2026 Proton X70 MC3 launched from RM106k - 2 variants, i-GT 4-cyl engine, unchanged design

We’re pretty much just a week into the new year, and Proton is wasting no time kicking off 2026 with the official launch of the updated X70 (MC3) as the SUV enters its 8th year on sale in Malaysia since its 2018 debut.

• 2026 Proton X70 1.5TD Executive - RM106,800
• 2026 Proton X70 1.5TD Premium - RM119,800

In fact, the launch comes just 17 months after the facelifted (MC2) model was introduced in latter 2024, signalling another rapid update for the brand’s long-running C-segment SUV. While the expected transplanting of Proton’s new i-GT engine that first appeared in the X50 is the most prominent change, they’ve also shaken up the line up in general. 

Gone is the 4 variant spread with the X70 MC3, which is now down to a duo that kicks off with the 1.5T Executive and tops off with the 1.5T Premium. Rest in peace, X70 Standard and Premium X. Exterior changes are either non-existent or very minimal as well, unless you count the number of paint options.

Four colours are offered for 2026, all of which are available for both variants - Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, and Marine Blue. That last one was previously reserved for the Premium and Premium X. However, axed from the offered colours is Ruby Red, and Proton has still yet to include Teal Bayou Green which already features on the X50 and S70.

Stepping inside, the most obvious alteration is the fact that the new X70 Premium loses the Nappa leather seats in Stone Grey from the MC2, replaced with black leatherette seats shared with the Executive. Now, with the omission of a Premium X variant altogether, that also means that the X70 is no longer offered with a panoramic sunroof.

However, standard equipment includes the familiar 12.3-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster flanked by analogue gauges, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, 6-way powered driver’s seat, and front seat ventilation.

Aside from being visually differentiated by larger 19-inch wheels versus 18-inch alloys on the Executive, the X70 Premium adds a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, 72-colour ambient lighting, a power-adjustable passenger seat with ‘Boss’ switch, and the full assortment of active safety and ADAS features that the Executive misses out on, disappointingly.

Now, onto what’s really taking centre stage. The new powerplant here means that Proton is effectively swapping out the old 3-cylinder unit for the 1.5-litre BHE15-EFZ turbocharged four-cylinder engine already seen in the facelifted X50. Now carrying Proton’s Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) branding, the engine delivers 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.

That represents gains of 4PS and a substantial 35Nm over the outgoing GEP3 3-pot, bringing outputs nearly mirroring the original 1.8-litre four-cylinder mill offered in the X70 at its initial market launch. Despite adding another cylinder and a power/torque bump, Proton claims a 5.5% increase in fuel efficiency.

Drive continues being sent exclusively to the front wheels , as the all-wheel-drive variant was dropped during the last facelift, via the now-familiar (and carried over) 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Proton also highlights improvements in refinement and ownership costs, helped by the adoption of a timing chain, which typically requires less long-term maintenance than a belt-driven setup.