Proton launches the thoroughly revamped X50 for 2025, from RM89k to RM113k - new i-GT engine, revised cabin, sharpened looks

After much anticipation, Proton has finally pulled the covers off the heavily updated 2025 Proton X50. While the national carmaker is boldly calling it an “all-new” model, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Rather than being a clean-sheet redesign, the latest X50 is a deep and comprehensive facelift of the popular SUV that first launched in 2020. Yet, with sweeping upgrades inside and out, a fresh powertrain, and a generous dose of new tech, the reworked X50 might just earn that ambitious label.

• 2025 Proton X50 Executive - RM89,800
• 2025 Proton X50 Premium - RM101,800
• 2025 Proton X50 Flagship - RM113,300

However, as part of the previously teased Gempak deal, Proton are offering a cash rebate of RM4,000 for the first 10,000 customers who register their all-new X50. 

But back to the actual car you'll be seeing on the road soon. Let’s start under the bonnet, where the changes are arguably the most impactful. All three variants of the new X50—Executive, Premium, and Flagship—now come equipped with a new 1.5-litre i-GT TD turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine. This replaces the previous range of three-cylinder engines (in both MPI and TGDI guises), addressing one of the more divisive features of the outgoing model.

With output figures of 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, the new engine is not just more powerful but also smoother and more refined. These figures mirror those of the Geely Binyue L's BE15-EFZ engine, indicating a likely shared lineage. Compared to the outgoing TGDI engine, that’s a 4 PS bump and a substantial 35 Nm increase in torque. The improved torque curve promises better real-world drivability, and Proton claims a 4.7% improvement in fuel efficiency.

The engine continues to pair with the same 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. Performance has improved too—the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is now handled in just 7.6 seconds, a 0.3-second improvement.

The new X50 wears a dramatically refreshed face that takes cues from the Geely Binyue L launched in China in late 2024. The front end now features sleek reflector LED headlamps in place of the old projector units, flanked by distinctive triple-strip LED daytime running lights that give the SUV a more aggressive and premium look.

The grille has been completely reimagined, now a Proton-specific design featuring a prominent horizontal slatted pattern and silver L-shaped inserts. A revived red “Ethereal Bow” line stretches across the grille, and vertical pin accents evoke the look of a sound mixer—subtle, but stylish.
New wheel designs feature across the board, with the Premium and Flagship variants wearing sharp 18-inch turbine-style alloys shod in Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres. 

The Flagship adds a dual-tone gloss and matte finish for extra visual flair. At the rear, the changes continue with new full-width LED taillights, a lower repositioned number plate recess for a cleaner appearance, and a more sculpted bumper featuring a sporty faux diffuser and quad exhaust outlets—finally matching the number of cylinders under the hood.

Capping off the bold look is the new “Sporty Spoiler,” previously a China-only option, now standard on the range-topping Flagship variant. It’s a design flourish that’s sure to divide opinion, but it does add to the X50’s aggressive character.

If the exterior redesign is bold, the interior transformation is revolutionary. The dashboard, centre console, and even the layout of major controls have been overhauled, giving the new X50 a high-tech, premium ambiance that’s rare in the B-segment SUV category.

The cabin’s most prominent new feature is the 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted high on the dash. It replaces the old floating display and now incorporates most of the vehicle’s functions, including climate control. A new slim panel of physical buttons handles essential climate tasks, but much of the interaction is now digital. The user interface is Proton’s own design and looks heavily inspired by Flyme Auto, seen in the eMas 7 EV.

The infotainment system finally brings native support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Proton’s voice command system (“Hi Proton”) now understands Bahasa Malaysia. There's also Proton Link 2.0 app support, enabling remote vehicle monitoring and control from your smartphone.
A new 8.8-inch fully digital driver display replaces the old 7-inch semi-digital cluster, and the gear selector has moved to the steering column, freeing up more centre console space. Twin phone trays (one with wireless charging on the Flagship) now sit on the floating console, along with dual cupholders and ample storage below.

Ambient lighting is another new feature, with 72 colours available and a looping light strip across the passenger side of the dash. The door panels are also redesigned to match the upgraded ambience.

The base X50 1.5TD Executive comes equipped with LED headlamps and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and keyless entry with remote start. Inside, it features fabric upholstery, single-zone automatic climate control, manual seat adjustments, and an 8.8-inch digital cluster. A 14.6-inch infotainment display with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, plus voice command and Proton Link 2.0, are all standard.

In terms of safety, the Executive offers six airbags, ABS, stability control, hill start/descent assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

Step up to the X50 1.5TD Premium, and you’ll gain 18-inch dual-tone wheels, red brake callipers, faux leather seats, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting, and a power tailgate. More importantly, the Premium variant includes advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring and keeping assist, automatic high beam, traffic sign recognition, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a 360-degree camera with transparency view.

At the top of the range sits the X50 1.5TD Flagship, which adds exclusive styling touches like a black roof, black mirror caps, a faux carbon fibre spoiler, and a two-tone black and red interior theme with red contrast stitching. It also includes a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Qi wireless charging for the driver, and an upgraded parking assist system.

With its significant powertrain update, advanced features, and entirely reworked cabin, the 2025 Proton X50 marks a major leap forward for Malaysia’s most popular B-segment SUV. It’s more powerful, more refined, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Though Proton’s “all-new” label might raise a few eyebrows, the depth of this transformation is undeniable.

The car’s pricing remains under wraps for now, but if Proton’s history is any indication, we can expect aggressive value positioning once again. And when that day comes, it’s likely that the 2025 X50 will continue to be one of the most compelling SUV offerings in Malaysia—now with the hardware and polish to match its original hype.