Besturn B90

Model Overview

The Besturn B90 is a D-segment sedan launched by FAW Besturn in August 2012. Positioned as the brand's flagship model, it was tasked with leading the marque's push upmarket. Built on FAW's proprietary M2 platform, the initial release was powered by 2.0L and 2.3L naturally aspirated engines. In March 2014, a mid-life facelift was introduced, replacing the powertrains with 1.8T and 2.0T turbocharged engines, paired across the range with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode in a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The model was priced between RM139,800 and RM201,800. An annual update featuring minor equipment tweaks debuted in April 2015, followed by a 10th Anniversary Edition in 2016 before updates ceased, eventually leading to its official discontinuation in 2019.

Design Language

The Besturn B90 measures 4,860 mm long, 1,812 mm wide, and 1,472 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm. On the exterior, the car features the brand's signature design language, headlined by a large hexagonal chrome grille with rounded edges, flanked by swept-back projector headlamps and white brow accents, creating a mature, poised, yet dynamic appearance. A crisp shoulder line extends across the profile, leading to split LED tail lamps at the rear. Four-point rear parking sensors came standard across the range, with higher-spec variants adding a reverse camera. The 2014 facelift revised the front grille from a five-slat to a three-slat chrome layout and added LED daytime running lights (DRLs) as standard across the lineup.

Inside, the Besturn B90 adopts a floating centre console layout tailored with an executive and mature styling. Soft-touch materials are generously applied across the dashboard and door cards. The 2014 model introduced a brown interior paired with a Phantom Black exterior, enlarged front seat headrests, a sculpted centre console, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, and premium powered leather seats. The instrument cluster features a distinctive "pupil-style" gauge design, while the rear bench is equipped with a centre armrest, cup holders, and an adjustable middle headrest.

Powertrain Performance

The Besturn B90 was offered with four distinct engines throughout its production run. The original 2012 model featured FAW's self-developed ET3 series all-aluminium naturally aspirated petrol engines, with the 2.0L unit producing 108 kW (approx. 147 PS) and 184 Nm of torque, while the 2.3L variant delivered 118 kW (approx. 160 PS) and 207 Nm. The 2014 mid-term facelift saw a full transition to FAW's in-house 4GC series turbocharged engines, ushering the brand into its "Turbo" era. The 1.8T unit (CA4GC18T) generated 137 kW (approx. 186 PS) and 235 Nm of peak torque, while the 2.0T engine pushed out 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 260 Nm. Transmission duties were handled across the range by an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, with the initial model also offering a 6-speed manual gearbox option. Top speeds were rated at 220 km/h for the 2.0L, 215 km/h for the 1.8T, and 210 km/h for the 2.3L, with 0-100 km/h sprint times of 9.3 seconds, 9.4 seconds, and 10.3 seconds, respectively. Combined fuel consumption ranged between 9.4 L and 9.6 L/100 km (MIIT cycle), running on standard 92-octane petrol.

Chassis and Handling

The Besturn B90 is built on FAW's proprietary M2 platform, which was developed from the Mazda Ruiyi (Mazda 6) chassis. Its suspension setup comprises front double wishbones (with an anti-roll bar) and a rear E-type multi-link independent setup (with an anti-roll bar), representing a premium chassis configuration in its segment. It rode on 205/60 R16 tyres and included a full-size spare tyre. On the road, the suspension effectively absorbs low-speed surface imperfections while retaining adequate road feedback at higher speeds, offering confident lateral stability through corners and relatively precise steering response. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, with a 9th-generation Bosch ABS/ESP system fitted as standard on all automatic variants.

Cabin and Features

The Besturn B90 came standard with a 7-inch TFT colour central display across all variants, supporting Bluetooth hands-free telephony and multimedia playback. High-spec models were equipped with an MMI infotainment system operated via an 8-way directional rotary controller. Climate control was managed by a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a built-in air purifier, while top-spec variants added heated front and rear seats. The driver's seat featured 8-way electric adjustment with memory function. Other convenience features included PEPS keyless entry with push-button start, an electronic parking brake (EPB), automatic headlights, an electric sunroof, and GPS navigation. The audio unit supported 6-disc CD, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth inputs.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Engineered to meet 2012 C-NCAP five-star safety standards, the Besturn B90 featured a reinforced 3H body shell with a multi-channel load-dispersing structure, utilizing high-strength steel and laser-welded blank construction. Passive safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags, alongside standard ISOFIX child seat anchors across the range. Active safety kit on all automatic variants included a 9th-generation Bosch ABS/ESP system, front parking sensors, and a reverse camera, with luxury trims adding a tyre pressure warning system. An Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) function automatically engaged hazard lights under heavy braking to alert trailing motorists. In C-NCAP crash testing, the Besturn B90 earned a five-star rating with an overall score of 90.3%. It should be noted that this model did not feature Level 2 or higher advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by modern industry standards.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Following its market launch, the Besturn B90 struggled with persistently sluggish sales. Full-year sales reached 8,156 units in 2013, dropping to 3,951 units in 2014, declining further to 1,386 units in 2015, and slipping to just 802 units in 2016, before tumbling to 25 units in 2017 and 152 units in 2018. Amid stiff competition from the expanding compact sedan and SUV segments, the model failed to secure a viable foothold in the D-segment market. In terms of owner feedback, some praised its imposing styling, spacious cabin, and generous equipment list; however, customer complaints were notably frequent regarding engine noises, transmission judder, body weld quality, and interior fit and finish. In contrast, rival domestic D-segment sedans of the era, such as the Geely Borui and GAC Trumpchi GA6, offered stronger design, powertrain refinement, and feature sets, underscoring the B90's sluggish product lifecycle updates and slow market responsiveness. As an ambitious attempt by FAW Besturn to enter the executive sedan arena, the Besturn B90 achieved notable technical milestones with its M2 platform and turbo engines, but ultimately fell short of commercial success due to positioning, quality control issues, and limited brand equity, leading to its exit from the market in 2019.