Official: New Proton X90 MHEV 6- & 7-Seat SUV Revealed

National carmaker Proton held a special press preview earlier today where it finally revealed its new X90 flagship SUV offering that’s set to go on sale later this year. Besides confirming its name, Proton also revealed the model’s “Intelligence That Empowers” tagline, plus a few details.

Before we proceed, take note that invited press members were barred from filming the car today, but we’ll do our best to fill you in on as much details as possible. Indeed, there’s plenty to look forward to in the X90, which now stands as Proton’s first ever New Energy Vehicle (NEV) and first ever 7-seat SUV offering.

Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong.

“Proton is proud to continue playing a leading role in the development of the local automotive industry. We are introducing the PROTON X90 as our first mid-hybrid model, showcasing innovative technologies and intelligent solutions that empower our customers. The 48V EMS System delivers improved fuel efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions, and represents our first step into the New Energy Vehicle segment,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

As hinted prior by Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, the X90 employs a mild-hybrid (MHEV) 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cyl petrol mill primed with a 48-volt Belt Starter Generator (BSG) system and Lithium Ion battery unit. Paired with it too is a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. Outputting 190 PS and 300 NM, Proton also claims it boasts 15% higher fuel efficiency compared to Proton’s existing non-MHEV 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo mill.

L-R: Proton's Director of Group Engineering, Hazrin Faizal Haroon and Proton's Chief Designer, Azlan Othman.

Though the X90 shares similar underpinning as the Geely Haoyue/Okavango, Proton has tweaked both its styling and chassis to see it stand apart from said twins. The latter is evident by the fact that this Proton-badged offshoot rides on a different and specially tuned multi-link suspension setup, the latter made especially for Malaysian road users and conditions.

Say hello to the all-new Proton X90! Note the striking and bejewelled front grille design featuring diamond pins.

As for styling, the X90 sports a muscular stance with several notable premium touches penned by Proton’s in-house designers led by Azlan Othman. The latter includes a new bejewelled redux of the marque’s signature ‘Ethereal Bow’ that led to the creation of its prominent new diamond-pin front grille. Other touches include chiselled and pronounced body lines plus an accelerated beltline, all of which boding well with the sizeable 19-inch wheels primed in higher-end variants.

Speaking of variants and trimlines, there are four in total, with three of which – Standard, Executive, Premium – featuring 7 seats in 2-3-2 layout. Sitting at the very top is a Flagship variant that sports 6 seats in 2-2-2 layout featuring second-row captain seats. What’s common in all is the sizeable boot space that measures up to 2,050 litres with both the second and third row seats folded.

On board, the X90 presents a very up-market and upscale ambience that's also very tech-laden.

In terms of kit, the X90 is fitted with a bevy of advanced and premium tech. highlights include full-LED lighting with sequential turn signals, cabin ambient lighting, powered tailgate with proximity activation, keyless entry and ignition with proximity auto-lock and unlocking, 360-degree parking view monitor, as well as powered driver (6-way) and front passenger (4-way) seats.

The range-topping Flagship features 6 seats in 2-2-2 layout plus second-row captain seats.

Crucially, the dual-zone automatic climate control suite offers vents for all three rows plus a built-in N95 filter. All rows will also feature USB charging ports (both USB-A and USB-C). noteworthy too are the presence of both a digital instrument display panel, as well as a free-standing 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit primed with connectivity-driven functions plus the “Hey, Proton…” voice command suite.

Moving on to advanced driver assistances (ADAS), the X90 is set to offer a bevy of which. Highlights include Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, both Forward (FCW) and Rear (RCW) collision warnings, the former beefed up with pedestrian detection, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane-Keeping Assist (LKAS + LCC), traffic sign detection, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), as well as hands- and leg-free autonomous parking (Auto Park Assist).

Range-topping X90 Flagship will also roll on sizeable 19-inch alloy wheels.

Beyond this, Proton elected to keep mum on revealing details surrounding price and availability, or even an official launch date. Nevertheless, we can expect Proton to begin taking orders shortly after the upcoming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri holidays, whilst a launch should take place just before we enter the second half of the year.

Beyond that, Proton were keen to note that the public will get to see the X90 first-hand through a series of preview sessions that will be held across six cities starting April 8, 2023.