it is RM14,000 cheaper, has six airbags and 290 Nm. Choose the GAC GS3 for autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction, adaptive cruise control, a 2,650-mm wheelbase and a 341-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 and the Proton X50 costs RM89,800, so the GS3 is RM14,000 dearer.
Which has the better safety equipment?
They split the result. The Proton X50 has six airbags to the GS3’s two, while the GS3 has autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping steering correction that the X50 lacks.