Will The Face-lifted Proton X50 Gain Apple CarPlay?

Despite its status as one of Malaysia's best-selling compact crossover SUVs, the Proton X50 does lack either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. 

Ask any Proton X-series (X50, X70 and X90) owners and you’ll know that the absence of either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is perhaps a touchy subject. While there are plenty of aftermarket solutions available, nothing beats having either factory-fitted.

Nevertheless, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the upcoming face-lifted X50 at least, especially after seeing what partners Geely has done in Mexico recently with said model’s left-hand-drive (LHD) twin there.

Introduced recently in Mexico is the 2024 Geely Coolray. It's based on the very latest form of the Geely Binyue sold in China - the model Proton based the X50 upon.

Note the sharper and sportier styling this 2024MY Geely Coolray sports over the existing Proton X50.

Launched in Mexico earlier this month is the 2024 Geely Coolray, and it’s based on the very latest and face-lifted version of the Geely Binyue model that’s also now marketed in China. As a refresher, this is the same Geely model used as the base for the Proton-badged X50.

Aptly, the Mexican-spec Coolray is endowed with sporty and sharp new looks, evident through its adoption of all-new headlights, grille, front bumper, taillights, rear bumper, as well as an aerokit that’s akin to what we saw in the limited edition R3-treated X50.

Much of this 2024 Geely Coolray's sportier touch appears similar to what we saw in the limited-edition Proton X50 R3, namely the rear spoiler.

The Coolray for Mexico also adopts the same 1.5 TGDi 3-cyl turbo mill (called ‘NordThor’ there instead of GEP3) and 7-speed DCT automatic powertrain as seen in the X50 Flagship. However, it is re-tuned to deliver higher torque across a shorter band than the X50 – 290 NM between 2,000 to 3,000 RPM as opposed to 275 NM between 1,500 to 4,000 RPM.

This beefed-up torque delivery comes at the expense of peak power, but the deficit is perhaps negligible – the Malaysia-made X50 makes 177 PS whilst its Mexican twin has 174 PS instead. Either way, both cars should see rather similar driving characteristics despite these differences.

On board, this Mexican-spec Geely Coolray sports a revamped cabin with a new dash design that houses a digital dual-display setup.

On board, this version of the Coolray gets a new and revised dash design featuring a one-piece integrated digital dual-display module. Both a 10.2-inch meter panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment are combined here, but the latter sports one crucial addition.

Through its press release, Geely’s Mexican arm confirmed the Coolray launched in Mexico sees its 12.3-inch touchscreen mentioned primed with Apple CarPlay. Indeed, this is a very stark difference compared to what’s seen in the Coolray for other markets, as well as the X50 for Malaysia.

In its press release, Geely's Mexican arm confirmed that the 20204MY Coolray it markets there featured Apple CarPlay connectivity in its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment.

Apart from which, everything else appears business as usual, with this refreshed Coolray also giving us  a glimpse of how the upcoming face-lifted Proton X50 will turn out. Camouflaged prototypes of which have been sighted recently, suggesting imminent launch next year.

Whilst the snazzier styling the face-lifted X50 is set to receive is exciting, we reckon there’ll be a huge sigh of relief from many prospects too should said revamp include Apple CarPlay connectivity as seen in this Mexican-version. However, the latter remains a long shot still.

Presently, the Proton X50's 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment doesn't have either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

At present, Proton has yet to field any of its current models primed with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. However, CariCarz.com has learned from insiders at both Proton and its tech subsidiary ACO Tech that this is in the pipelines already.

The roll-out for which will not happen immediately though because this greatly depends on a specific model’s hardware and its compatibility for a software upgrade – not all models will be able to. Given what’s seen in Mexico, there’s indeed hope that the upcoming X50 facelift in gains Apple CarPlay at least.