2026 Proton X70 launched in Malaysia, new i-GT 1.5TD + 7DCT, from RM99,800 after rebate

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2026 Proton X70 in Malaysia arrives as a tidy, mechanical-focused update rather than a full facelift. Pricing starts from RM106,800 and goes up to RM119,800, before rebates, but  Proton is rolling out a launch promo which brings the prices down even further. 

To coincide with the launch, Proton is offering a special launch rebate of RM7,000 for the first 1,500 customers who register by 31 March 2026, effectively bringing prices down to RM99,800 for the Executive and RM112,800 for the Premium.

Early buyers will also receive a Pro-Accessories package worth over RM700, which includes items such as a boot tray, sunshade, and door visors, adding further value to the launch offer.

Also, from four variants previously, the 2026 Proton X70 range is now reduced to just two, the Proton X70 1.5TD Executive and Proton X70 1.5TD Premium, making the buying decision less messy and the spec walk easier to explain.

Also Read: Proton’s 2025 highlights: Total sales, best-selling models, exports, and more

Same look, one small exterior change

Visually, the X70 is largely unchanged. The most noticeable exterior difference is small, the awkwardly placed TGDi badge on the front doors is gone, leaving a cleaner side profile.

The Proton X70 1.5TD Premium is fitted with 225/55R19 GitiComfort F50 tyres, wrapping its 19-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior colours are now available in Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey and Marine Blue across all variants.

New i-GT 1.5TD + 7-speed dual-clutch transmission

The headline update is the powertrain. The 2026 X70 gets Proton’s i-GT 1.5TD turbocharged petrol engine producing 181 PS and 290 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This is the same powertrain as the facelifted X50 launched last year and we expect more of this powertrain to be implemented into other Proton models this year. 

Proton’s focus here isn’t on a big power jump as the X70’s power figures are the same as the Proton X50's, but it’s about smoothing the drive and reducing running costs. Claimed fuel consumption is now at 6.9 L/100 km, said to be a 5.5% reduction compared to the 2025 Proton X70.

Ride, handling and steering tweaks

Proton also lists a round of chassis refinements aimed at day-to-day comfort and confidence. Suspension work is said to improve low-to-mid frequency road noise, increase rear axle impact strength, and improve roll support. Steering gets a revised ratio for more direct, quicker response.

This is definitely a matter of calibration and tuning rather than a major hardware overhaul, exactly the kind of update you would perhaps feel over real world months and years of ownership rather than in the showroom.

NVH improvements, including a quieter timing chain

NVH is another big theme. Proton highlights a toothed timing chain, claimed to be 25.24% quieter than a standard timing chain. Proton also says there's no scheduled servicing required for the component.

Overall engine NVH is said to be 4.5% quieter, positioned as an investment in comfort, even if you can’t see where the upgrades are.

2026 Proton X70 ADAS Level 2: 13 safety systems

Safety stays a strong point, with ADAS Level 2 and 13 safety systems listed for the Premium variant:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  
  
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
  
  
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Centering Control (LCC)
  
  
• Lane Change Assist (LCA)
  
  
• Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
  
  
• Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
  
  
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
  
  
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  
  
• Door Opening Warning (DOW)
  

Other “essential safety” items include walk-away auto lock, a 360-degree HD camera with 180-degree transparent view, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and six airbags.

Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Proton Link 2.0

Interior design isn’t presented as new, but as before, they are modern. The X70 gets a 12.3-inch infotainment head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, along with “Hi Proton” voice command and the Proton Link 2.0 mobile app.

2026 Proton X70 Executive vs Premium: what’s the difference?

1.5TD Executive 
Key highlights include:

• i-GT 1.5TD engine + 7-speed DCT, drive mode and steering mode selection
  
  
• LED headlamps/DRLs/fog lamps, 18-inch alloys
  
  
• Power tailgate with nearby auto open, remote engine start
  
  
• 12.3-inch infotainment, 7-inch meter, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
  
  
• Dual-zone air-conditioning, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats
  
  
• 6-way power driver seat, auto-dimming rear mirror
  
  
• 6 speakers, 5 USB ports
  
  
• 360 camera, parking sensors, 6 airbags, walk-away auto lock
  

1.5TD Premium 
Adds over Executive:

• 19-inch alloys
  
  
• Nappa leather steering wheel
  
  
• 72-colour ambient lighting
  
  
• Driver seat lumbar support
  
  
• Powered front passenger seat with boss switch
  
  
• Security tint
  
  
• Full ADAS suite (13 systems), plus TPMS and additional front parking sensors
  

Alongside the launch, Proton also rolled out a comprehensive package announcement aimed at lowering ownership anxiety and sweetening the deal for early buyers.

This includes a Pro-Warranty package with a five-year warranty and unlimited mileage plus six times free labour service, Pro-Connect offering five years of in-car data with 2GB per month, and Pro-Finance with a nine-year financing plan from 2.2% p.a. with margin of finance up to 90%.

There’s also Pro-Trade-In, which provides an overtrade support of up to RM2,000, as well as Pro-Shield, an upgraded Proton insurance programme that adds special perils cover, personal accident coverage for passengers, and additional flood relief benefits, all clearly positioned to make the new X70 easier and safer to own from day one.

The 2026 Proton X70 Malaysia update is a measured one: a new engine and 7-speed DCT combo, efficiency and refinement improvements, and a simplified two-variant line-up that’s easier to pitch to buyers. 

With pricing starting from RM99,800 to RM112,800 after rebates, plus the launch promo, the X70 continues to play to its strengths, comfort, safety tech, and sensible ownership costs rather than visual drama.

Also Read: Proton Business Case Study Challenge 2025 ends in Putrajaya, UUM team takes top prize