Proton X90

The Proton X90 is the flagship three-row, seven-seater SUV from Malaysian national carmaker Proton, serving as the brand's first model to feature an electrified powertrain. As another key product of Geely's technological synergy, the X90 is built on the same platform as the Geely Haoyue from the Chinese domestic market. Officially launched in Malaysia on 7 May 2023, the model primarily targets larger families seeking space and practicality, going up against key segment rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8, and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Overview

At its initial launch in 2023, the X90 was offered in four variants, priced between RM123,800 and RM152,800. In March 2026, Proton introduced the first Minor Change (MC) facelift for the X90. The core direction of this update focuses on  "cost optimisation" — significantly streamlining specifications to bring down retail prices and make the vehicle more accessible to mass-market families. The variant lineup has been trimmed from four to three: Lite, Prime, and Prime X, officially priced at RM106,800, RM116,800, and RM122,800 respectively. Proton also offered an early-bird rebate of RM7,000, bringing the entry-level price down to RM99,800. The new model comes with a standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 times free labour for scheduled servicing. Proton stated that the facelifted X90 is no longer positioned as the brand's flagship model.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the 2026 facelifted X90 remains largely unchanged from the pre-facelift version. The SUV retains its commanding D-segment proportions. The front fascia features Proton’s signature "Infinite Weave" front grille, flanked by sharp LED headlamps. Boxy and muscular body lines underscore interior space and everyday usability. 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and roof rails are standard across the range. At the rear, the tailgate is accented with a full-width chrome trim connecting the taillights for added depth. The new model is available in five exterior shades: Quartz Black, Marine Blue, Armour Silver, Snow White, and Jet Grey. The cabin features an all-black theme, styled with a clean and contemporary layout that pairs soft-touch materials with metallic accents for a modern atmosphere. To keep costs in check, several features have been omitted, including the powered tailgate, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and panoramic sunroof.

Powertrain & Performance

The most significant update on the 2026 X90 lies under the bonnet. The previous 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid system has been replaced entirely with the 1.5-litre i-GT 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, shared with the facelifted X50, X70, and S70. This unit produces a maximum output of 181 PS and a peak torque of 290 Nm (available from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm). Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. For comparison, the outgoing 1.5T 3-cylinder + 48V mild-hybrid setup delivered combined outputs of 190 PS and 300 Nm. While on-paper figures are slightly lower, the simpler engine architecture eliminates long-term maintenance costs associated with the 48V battery. Official fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 L/100 km.

Chassis & Handling

The X90 rides on Geely's dedicated SUV platform. Suspension duties are handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup. The entire range features a front-wheel-drive layout. Measuring over 4.8 metres in length, the three-row SUV’s chassis tuning leans heavily towards ride comfort and cruising stability. The inclusion of a 360-degree camera system (standard on Prime and above) aids drivers when manoeuvring the large vehicle in tight urban spaces.

Cabin & Equipment

The 2026 X90 comes standard across the board with a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, now natively supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The base Lite variant gets an analogue instrument cluster, manually adjustable leatherette seats, 7 USB charging ports, and reverse sensors. Stepping up to the mid-tier Prime variant adds auto headlamps and wipers, a 10.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera (with 180-degree transparent chassis display), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The range-topping Prime X adopts a 2+2+2 six-seater layout, featuring twin individual Captain Seats in the second row. This variant further gains Nappa leather upholstery, powered lumbar support for the driver, a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, front passenger seat shoulder adjustment switches (Boss Switch), and seat ventilation for the first two rows. In terms of luggage capacity, the boot provides 275 litres in standard setup, expanding to 1,011 litres with the third-row seats folded flat, and up to 2,050 litres with both the second and third rows fully folded.

Safety & Driver Assistance

For standard safety equipment, the 2026 X90 features 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and active braking systems (ABS+EBD+BA) across all variants. However, the advanced active safety and driver assist suite has seen major reductions in the facelifted model. The previously available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite featuring up to 14 active functions has been completely removed. Key features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are no longer offered. The complete omission of active driver aids serves as the most prominent trade-off made to slash production costs and lower showroom prices.

Market Performance & Reception

The Proton X90 saw strong initial demand upon launch. However, as reported in March 2024, monthly order intake dropped from an initial target of over 1,000 units per month to around 200 to 300 units. With the 2026 facelift, by significantly slashing the starting price (entry price dropped by nearly RM24,000 compared to before) and simplifying equipment lists, the X90 aims to reposition itself for budget-conscious families based on its core proposition of  "maximum space, accessible pricing". On the export front, the Proton X90 officially entered Bangladesh in March 2024, where it is offered in two trims: the seven-seater Premium and six-seater Flagship, accompanied by plans for a USD 100 million local assembly facility alongside a domestic partner. As the largest and most premium SUV in Proton's portfolio, the X90 continues to spearhead the brand's strategic efforts to rival Japanese and Korean contenders in the D-segment SUV space.