Android users, finally! The 2025 Proton X70 facelift is now available with Android Auto. Coupled with Apple CarPlay that was rolled out late last year for the refreshed SUV, AACP is now complete, and the X70 facelift is the first Proton to have the phone mirroring functions – no more ugly phone holders!
Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be connected wirelessly (you can also connect with a wire, of course) and now Android smartphone users can ‘see their phone’ on the X70 facelift’s new and enlarged 12.3-inch touchscreen. With this, Maps, other Google apps, Spotify and more can be displayed on the car’s nice big screen. To get back to the IHU, click on the Proton logo.
After much work, the X70 facelift’s infotainment system was designed for AACP, but the features weren’t available at launch (August 2024, read our launch report) as there was certification work to complete.
With AACP integration and certification now complete, we can expect it to feature in upcoming Proton models from launch.
Proton X70 owners can now access MYTV Mana-Mana’s extensive content library directly through their IHU-enabled vehicles using Proton’s pre-installed internet connectivity, thanks to a collaboration between MYTV, Aco Tech and Proton.
MYTV Mana-Mana offers 23 local and international TV channels, 22 live radio stations, and over 1,800 video-on-demand titles. Users can begin watching in the car and continue later on smartphones or other devices. Also, internet-based radio streaming negates the need to change FM frequencies as you travel interstate.
MYTV digital terrestrial television last year achieved 7.5 million viewers (+19.4% year-on-year), and the Mana-Mana app, launched in July 2023, has surpassed half a million downloads, nine million cumulative views and is maintaining over 180,000 active users monthly.
“In line with the latest technology, MYTV is committed to providing access to all Proton car owners with high-quality entertainment and information via MYTV Mana-Mana app starting with the X70 model,” said Altel Holdings (holding company of MYTV) acting group CEO Helmi Mohamed Harith.
“I’ve been informed that MYTV and the Commercial Radio Malaysia (CRM) association plan to engage with the investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI) to explore the feasibility of integrating this application into the infotainment head units of vehicles, including EVs,” communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said at the launch, according to Bernama.
He added that MYTV has made efforts to introduce the digital TV service on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad‘s (KTMB) business-class carriages, and that it could make its way to in-flight entertainment in the future as well.
Yesterday, Proton indicated that the much-anticipated Apple CarPlay update for its Proton X70 facelift had come about, announcing the availability via a video on Facebook, which showed how to install feature the over-the-air (OTA) update.
While all X70 FL owners will get the update, it won’t happen immediately for everyone. In a statement issued earlier today, the national automaker said the OTA update will be introduced in batches following its rollout yesterday. It said that owners will receive the OTA notifications in batches, and when they do, will only need to follow a few steps to download the connectivity feature to their vehicle. They are:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
Although the X70 facelift’s infotainment system is capable of wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (AACP), the CarPlay feature wasn’t available at launch time as there was certification work to complete, the company said. Earlier this month, an owner shared his phone and car screens in the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion FB group, showing the familiar Apple CarPlay home screen on the X70 FL’s new and enlarged 12.3-inch IHU screen.
Owners of models launched before the X70 FL such as the X90 SUV, S70 sedan and the recently introduced X50 RC, will unfortunately not be getting AACP. As for Android users, they’ll just have to remain patient for its inclusion into the mix.
Proton has officially announced that Apple CarPlay is now available on the Proton X70 facelift, posting a video on Facebook on how to install the over-the-air (OTA) update. You can also read the steps here:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
Although the X70 facelift’s infotainment system is capable of wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (AACP), the service wasn’t available at launch time as Proton had some certification work to complete. Earlier this month, an owner shared his phone and car screens in the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion FB group, showing the familiar Apple CarPlay home screen on the X70 FL’s new and enlarged 12.3-inch IHU screen.
It’s here! Owners of the 2025 Proton X70 facelift are starting to get OTA updates for Apple CarPlay, making the X70 FL the first Proton model to officially come with the function. Apparently, Android Auto isn’t ready yet, so it’s just for iPhone users now.
As reported, wireless AACP was built into the SUV’s new infotainment system, but weren’t available at launch as Proton had some certification work to complete. It looks like they’re ready now.
Proton X70 facelift owner Syafiq Ismail shared his phone and car screens in the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook, showing the familiar Apple CarPlay home screen on the X70 FL’s new and enlarged 12.3-inch IHU screen – see his pics above.
“Finally! At last! I’ve heard that the update will be released in stages. By the way let’s all welcome Proton Cars to the 21st century but hey, it’s better late than never right?,” the happy owner posted. So, now that Proton has started rolling out the OTA update, expect to see it soon in your fresh X70, which should still have that new car smell.
Behind the new 12.3-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen is a system powered by Atlas 2.0. The IHU’s hardware has been upgraded to dual quad-core processors, 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. USB-C ports are now available, mixed with USB-A to cater to all cables. Next to the screen is a new dashboard decor panel, a gloss black insert that incorporates 72-colour ambient lighting with a ‘rhythmic’ function. The 7.0-inch digital meter panel has a new look.
AACP has been a long time coming from Proton, but as they all say, better late than never. X70 facelift owners, congratulations and look out for the update. As Proton uses OTA updates, there’s no need to go to the service centre, as Perodua Alza owners had to back in 2022 for the AV’s Apple CarPlay.
The facelifted 2025 Proton X70 was launched in August and we’ve finally gotten our hands on one in Jet Grey. If you’ve been waiting to get a closer look at the refreshed C-segment SUV, we now have a full live gallery for you to pore over to your heart’s content.
Available in the same four variants as before, the X70 is priced at RM98,800 for the Standard, RM110,800 for the Executive and RM123,800 for the Premium. The unit you see here is the range-topping Premium X with a panoramic glass sunroof, retailing at RM126,800. These figures are the same as before, and there’s even a RM7,000 rebate for the first 3,000 customers, bringing the starting price down to RM91,800.
The X70 has been the recipient of several powertrain and refinement updates, but this round it’s all about the looks. The car has received its first proper facelift since going on sale six years ago, drawing from its sibling, the 2022 Geely Boyue.
At the front sits a much bolder grille that sits proud of the fascia, with the same songket pins as the X90. This is flanked by slimmer full-LED reflector headlights, sitting above a re-profiled bumper with a “wing” design. The bonnet and front fenders have also been tweaked to fit the new parts, so converting an existing X70 to the new look will be a costly and time-consuming endeavour.
Moving to the rear, you’ll find a redesigned rear bumper with horizontal reflectors, fake corner air vents and a taller gloss black decorative skid plate. This piece is unique to the Proton and isn’t fitted to any other Boyue model. The taillights remain the same, however – unlike the Boyue Pro/Azkarra that shares the same front end. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter as before, but the Executive and Premium models gain new designs for their 18- and 19-inch rollers.
Inside, the X70’s basic dashboard remains, but the trim piece that runs the full width of the car has been revised. Again, this is of a bespoke design to fit the larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen from the X90 (the 2022 Boyue is a 10.25-inch unit), “floating” above the fascia. As before, the display runs on the Atlas operating system, but the hardware underneath has been upgraded to dual quad-core processors, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage.
None of this, however, is quite as big as change as the long-awaited inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This has yet to come to our test car, unfortunately, but it will be added via an over-the-air software update once Proton has secured the licencing for CarPlay.
Other upgrades include a USB-C port in the storage compartments on either side of the centre console (oddly only on the passenger side), as well as one more at the rear to complement the other USB-A ports. The USB port on the headlining (to mount a dash cam) has also been moved to the right side of the windscreen camera module to make it more accessible.
Elsewhere, the digital instrument display remains a seven-inch unit, but the graphics have been updated style as seen in the X90 and S70, necessitating a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel from the X50 and S70. One baffling downgrade is the sound system, which has gone from nine speakers to just six, and you also lose the Kenwood branding and the rear subwoofer
The redesigned dashboard decor has also enabled the fitment of a 72-colour ambient lighting system (Premium and Premium X only), replete with a “rhythmic” function that pulses according to the music being played. You can check out the range of different colours available in the gallery below. Lastly, the X70 now comes with proximity locking and unlocking and remote engine start on all variants.
All models also now get LED headlights and at least faux leather (previously fabric) as standard, joining a kit list that includes push-button start, dual-zone climate control and an air ioniser. The Executive model adds welcome lighting, auto wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and front seat ventilation.
Premium models gain the aforementioned ambient lighting and a new Stone Grey hue for the Nappa leather upholstery, plus a new stitch pattern for the door cards. The hands-free powered tailgate now uses a proximity sensor, opening when it detects a person standing with the key behind the car after three seconds.
Unfortunately, there’s no longer a kick sensor under the bumper, meaning you’ll have to close the tailgate yourself. Other Premium-exclusive features include driver’s side lumbar adjustment and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with “boss” shoulder switches.
With the facelift comes an upgraded suite of driver assists from the X50, X90 and S70. The adaptive cruise control now comes with a stop and go function and lane centring assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. You also now get traffic sign recognition and rear collision warning on top of the usual autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and auto high beam.
However, these features are once again only offered on the Premium variants – the other models get none of them, not even AEB, which is unacceptable at this price range. Six airbags and stability control are fitted as standard, as before.
Mechanically, the X70 retains its 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing an identical 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. However, improvements in combustion, thermal management and friction reduction has resulted in a four per cent improvement in fuel efficiency, with a consumption figure of 7.3 litres per 100 km.
This has an added side effect in reducing noise, vibration and harshness at low speeds, in concert with a quieter AC compressor, increased betafoam usage in more locations and the use of a high-viscosity adhesive on the body-in-white. Drive continues to be sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission; the all-wheel-drive Executive variant has been dropped due to low demand.
Proton has launched the 2025 Proton X70 facelift in East Malaysia, two weeks after the C-segment SUV’s debut in the west. Prices in Sabah and Sarawak are RM2,000 higher than the RRP in Peninsular Malaysia, which means it’s RM100,800 for the Standard, RM112,800 for the Executive, RM125,800 for the Premium and RM128,800 for the Premium X, on-the-road without insurance.
“We are thrilled to introduce the 2025 Proton X70 to East Malaysia, an important region with opportunities to enhance market shares. This ceremony is more than just about unveiling a new vehicle; it is about reinforcing our commitment to East Malaysia,” said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.
“The unique needs of buyers here and their strong connection to the brand have always driven us to deliver the best products and services. With its updated features and refined styling, we are hopeful the 2025 Proton X70 will drive Proton to the head of the premium SUV market in East Malaysia,” he added.
Proton says that it is offering up to RM23,500 worth of added value at no extra cost for the first 3,000 customers of the X70 facelift. This includes the RM13,700 of value from the new/improved equipment list, a RM7,000 cash rebate (for all variants), trade in support of up to RM2,800 (non-Proton vehicles get RM2,000) and a Proton Insurance Programme upgrade.
The standard warranty package is five years unlimited with six times free labour service. Buyers will also get a five-year data package of 1GB per month.
To address concerns about parts availability in East Malaysia, Proton says that it has made substantial investments in its parts network by opening two new regional parts centres (RPC) – one in Kuching (February 2023) and another in Kota Kinabalu, launched three weeks ago. “These RPCs significantly boost the company’s parts managing capability, ensuring that Sabah and Sarawak customers receive prompt and reliable service,” Proton says.
Full details on the 2025 X70 facelift in our launch report. Also join our video tour of the refreshed SUV below and browse the galleries.
That means that the refreshed C-segment SUV starts from RM98,800 for the Standard, while the mid-spec Executive goes for RM110,800. The top-spec Premium is RM123,800 and if you want a panoramic glass roof, the Premium X is yours for RM126,800, all on-the-road without insurance.
The early bird package is for the first 3,000 customers, and the carrot is quite a juicy one. A RM7,000 cash rebate for all variants brings the entry price to just RM91,800. Proton is also offering trade-in support of RM2,800 for Proton cars and RM2,000 for other makes – this lowers the price to below the RM90k mark. There’s also a Proton Insurance Programme upgrade.
So, what do you get for the money? The X70 has been on our roads for over five and a half years (since December 2018) with the same looks, so a facelift is much welcomed. Thankfully, this is a pretty big one that no one would be mistaking for the pre-facelift. New aesthetic bits include the grille, headlamps, bumpers (front and back), front fenders and bonnet. New 18- and 19-inch wheels too.
Inside, the most obvious change is a new dashboard decor panel, a gloss black insert that incorporates 72-colour ambient lighting with a ‘rhythmic’ function. Next to it is a larger ‘floating’ 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Atlas 2.0, which debuts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a Proton. Wireless AACP is not available at launch, but there will be a free OTA update for owners later.
Also, the IHU’s hardware has been upgraded to dual quad-core processors, 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. USB-C ports are now available, mixed with USB-A. We found changes in the sound system too – join our in-and-out video tour above where Hafriz Shah explains the differences.
Elsewhere, the X70 receives the brand’s latest steering wheel as seen on the X50/S70, and Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery with a new criss-cross stitch pattern on the door cards – no more brown. The 7.0-inch digital meter panel is no larger than before, but it gets new graphics. Convenience wise, walk away auto lock and the ‘Nearby Auto Open’ tailgate would really be handy at the grocer.
Another addition is the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features to bring the X70 to the level of the X50 and S70. This includes a stop-and-go function and lane centring assist added to the adaptive cruise control, plus traffic sign recognition. However, ADAS is unfortunately reserved for the Premium.
Under that curvy new hood, the X70 retains the 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi three-cylinder engine from the MC, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Drive from the Tg Malim-made engine is sent to the front wheels (no more AWD variant, 2WD across the board now) via a revised seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with manual mode.
Proton claims fuel economy of 7.3 litres per 100 km, which is a 4% reduction from the 2022 model. This has been achieved via combustion efficiency, thermal management and friction reduction, with a positive side effect of low speed NVH improvement. NVH also gains from a quieter AC compressor, more ‘betafoam’ in more locations and the use of a high-viscosity adhesive on the body-in-white.
Join our video tour and if you haven’t already done so, check out our launch report for full details on the Proton X70 facelift. What do you think of its price/package and the new looks?
We showed you the 2025 Proton X70 facelift earlier this month in full, but Proton kept one important element for the launch – the price. Now that the refreshed SUV is officially launched, we can reveal that the X70 has the same price as before.
Price was the X70’s original calling card, and in the face of competition (Chery has entered the chat), Proton has decided to maintain RRPs for its C-segment SUV despite offering more/improved kit that is worth a combined RM13,700, Proton says.
The X70 facelift is available in four variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X (the latter is the Premium with a panoramic sunroof), priced at RM98,800, RM110,800, RM123,800 and RM126,800 respectively, on-the-road without insurance.
As usual, there’s an early bird package, and this time, it’s for the first 3,000 customers. The carrot is a RM7,000 cash rebate (for all variants, bringing the entry price to just RM91,800), trade in support of up to RM2,800 (non-Proton vehicles get RM2,000) and a Proton Insurance Programme upgrade. Practically, this would mean a smaller downpaymemt. The standard warranty package is five years unlimited with six times free labour service. Buyers will also get a five-year data package of 1GB per month.
A much-needed facelift
So what’s new? First up, the most important aspect – aesthetics. The X70 has been looking a bit tired, and that’s not a knock on the Boyue-based SUV – the first Proton-Geely model – it’s just ageing. Proton’s once flagship model (they have the X90 now) has been on our roads for over five and a half years (since December 2018) with the same looks, and this is before factoring in the raft of fresh entrants in the very competitive SUV market. Some have took direct, explicit aim at the X70, and P1 has been taking the hits.
So, it’s a good thing that this facelift is a big one that really transforms the X70’s looks, so big that it’ll be a pretty costly endeavour if you try to DIY a pre-facelift car. The most obvious item is that big, bold grille; the pentagonal nose filled with Proton’s Infinite Weave design and songket diamond pins. Flanking it are full-LED reflector headlights that are much slimmer than before.
These, along with a restyled front bumper, means that no one will mistake your facelifted X70 for an old one. Remember the ‘susah to mod’ part? The new headlamps are big enough a hassle, but note that the front fenders and bonnet are also new to match the lights/grille. The hood is more sculpted and has two bulges down the middle.
By the way, this is the look of the facelifted 2022 Geely Boyue, but interestingly, the rear bumper has been redesigned with horizontal (as opposed to vertical) reflectors and fake corner air outlets. This appears to be a Proton in-house designed item that is supposed to give the X70 the impression of a wider stance. No changes to the tail lamps, though.
The X70 facelift gets new wheels to complete the exterior changes – 19-inch two-tone units for the Premium and Premium X (225/55 Continental UC6 tyres), and 18-inch two-tone for the Executive (225/60 GT Radial Savero tyres). The 17-inch single-tone rims and 225/65 tyres on the Standard have been carried forward.
AACP debuts in updated cabin
Inside, the most obvious change is a new dashboard decor panel that again looks to be unique to the Proton. The gloss black insert is most obvious on the passenger side, which incorporates 72-colour ambient lighting with a ‘rhythmic’ function that changes colour according to the music played.
Next to it is a larger ‘floating’ 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Atlas 2.0, which wait for it… debuts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a Proton. Yes, finally! Note that wireless AACP will not be available at launch, but the X70 facelift is designed for it and owners will get a free OTA update for the phone mirroring functions once ‘paperwork’ is complete. Also, the IHU’s hardware has been upgraded to dual quad-core processors, 4GB RAM and 32GB storage.
The tech upgrade also sees the USB port on the centre console side compartments to USB-C (only on the passenger side; the driver’s side maintains a USB-A port), while at the rear you get a USB-A and USB-C port each. The dashcam USB port has also been moved from the headliner to the right side of the windscreen ADAS camera module to make it more accessible. In total there are five USB ports.
Proton did not announce any changes to the sound system (six speakers across the range now, Premium had nine before), but we did notice that the the speakers have lost their Kenwood branding and the subwoofer over the spare tyre is gone. There are, however, new tweeters on the A-pillars.
Elsewhere, the X70 receives the brand’s latest three-spoke steering wheel as seen on the X50 and S70, and Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery with a new criss-cross stitch pattern on the door cards. It’s a darker theme compared to the previous brown, which Proton says gives a more premium feel in a European sense. The Executive gets black leatherette upholstery and it’s black fabric for the Standard.
The 7.0-inch digital meter panel is no larger than before, but it gets new graphics from the big screens of the X90/S70 for a more modern look. The fuel and temperature gauges on either side of the screen have also been redesigned.
Convenience wise, the new proximity locking/unlocking (walk away auto lock) and Nearby Auto Open hands-free tailgate would really be handy at the grocer. Basically, the car detects the key and opens the hatch – there’s no more kick sensor. We also noticed some changes to the gear lever – the design of the protrusion remains, but the park button has been moved and there’s a new shift pattern.
ADAS and ICE improvements
Another addition is the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features to bring the X70 to the level of the X50 and S70. This includes a stop-and-go function and lane centring assist added to the adaptive cruise control, plus traffic sign recognition.
The other features in the pack include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Centring Control, Lane Change Assist (blind spot monitoring), Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Intelligent High Beam Control.
However, note that ADAS is reserved for the high-end Premium and Premium X variants, which is unfortunately a normal practice for Proton. Curiously, Automatic Parking Assist (APA) is absent here – the X50 and X90 have auto parking.
Click to enlarge
Under that curvy new hood, the X70 retains the 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi three-cylinder engine from the MC, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Drive from the Tg Malim-made engine is sent to the front wheels (no more AWD variant, 2WD across the board now) via a revised seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with manual mode.
Proton claims fuel economy of 7.3 litres per 100 km, which is a 4% reduction from the 2022 model. This has been achieved via combustion efficiency, thermal management and friction reduction, with a positive side effect of low speed NVH improvement. NVH also gains from a quieter AC compressor, more ‘betafoam’ in more locations and the use of a high-viscosity adhesive on the body-in-white.
Kit wise, apart from ADAS reserved for the Premium, the X70 has always been generous. Aside from the equipment already mentioned above, available goodies include powered and ventilated front seats, ‘boss switch’ adjustment on the front passenger seat, auto dual-zone air con with air purifier and rear vents, auto wipers, front welcome lamps (Proton logo), ‘Hi Proton’ voice command and remote control via the Proton Link app.
Click to enlarge
There’s also electronic parking brake with auto hold, 360-degree camera (now with 3D display), tyre pressure monitoring, security window tint (Ionix brand, Premium onwards) and six airbags across the range. We’ve attached the spec breakdown above for you to see which variant gets what.
By the way, Proton says that the latest X70 has 360 new parts and R&D took up 290,000 man hours. The SUV was then road tested for 4.2 million km (that’s 11 trips from the earth to the moon, the carmaker says). As for colours, Marine Blue is new to the model and it joins Ruby Red, Snow White, Armour Silver and Jet Grey. Blue and red are reserved for the Premium onwards.
To recap, the 2025 Proton X70 facelift prices are RM98,800 for the Standard, RM110,800 for the Executive, RM123,800 for the Premium and RM126,800 for the Premium X with a glass roof. Take RM7,000 off those figures if you’re one of the first 3,000 buyers. Check out the spec breakdown above, watch our walk-around video below, and tell us what you think of the X70’s price/package and the new looks.
The 2025 Proton X70 facelift will be officially launched on August 15. That’s seven days more till the price reveal of the refreshed SUV, which we’ve detailed in full last week.
Proton posted a ‘7 days to go’ graphic on its social media, saying that “Malaysia’s best-selling premium SUV is about to redefine expectations. Just seven days until the grand unveiling of the 2025 Proton X70. Experience ‘Intelligence That Inspires’ live on 15 August”. The post was accompanied by a registration of interest link.
This 2025 facelift is a big deal for the X70, as this is the first big refresh since the SUV – Proton’s first Geely-based model – was launched way back in December 2018. Since then, the C-segment SUV has gone CKD and received some updates before reaching the 100,000 units sales landmark.
Like the new face? There’s more to the fresh look than just a new grille, and there are even some unique-to-Proton parts seen here too, which isn’t found on the Geely Boyue – full story here. Looks aside, the big news is the debut of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a Proton, along with a bigger screen/upgraded infotainment system. New ambient lighting and cabin colour theme too, among other interior changes – see more here.
Click to enlarge
Under the new hood, the X70 retains the 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi three-cylinder engine from the MC, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels (no more AWD variant) via a revised seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Proton claims fuel economy of 7.3 litres per 100 km, which is a 4% reduction from the 2022 model. This has been achieved via combustion efficiency, thermal management and friction reduction, with a positive side effect of low speed NVH improvement.
The X70 facelift will be available in four variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X. Basically, the ‘X’ is the Premium with the addition of a panoramic sunroof. Pricing will be revealed at the launch event, but for reference, the outgoing model is priced at RM98,800 for the Standard, RM110,800 for the Executive, RM116,800 for the Executive AWD, RM123,800 for the Premium and RM126,800 for the Premium X.
Check out our video and gallery below, and then tell us what do you think of the 2025 Proton X70 facelift. Full details here.
First up, the most important aspect – aesthetics. The X70 has been looking a bit tired, and that’s not a knock on the Boyue-based SUV, it’s just ageing. Proton’s once flagship model has been on our roads for over five and a half years now with the same looks, and this is before factoring in the raft of fresh entrants in the very competitive SUV market. Some have took direct, explicit aim at the X70, and P1 has been taking the hits.
So, it’s a good thing that this facelift is a big one that really transforms the X70’s looks, so big that it’ll be a pretty costly endeavour if you try to DIY a pre-facelift car. The most obvious item is that big, bold grille; the pentagonal nose filled with Proton’s Infinite Weave design and songket diamond pins. Flanking it are full-LED reflector headlights that are much slimmer than before.
These, along with restyled front bumper, means that no one will mistake your X70 facelift from an old one. Remember the ‘susah to DIY’ part? You’ll have to get new headlamps, but note that the front fenders bonnet are also new to match the lights/grille. The shapely hood has two spines down the middle.
This is the look of the facelifted 2022 Geely Boyue, but interestingly, the rear bumper has been redesigned with horizontal (as opposed to vertical) reflectors and fake corner air outlets. This appears to be a Proton in-house designed unit and isn’t shared with any Geely model. This supposedly gives the X70 the impression of a wider stance. No changes to the tail lamps, though.
The X70 facelift gets new wheels to complete the exterior changes – 19-inch two-tone units for the Premium and Premium X, and 18-inch two-tone for the Executive.
Inside, the most obvious change is a new dashboard decor panel that again looks to be unique to the Proton. The gloss black insert is most obvious on the passenger side, which incorporates 72-colour ambient lighting with a ‘rhythmic’ function that changes colour according to the music played. Next to it is a larger ‘floating’ 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Atlas 2.0, which debuts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a Proton. Finally!
Note that AACP will not be available at launch, but the X70 facelift is designed for it and owners will get a free OTA update for the phone mirroring functions in due time. The IHU’s hardware has been upgraded to dual quad-core processors, 4GB RAM and 32 GB storage.
The tech upgrade also sees the USB port on the centre console side compartments to USB-C (weirdly, only on the passenger side; the driver’s side remains a USB-A port), while at the rear you get a USB-A and USB-C port each. The dash cam USB port has also been moved from the headliner to the right side of the windscreen ADAS camera module to make it more accessible.
Proton did not announce any changes to the sound system (six speakers across the range), but we did notice it has lost its Kenwood branding and the subwoofer over the spare tyre is gone. There are, however, new tweeters on the A-pillars.
Elsewhere, the X70 receives the brand’s latest three-spoke steering wheel as seen on the X50 and S70 and Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery with a new criss-cross stitching pattern on the door cards. This darker theme replaces the previous brown. The 7.0-inch digital meter panel is no larger, but it gets new graphics from the X90/S70 for a more modern look. The fuel and temperature gauges on either side of the screen have also been redesigned.
Convenience wise, the new proximity locking/unlocking (walk away auto lock) and Nearby Auto Open hands-free tailgate would really be handy at the grocer. Basically, the car detects the key and opens the hatch – there’s no more kick sensor. We also noticed some changes to the gear lever – the design of the protrusion remains, but the park button has been moved and there’s a new shift pattern.
Another addition is the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features to match the X50 and S70. This includes a stop-and-go function and lane centring assist added to the adaptive cruise control, plus traffic sign recognition.
The other features in the pack include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Centring Control, Lane Change Assist (blind spot monitoring), Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning and Intelligent High Beam Control. However, note that ADAS is reserved for the high-end Premium and Premium X variants, which is the normal practice for Proton.
Under the new hood, the X70 retains the 1.5-litre turbocharged TGDi three-cylinder engine from the MC, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels (no AWD variant, it’s 2WD across the board now) via a revised seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Proton claims fuel economy of 7.3 litres per 100 km, which is a 4% reduction from the 2022 model. This has been achieved via combustion efficiency, thermal management and friction reduction, with a positive side effect of low speed NVH improvement.
The X70 facelift will be available in four variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X. Basically, the ‘X’ is the Premium with the addition of a panoramic sunroof. We’ve attached the spec breakdown below for you to see which variant gets what. As for colours, Marine Blue is new and nice, joining Ruby Red, Snow White, Armour Silver and Jet Grey.
By the way, Proton says that the latest X70 has 360 new parts and R&D took up 290,000 man hours. The SUV was then road tested for 4.2 million km. Prices have yet to be revealed, so you’ll have to stay tuned for this all-important piece of info. As reference, the outgoing model is priced at RM98,800 for the Standard, RM110,800 for the Executive, RM116,800 for the Executive AWD, RM123,800 for the Premium and RM126,800 for the Premium X.
For now, what do you think of the Proton X70 facelift? Like the new face and interior touches/updates?
The Proton X70 facelift has been previously been sighted a number of times, but always disguised to mask its looks, even up to when it was seen out in the open earlier this month. Now, it has been spotted for the first time without camo in a photo sent in by reader Prince El Rachid.
The image shows the front half of the refreshed SUV, uncovered, presumably undergoing what looks to be a TVC shoot, offering a clear view of the vehicle’s new face. There’s a new bumper as well as slimmer, reprofiled LED headlights and a new grille design – with cascading pin motifs – that was partially shown in earlier spy shots.
As highlighted previously, the car also gets a new wheel design, in this case similar in styling to that used on the Geely Boyue update that emerged in 2022. No view of the rear, so the changes there will have to wait to be documented when the time comes.
Aside from the exterior changes, it has been ventured that the refresh doesn’t alter the interior, with the reworked car set to offer the same Hangzhou Bay Bridge-inspired dashboard design as seen on the current model.
The tech however should get an upgrade, with the facelift tipped to add a new steering wheel, seven-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen – all lifted from the newer X50.
It has also been confirmed that the reworked SUV’s driving assistance system will also get upgrades, with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which combines ACC with stop and go and lane centring, expected to be added to its kit list. What do you think of the new face?
Proton held a media briefing regarding its quality control performance at its Tanjung Malim plant today. As part of the presentation, the national carmaker publicly confirmed the presence of the facelifted X70 for the first time, the refreshed SUV set to be launched sometime this year.
Little has been made known about the new X70, but the company has stated that the car will be offered with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving for the first time, joining the X50, X90 and S70. But wait, doesn’t the X70 already have adaptive cruise control? Yes, but it only functions above 30 km/h (no stop and go), and the car also doesn’t come with lane centring assist, only lane departure warning.
The X50, X90 and S70, on the other hand, come with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which combines ACC with stop and go and lane centring. This is almost certainly the system that will come with the facelift, along with lane keep assist.
We know that the new X70 will receive updates from the facelifted first-generation Boyue, thanks to previous spyshots. The changes include slimmer reflector LED headlights, a five-point grille (likely with the new “songket” studded mesh from the X90), a re-profiled front bumper and a new five-spoke design for the range-topping 19-inch alloy wheels. One new bit that the Boyue doesn’t get is a revised rear bumper design with horizontal reflectors.
Inside, the new X70 retains the same gently-undulating, Hangzhou Bay Bridge-inspired dashboard design as the original, losing out on the new dash from the Boyue Pro/Azkarra. The tech should get a much-welcome upgrade, however, with the facelift tipped to add a new steering wheel, seven-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen – all lifted from the newer X50.
Expect the X70 to come with the same engines as before, including a 177 PS/255 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder and a 184 PS/300 Nm 1.8 litre turbo four-pot. Both are paired to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, but only the 1.5 litre gets the option of all-wheel drive.
This most recent sighting is claimed to have taken place in Cheras, and while there continues to be some amount of camouflage, we can now see the facelifted X70’s wheels, and here these can be seen to be of the design used on the Geely Boyue update that emerged in 2022.
Although the exterior of this most recently-sighted development vehicle continues to be camouflaged much as before, our anonymous source tells us that the interior of the upcoming, revised X70 sports the same dashboard design as on the current model.
Where this differs from the 2022 Boyue update is in its infotainment unit, the newer model sporting a rectangular infotainment screen whereas the existing X70 employs a rounded-trapezoidal design.
Elsewhere, the exterior of the upcoming X70 facelift test unit appears to be as before, its revised headlamps and L-shaped DRL arc just about visible from this side profile angle. As before, the grille on the upcoming X70 facelift is different from that of the equivalent Geely Boyue, with the Proton getting its own cascading pin design.
With the more frequent sighting of development vehicles for the Proton X70 facelift, with a growing level of detail becoming visible, a formal debut could be taking place soon. Would you be shopping for a C-segment SUV, and be waiting for the facelifted X70?
A few months on from the last sighting of the Proton X70 facelift, the updated C-segment SUV from the national carmaker has been sighted once again, with these most recent images provided to us here at paultan.org by a reader who wishes to remain anonymous.
Here, the development unit continues to be mostly clad in camouflage foil, however the previous example’s T-shaped shroud has made way for the grill emblem that, while still concealed, now wears just an extension of the foil applied elsewhere on the vehicle’s bodywork.
There is now also slightly more of its headlamps visible on this example, with each headlamp now revealing more of its L-shaped DRL arc. As referenced previously, the upcoming Proton X70 facelift will be based on the 2022 Geely Boyue update, and not the Boyue Pro or Azkarra.
Wheels on this X70 facelift development unit appear to still be concealed, though can be seen to be of a five-spoke silhouette of sorts. As with the previous sighting of the X70 FL, these could be the double-five-spoke units on the Boyue facelift.
The presence of a sunroof suggests that the test unit sighted here is of the higher, Premium variant, if the pre-facelift X70 variant convention is followed. For now, there still isn’t much of a look into the interior of the Boyue-based X70 facelift, though the update can also be presumed to be similar to that of the Geely model as well.
The Proton X70 was most recently updated with the 1.5 TGDi Premium X 2WD variant that was added to the range last July, and was priced at RM126,800 OTR without insurance upon launch. This variant is powered by a 177 PS/255 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the top variant, the 1.8 Premium is a four-cylinder unit producing 184 PS and 300 Nm.
