Proton X50

The Proton X50 is a B-segment compact SUV manufactured by Malaysia’s national carmaker, Proton. Officially launched in Malaysia on 27 October 2020, it is the second model to emerge from Geely’s technology transfer to Proton, following the Proton X70. Built on Geely’s BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) platform and based on the best-selling Geely Binyue, the X50 underwent extensive local R&D and adaptation specifically tailored for the Malaysian market.

As of 2026, the Proton X50 remains one of the best-selling SUVs in Malaysia. The current 2025 facelift lineup is offered in three variants: Executive, Premium, and Flagship, priced between RM89,800 and RM113,300 (equivalent to approximately RMB 148,000 to RMB 187,000).

Design Language

The 2025 X50 represents the most extensive facelift for the crossover since its debut in 2020. The updated exterior takes design cues from the Geely Binyue L introduced in China in late 2024. Up front, it features newly designed reflector LED headlights with three-segment daytime running lights, integrated with a wide horizontal front grille. The "PROTON" lettering on the upper grille is accentuated by the signature red "Ethereal Bow" trim.

The side profile retains the original roofline and door silhouettes, but the upper window chrome trim has been replaced with black accents, complemented by refreshed front fender garnish and side skirt styling. At the rear, it adopts the trendy full-width LED light bar, alongside a redesigned rear bumper and tailgate, with the range-topping Flagship variant gaining a larger, sportier rear spoiler. In addition, the tailgate design has been revised, relocating the number plate recess and reverse camera lower into a trapezoidal housing.

Inside, the 2025 X50 receives a bespoke cabin layout rather than a straightforward carryover from the Binyue. The most notable update is the omission of the conventional gear selector in favour of a steering column-mounted electronic stalk shifter. The centre console features a tiered, sloped layout that houses the air conditioning vents, dual smartphone trays (with a wireless charging pad on the driver's side), and minimal physical switches. This configuration frees up substantial storage space underneath the centre console.

Powertrain and Performance

The most significant upgrade in the 2025 X50 is under the bonnet. The previous 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine has been entirely phased out across the range, replaced by the 1.5-litre i-GT 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (code: BHE15TD) developed by Geely's Aurobay (now part of Horse Powertrain).

The engine delivers 181 PS and a peak torque of 290 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). With this new powertrain, the 2025 X50 completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds, shaving time off the previous flagship variant. Official figures also claim a 4.7% improvement in fuel economy, with a combined rated consumption of 6.1 L/100 km. For comparison, the 2024 model offered two outputs: the 1.5T MPI (148 PS / 226 Nm) and the 1.5T TGDI (174 PS / 255 Nm).

Chassis and Handling

The Proton X50 is underpinned by Geely's global BMA platform. The suspension setup consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration across all variants. To withstand Malaysia's tropical climate and local road profiles, Proton engineers logged over 1.9 million kilometres of on-road testing during the vehicle's development. The 2024 model also received an upgraded DCT EVO 300 transmission, delivering faster shifts and an efficiency of up to 97% for enhanced driving refinement.

Cabin and Equipment

The 2025 X50 receives substantial upgrades to its digital cockpit. A 14.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen and an 8.88-inch full-digital instrument cluster come as standard across all variants. The infotainment unit runs on Android 10, bringing native support for wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto to a Proton production model for the first time. The "Hi Proton" voice command system also gains native Malay language recognition, supporting multi-command execution.

In terms of trim levels, the entry Executive variant is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps and taillights, manual fabric seats, and single-zone automatic air conditioning. The mid-range Premium variant steps up to 18-inch alloys, leatherette upholstery, a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 360-degree HD camera system (with transparent chassis view), and a wireless phone charger. The range-topping Flagship variant adds an exclusive dual-tone red-and-black interior, a panoramic sunroof, a sporty rear spoiler, and a two-tone exterior paint scheme.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the 2025 X50 comes standard with 6 airbags across the range. For active safety, the Premium and Flagship variants are fitted with a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. Key features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition, and Auto High Beam. Furthermore, the inclusion of rear millimetre-wave radars enables Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Door Opening Warning (DOW). The baseline Executive variant also comes equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Collision Warning. Other driver conveniences include one-touch Auto Park Assist and the Proton Link 2.0 telematics mobile app.

Market Performance and Reception

The Proton X50 generated overwhelming market reception from the get-go, raking in over 20,000 bookings within the first week of order books opening. The momentum carried forward with the 2025 facelift, which saw 999 units delivered in its first week of market availability. In August 2025, monthly sales of the refreshed X50 hit 4,287 units, registering its highest single-month sales figure in 35 months.

Over the entire calendar year of 2025, total deliveries for the Proton X50 reached 28,057 units. This strong sales run solidified its standing as Malaysia's best-selling SUV.

Serving as a benchmark for the joint collaboration between Geely and Proton, the X50 not only leverages the solid foundations of Geely's BMA architecture, but also caters precisely to local market demands through targeted enhancements in performance, specification, and smart connectivity.