Launched: Proton X90 – 4 Variants, MHEV, From RM123,800!

After initially previewing it and giving Malaysians a glimpse of it through a limited scale tour, the new Proton X90 has officially launched itself today at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. Present to launch the model was sitting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were several top-tier ministers that included Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz, as well as Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Geely's founding Chairman Eric Li were amongst the dignitaries present to launch the X90 at MITEC.

Other notable dignitaries present included Proton’s Chaiman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, CEO Dr. Li Chunrong, Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah, as well as the founder and Chairman of Geely Eric Li Shufu, and China’s ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Yes, that’s quite the guestlist, fitting of a major launch.

The X90’s official launch coincides with Proton’s landmark 40th anniversary that falls on the same day. As noted prior, the X90 stands as the third Geely-based model inducted into Proton’s line-up after the X70 and X50, standing as the brand’s largest, priciest, and most tech- and feature-laden offering to date too.

Prices for all four variants of the new Proton X90 (OTR excluding insurance).

Before we get into details, here’s the most important one – price. Things start from RM123,800 for the Standard 7-seat variant, RM130,800 for the Executive 7-seat variant slotted above it, RM144,800 for the up-specced Premium 7-seat variant, and RM152,800 for the range-topping 6-seat Flagship variant. These are on-the-road prices excluding insurance costs.

At these figures, the national brand sees itself positioning this premium D-segment 3-row crossover SUV offering as a value-for-money proposition against the likes of the Peugeot 5008, Mazda CX-8, and perhaps the Kia Sorento too, which are priced from RM186,288, RM184,000, and RM211,498 respectively.

1.5 TGDi 3-cyl turbo is paired with a 48-volt MHEV system to servei up 190 PS and 300 NM.

Drive goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT automatic box, and there are three selectable drive modes too.

All variants share the same powertrain package, which is Proton’s first electrified unit. The package consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged and direct-injected (TGDi) 3-cyl mill primed with a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV). It serves up 190 PS and 300 NM to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic box.

The MHEV system consists of a Belt Starter Generator (BSG), DC-DC converter, a compact lithium-ion battery in the boot floor, battery management system, recuperation braking system, and a hybrid module control system.

Besides boosting output, the MHEV system improves acceleration by 10% (standing) and 15% (passing) whilst also lowering emissions by 13% compared to the non-MHEV unit powering the X50.

10-inch digital instrumentation and 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen leads the X90's kit list.

360-degree parking camera with 3D view function, wireless charging pad, panoramic glass sunroof, and a sleuth of ADAS features are laced in the range-topping X90 Flagship variant.

Common kit in all variants include dedicated air-cond vents plus USB charging ports for all seat rows, with the former tied to a dual-zone automatic climate control system, followed by 10-inch interactive digital instrumentation and 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen displays, as well as new proximity-based keyless entry and ignition systems, not forgetting full-LED lighting including sequential turn signals up front.

Noteworthy here too is that the infotainment unit mentioned will all feature permanent SIM cards to better enable all its connectivity- and data-driven functions such as its “Hey, Proton…” voice command suite. Will this make up for the continued absence of either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? We’ll leave you to judge that for yourselves.

Only the Flagship variants gets a 6-seat (2-2-2) layout (left). Other variants get a 7-seat (2-3-2) layout instead.

Large 19-inch allow wheels are primed only in the Premium and Flagship variants.

We’ve detailed each variant prior, but we’ll be brief here and note key changes start from the Executive variant onwards where things like a powered tailgate, ventilated front seats, and 360-degree parking monitor with 3D display functions come in. This variant also gets ‘Leatherette’ seat upholstery plus powered driver seat adjustment.

Nappa leather seats, powered front seat (driver and passenger) adjustment, wireless smartphone charging pad, as well as larger 19-inch wheels (1-inch up from the Standard and Executive) are all primed in the Premium variant onwards.

Exclusive to the range-topping Flagship variant are things like the 6-seat (2-2-2) layout featuring second-row ‘Captain Seats’ with ‘Boss Switch’ on the front passenger seat, as well as a panoramic glass roof.

All rows feature dedicated USB charge ports (7 in total) and air-cond vents.

Opt for either the Premium or Flagship and the X90 will get a bevy of active and advanced driver assists (ADAS) features promising Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving capability. Said ADAS features are bolstered with new features seen for the first time in any Proton model like rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).

As for after-sales coverage, all prices includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage. Proton will also throw in a 5-year data package, up to 6 times free labour service, as well as low financing interest rates from 2.1%.

Will this be your 6/7-seat posh SUV of choice now? Hit the comments below!

There you have it, everything you need to know about Proton’s newest offering to date, which will be offered in six colour choices – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jey Grey, Cinnamon Brown, Ruby Red, and Marine Blue.

Will this be the posh, tech-laden 6- or 7-seat SUV of your choice? Hit the comments below with your thoughts then…