Proton’s ‘all-new’ X50 for 2025 breaks cover with overhauled interior, 4-cyl 181PS engine, more aggressive styling

Proton has finally unveiled the heavily updated Proton X50, though the automaker describes it as  as an “all-new” model despite it more accurately being a comprehensive facelift of the original version that debuted five years ago that Malaysians quickly fell in love with. 

With its full launch imminent, this latest iteration of the X50 follows the minor ‘RC’ or ‘Running Change’ update from a year ago. Though the ‘all-new’ moniker might be a marketing ploy, it is at least somewhat justifiable given its revised exterior, heavily redone cabin, and even a brand new engine. 

Actually, let’s start with that. All variants - Executive, Premium, and Flagship - will get a new beating heart: the i-GT 1.5TD, a turbocharged direct injection unit that replaces the existing 3-cylinder mill found in the current X50 in either MPI or TGDI flavours. Importantly, a more powerful engine is no longer going to a be an upsell feature of the range-topping variant. 

While Proton hasn’t explicitly detailed the engine’s background, the output figures—181 PS and 290 Nm of torque—match those of the Geely Binyue L sold in China, essentially confirming this as the Geely BE15-EFZ. Compared to the outgoing engine, that's an increase of 4 PS, a significant 35 Nm of torque, and presumably improved vibration levels. 

Despite retaining the same 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive layout, Proton is quick to boast about improved real world performance. The SUV now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds off the previous time. Yet, it’s also more efficient with Proton claiming a 4.7% improvement in fuel consumption. 

From the outside, the ‘all-new’ X50 adopts the latest design language from the Binyue L that was launched in China just a few months back November 2024. The B-segment SUV's entire front end has been revamped, featuring reflector LED headlights to replace the previous projectors, replete with triple LED daytime running light strips, echoing the styling of the S70 sedan. The front fascia is dominated by a wide slatted grille with silver L-shaped inserts at the corners and a newly sculpted bonnet. There’s even ornamental slats, which is an acquired taste.  

Much like the almost entirely in-house designed cabin, which we’ll get to, the front grille itself is a Proton-specific touch, integrating a revived red "Ethereal Bow" line with vertical pin elements that, to our eyes, bring to mind the level adjusters on sound mixing boards. 

New wheel designs are coming to all variants, though both the Premium and Flagship variants shown rides on stylish new 18-inch turbine-style wheels wrapped in Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres, though the latter’s alloys gains a dual-tone gloss/matte finish for some extra bling factor. 

Around the back, changes are just as extensive, if not more so. The taillights now span the full width of the tailgate while the number plate recess has been repositioned lower for a cleaner look. The bumper design has also been tweaked with more angular accents but retains the aggressive faux diffuser element and quad exhaust exits, now corresponding to each cylinder at last. Finally, at the rear is the striking/polarising ‘Sporty Spoiler’, which was previously a China-only option on the Binyue. 

Moving on to the interior which has likely received the most impressive transformation. It appears to be an entirely Proton-original design despite bearing distinct Geely influences. The cabin retains the black/maroon two-tone scheme and the original X50’s steering wheel, but everything else has been swapped out. 

A “floating” centre console now houses twin phone trays (with wireless charging for the driver, Flagship-only), side-by-side cupholders, and a slim panel of physical buttons for key climate control functions, with the rest of the buttons now moved into a new 14.6-inch infotainment display, which closely resembles the Flyme Auto system seen in the eMas 7 EV in terms of user interface. Replacing the semi-analogue cluster, a new 8.8-inch driver’s display looks significantly larger than the old 7-inch panel.

However, this Proton-exclusive system brings with it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bahasa Malaysia voice commands—features not even found on the eMas 7 (yet?). It also supports the latest Proton Link 2.0 app for remote vehicle management. 

Another key change here, given the revised centre console, is the relocation of the gear selector to the right-side steering column. This has also allowed Proton to hollow out the space below for extra storage and easier access to USB ports.

The cabin is further enhanced by a 72-colour ambient lighting system, visible in the door handles and as a looping light strip across the passenger side of the dashboard. This ambient lighting theme is echoed in the newly designed door cards, reinforcing the cabin's modern aesthetic.

With these sweeping changes, Proton has effectively given the X50 a new lease on life. The move to a 4-cylinder engine, combined with significant design updates and a thoroughly revamped interior, sets a new benchmark for the B-segment SUV in Malaysia. 

Proton may raise some eyebrows by calling it “all-new” - and it’s fine if you do too - but this X50 is a thoughtful, well-executed, and significant evolution of an already popular model. Pricing is, of course, yet to be announced and is being kept a mystery until its full launch, but we won’t be surprised if it sets a new value benchmark in the B-segment SUV space.