KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has unveiled and launched the 2026 Proton X90, introducing a revised variant lineup and a new pricing strategy aimed at making its flagship seven-seat SUV accessible to a wider group of Malaysians. 

With the revised pricing and equipment list, the question inevitably comes up, is the X90 still Proton’s flagship SUV? That debate may be best left for another day, but if its positioning which has seen it move down-market is reflective of anything, than the e.MAS 7 PHEV could very well take over that role thanks to its higher price point, more extensive equipment and more advanced electrified technology.

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 5 surpasses 5,000 units in Malaysia, RM500 Raya rebate now offered

The refreshed X90 arrives with a lower starting price, new engine, less equipment and a simplified range, reflecting Proton’s intention to position the SUV as a more attainable option for families looking to move into a larger, more practical vehicle.

For 2026 and moving forward, the X90 is offered in three variants:

 

Lineup simplified to reach more buyers

The biggest change with the 2026 X90 is Proton’s new positioning for the model.

The previous X90 was offered in four variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship. For the updated model, Proton has streamlined the lineup into three variants – Lite, Prime and Prime X, allowing the brand to bring down the entry price while maintaining the SUV’s core strengths.

Proton positions the X90 through four product pillars:

• Turbocharged Confidence

• Room For All

• Ultimate Comfort

• Everyday Assurance

The SUV is also marketed as a “True 7-Seater Comfort SUV”, aimed primarily at family buyers, particularly married customers with a few children who require more space for daily driving and long-distance travel.

Mild-Hybrid no more, but now it has a 4-Cylinder engine

Power for the X90 comes from Proton’s i-GT 1.5TD turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. With this new engine in the X90, the 4-cylinder update for Proton's most modern of cars is complete with the X50, S70, X70 and X90 now all carrying similar engines and transmissions.

Output stands at:

• 181 PS 

• 290 Nm of torque

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 litres per 100 km.

The updated 2026 model drops the mild hybrid system and instead runs a conventional turbocharged setup, producing 181 PS and 290 Nm. That represents a reduction of 9 PS and 10 Nm compared to the previous mild hybrid setup, which delivered around 190 PS and 300 Nm

While the figures are marginally lower on paper, the simpler powertrain aligns with Proton’s effort to make the X90 more accessible and cost-effective.

The SUV also retains a multi-link rear suspension with stabiliser, which improves ride comfort and stability compared with torsion beam setups commonly found in SUVs within this price bracket.

The wheels have also been downsized compared to the previous model. While the earlier X90’s higher variants rode on 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R19 tyres, the updated version now runs 18-inch wheels with 225/55 R18 tyres across the range.

Beyond helping reduce costs, the smaller wheels and slightly taller tyre profile could also improve ride comfort and lower tyre replacement costs for owners.

Spacious three-row interior as before

As Proton’s largest SUV, the X90 continues to prioritise practicality and interior space.

Boot capacity varies depending on seating configuration:

New utility roof rails capable of supporting up to 75 kg also expand the vehicle’s practicality, allowing owners to carry roof boxes, bicycles or other outdoor equipment. This is a nice touch as extra space for roof mounted luggage carriers is important in 7 seater vehicles with very limited boot space when all seats are up.

Comfort and convenience features

Despite the lower entry price, the new X90 retains a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features across the range.

Even the X90 Lite comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with an air purifier, second and third-row air vents, and seven USB ports distributed throughout the cabin.

Stepping up to the X90 Prime adds further convenience features such as a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

At the top of the range, the X90 Prime X focuses on additional comfort and luxury. This variant introduces Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated seats for both the first and second rows, second-row captain seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat with Boss switch, and an integrated digital video recorder (DVR).

Safety and driver assistance

Safety equipment is also distributed across the range.

All variants come with six airbags, Walk Away Auto Lock, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors as standard.

The X90 Prime and Prime X add a 360-degree HD camera with 180-degree transparent view, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and front parking sensors for improved visibility and parking assistance.

How did Proton bring the price down? Well, several key features have been removed

One of the biggest surprises with the 2026 X90 is the complete removal of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across the range. The previous X90 offered Proton’s Level 2 ADAS suite on higher variants, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Intelligent High Beam Control and Traffic Sign Information.

None of these systems are present on the 2026 model, which also means even regular cruise control is no longer offered. Instead, the 2026 X90 relies on more traditional safety equipment such as six airbags, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera on higher variants.

Beyond the removal of ADAS, several other features that were available on the outgoing X90 have also disappeared as part of Proton’s effort to lower the entry price.

As mentioned before, the 48-volt mild hybrid BSG system has been dropped entirely, replaced by a conventional turbocharged setup. 

A number of premium comfort and convenience items from the previous range have also been removed or are no longer available, including:

• Panoramic sunroof (previously on the Flagship variant)

• Power tailgate with proximity sensor

• Wireless charger

• Ambient interior lighting

• Intelligent high beam control

• Lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert

The previous X90 offered a full ADAS safety package and electrified powertrain, positioning it as Proton’s most technologically advanced SUV at the time. For the 2026 model, even the "Hello Proton" voice command is no longer available.

With the 2026 revision, Proton has clearly chosen a different path for it. By removing these higher-end technologies and simplifying the variant structure, the company has managed to bring the starting price down significantly, positioning the X90 as a more accessible seven-seat SUV for Malaysian families.

Whether this repositioning proves to be a genius move or a controversial one remains to be seen. By stripping away some of the technology and premium equipment, Proton has managed to bring the X90’s entry price down significantly, potentially opening the door for many more Malaysians to own a large seven-seat SUV, perhaps even enticing Mitsubishi Xpander buyers to the X90.

The real question now is whether buyers will see the trade-offs as worthwhile in exchange for the lower price.

Also Read: Proton sold 13,566 units in Feb 2026; New S70 bags 5k bookings