The folks at PROTON has allowed us to announced that they had shown us the All-New 2025 PROTON X50 and even allowed us to show some official renders of the new compact SUV that will soon be launched. This media preview was held a few weeks ago is the first marketing build up as the Malaysian car brand prepares for its launch which is the first major model launch of 2025. With over 134,000 units sold since its debut in October 2020 the X50 compact SUV has been the number one model in its class for five consecutive years. It has been updated with-new styling both inside and out, upgraded ADAS level 2 features, an improved infotainment system with a larger 14.6-inch screen, and for the first time ever, Bahasa Melayu voice recognition. The car looks good doesn’t it, with its new toothy grin and new interior.
“As the leading SUV model in the PROTON range, expectations are high for the All-New PROTON X50 to carry the model’s legacy of excellence. By offering customers a comprehensive technology and performance upgrade together with luxurious features and combining it with exciting and sporty new exterior styling, we think Proton’s latest offering will resonate with customers from all walks of life reset the benchmark in the B-segment SUV class. With its innovation-led evolution, the All-New PROTON X50 will reinforce the brand’s strong position while drawing in customers ranging from small families and young professionals to first-time buyers and tech-savvy urbanites looking for a connected and confident driving experience,” said Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.
Let’s run through some of the specifications that PROTON has given us. My comments on the car will be at the end and also note that within a day after this article, our YouTube video on the car will be previewed. So you can actually know what we think about it. Spoiler alert, it isn’t too bad actually. Some character has been lost inside, but overall, the X50 is better executed.
All-New Stylish Design
The All-New PROTON X50 introduces a refreshed exterior featuring a new front grille and bumper, a sportier rear spoiler, quad exhaust tailpipes, dual-tone colour scheme, and a newly designed set of textured alloy wheels. The vehicle’s interior has also been significantly upgraded to deliver a more premium, driver- centric experience, including soft-touch materials, a floating floor console, luxury car inspired column shifters and 72-colour rhythmic ambient light. Customers can choose from four existing colours, Snow White, Passion Red, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, and a striking new addition, Teal Bayou Green.
All-New Revolutionary Intelligence
Cabin intelligence is at the heart of the All-New X50 appeal. At its centre is a 14.6-inch infotainment display that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, now enhanced with voice recognition in Bahasa Melayu affirming PROTON’s commitment to a more localised, user-friendly interface. The latest PROTON Link 2.0 app further enhances convenience, offering remote engine and air-conditioning activation, real- time vehicle status updates, and service appointment scheduling – all accessible via mobile device.
All-New Outstanding Safety
Complementing this is a suite of thoughtful safety features, including luxury car-inspired column shifters, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) added function with Rear Side Radar System (RSRS), improved Auto Park Assist (APA) system and 360-degree HD Camera + 180-degree undercarriage transparent view ensuring the All-New X50 delivers both intelligence and confidence behind the wheel. Backed by a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, drivers can enjoy true peace of mind, knowing the vehicle remains responsive and dependable in all driving conditions.
All-New Engine
Powered by an all new cutting-edge i-GT 1.5 TD engine mated to a responsive 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, this latest model unleashes 133 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds—outpacing the 2025 PROTON X50 by 0.3 seconds. With a remarkable 4.7% boost in fuel efficiency, it sets a new benchmark for performance and economy in its class.
So now on to our comments.
The biggest change is the new engine. The car now comes with a FOUR cylinder engine. Yes, you read it right. A four cylinder engine now powers the X50 and it does make it a better car as four cylinders is inherently better than a three cylinder engine. It is because of the balance in four cylinders where two cylinders go downward in a cycle while two go upwards. A three cylinder has the odd cycle if you know what I mean.. Of course, the vibrations isn’t that noticeable these days with engine management system and engine mounts these days aren’t flimsy little things. So while you may not notice the change, or upgrade from three to four cylinders, you may feel a slight performance boost from the extra torque the new car produces. It has the same DCT gearbox, which is the norm in Proton cars these days. Of course, this opens up a whole new can of tuna for you to ponder on in terms of the future powertrain of Proton cars.
As for the exterior, you get a new front end and a rear end. The doors and the body shell are still the same but you get a different, more aggressive, toothy front end with a more polished looking rear end with lights and reflector strips running from one side to the other. The interior loses the fighter jet style dashboard and is now in line with those you find in the Proton e-Mas 7 and actually many other Chinese made cars. Of course, you get that much larger infotainment screen and a modern two screen layout, but some character has been lost. Aside from that, the seat trimming and the door cards are also different. But we also think that some would like the cleaner interior looks so what we think is purely subjective.
I think the new X50 isn’t really all new, but it is at least a good 70% new in many ways. This is my opinion and I have to say that cars these days have reached a certain technological point that you only need to tweak user interfaces rather than making the chassis better. Chassis development seems to have reached a peak of sorts and now most manufacturers are now focused on software development and passenger gadgetry. With is why the emphasis is now on the large screens and now, the usage of another language to open and close the windows in a car.
Do keep an eye out here or on our YouTube channel as we will be showing you what the new X50 is in moving picture format.
To learn more about this exciting new SUV, visit our official website to register your interest. Don’t forget tofollow Proton Cars Official on all major social media platforms for the latest updates, promotions, and exciting marketing activities for the All-New PROTON X50.