A week after Proton released the first details of the facelifted X50, we finally get our first look at the car in 1.5TD Executive trim. This is the new base model of the revised B-segment SUV after the outgoing Standard variant was discontinued.
For the first time, all models get the same high-output engine – a new 1.5 litre BHE15TD turbocharged and direct-injected i-GT four-cylinder engine, making 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. As before, drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, and the zero-to-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds (three tenths of a second faster than the outgoing TGDI-powered Flagship) should comfortably eclipse that of the old port-injected PFI model.
Instead, the differences over the Premium and Flagship variants come down to the equipment. All models get the same new look, with reflector LED headlights (no more projectors, sadly), songket-pattern upper grille, massive full-width lower grille, LED taillight bar, redesigned tailgate, re-profiled side skirts and L-shaped front and rear bumper corners. And yes, you still have fake vents on the bonnet.
But whereas the Premium and Flagship roll on handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, the Executive makes do with 17s. The design looks similar to the old one but it’s actually slightly different and it comes with a nice two-tone finish, which helps make the car look less bargain-basement.
The Executive is also the only variant not to come with red brake callipers, sticking to the usual bare metal stoppers. And don’t be fooled by the glossy “camera lens” on the bumper – there’s no 360-degree camera system here, just a black nub where the front camera would be. The roof rails on the other two variants have also been ditched.
Inside, the Executive retains the all-new, in-house-designed cabin (as with the Premium, it’s all black here; no red highlights as per the Flagship) with a “flying” centre console, a steering column-mounted gear selector, new (and hopefully more sturdy) door handles and twin “floating” displays.
The good news is that the tech – an 8.88-inch digital instrument display and large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen – has now been standardised, meaning you get the same revised interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more powerful “Hi Proton” voice control with a new Bahasa Malaysia option, updated Proton Link 2.0 app connectivity and six speakers (previously four).
But there are differences here, too. The dual phone holders are just that – there’s no Qi wireless charger like you have on the higher variants. You also get manual fabric seats here, with no leather as per the previous Executive (the steering wheel is thankfully still leather-wrapped); then again, given the additional kit over the old car, this seems like a fair trade. One of those added bits of kit is auto wipers, which are again now standard.
Elsewhere, the Executive gets the same “looping” graphic on the passenger-side dashboard panel (repeated on the door cards), but unlike the Premium and Flagship, it does not light up. Other standard equipment includes keyless entry with proximity locking and unlocking and remote engine start, push-button start, auto air-con and a reverse camera.
In terms of safety, the X50 now gets six airbags as standard; the previous Standard model had four airbags, so this is a great update for the base model. You also receive stability control and new rear side radar sensors that add blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert rear collision warning and a door opening warning.
However, you still don’t get the full suite of driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist. This means the X50 remains subpar by class standards (barring the Mazda CX-30, all of the car’s main rivals get these features as standard).
The facelifted X50 is now open for booking, with early-bird buyers getting a RM1,000 cash rebate, an unspecified “Gempak Deal” and an exclusive Touch ‘n Go card. Refer to our in-depth preview post for full details and first impressions by our own Jonathan James Tan.
2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Executive
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.5 litre DOHC i-GT TD engine
- 1,499 cc turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder petrol
- 181 PS at 5,500 rpm, 290 Nm of torque at 2,000-3,500 rpm
- 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission
- Eco, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive drive modes
- Front-wheel drive
- MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Ventilated disc brakes (front), solid disc (rear)
- 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds
Exterior
- LED auto headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED full-width taillights
- Red grille outline
- Silver bumper trim
- Quad exhaust pipes
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R17 tyres
Interior
- Keyless entry with remote start
- Proximity auto locking/unlocking
- Push-button start
- Black interior with grey stitching
- Grey headliner
- Single-zone auto climate control with rear vents
- Auto wipers
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- Manual seats
- Fabric upholstery
- Multi-function steering wheel
- 8.88-inch digital instrument display
- 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- “Hi Proton” voice control with Bahasa Malaysia option
- Two front USB ports (USB-A and USB-C)
- Two rear USB ports (USB-A and USB-C)
- Electronic parking brake with auto brake hold
- Proton Link 2.0 app connectivity (vehicle status, remote control, navigation)
- 330 litres boot space
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, curtain)
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Traction control and stability control
- Hill start assist and hill descent control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rear collision warning
- Door opening warning
- Reverse camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Premium
Adds on:
Exterior
- Silver roof rails
- Red brake callipers
- 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres
Interior
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Faux leather upholstery
- 72-colour ambient lighting with “rhythmic” mode
- Six speakers
- Powered tailgate
Safety
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Lane centring assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Auto high beam
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- 360-degree camera with transparency
2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship
Adds on:
Exterior
- Rear spoiler with fake carbon fibre print
- Black roof and door mirrors
Interior
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Black and red interior with red stitching
- Black headliner
- Semi-transparent sun visors
- Panoramic glass sunroof with powered sunshade
- Qi wireless charger (driver’s side)
Safety
GALLERY: 2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Premium facelift
GALLERY: 2025 Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship facelift
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