Geely Boyue L: Is this the SUV Proton will be using for the next X70?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton X70 story has always been tied closely to the Geely Boyue. The original X70 was born from the first-generation Boyue, and for many Malaysians, it became the model that properly introduced Proton’s Geely era.

And today, while attending a curated Geely test track session arranged for Proton’s Malaysian media guests, the latest Geely Boyue L stood out as one of the more interesting cars on display.

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Shown in China as the fourth-generation Boyue L, and known in some export markets as the Geely Starray, this SUV feels like one of the most believable candidates for a future Proton X70 replacement. It is not confirmed for Malaysia, and Proton has not said anything official, but the connection is hard to ignore.

More importantly, this is not a pure EV. Unlike Geely’s Galaxy-branded models, which now focus more on EVs and plug-in hybrids, the Boyue L remains a combustion-engine SUV, with petrol turbo powertrains that are much closer to Proton’s current product direction.

In other words, if Proton wants a proper next-generation X70 that still appeals to conventional SUV buyers, this is one of the most logical places to look.

The Proton X70 was based on the original Geely Boyue, which later evolved into models like the Boyue Pro and Boyue X. The Boyue L, however, is a newer and larger SUV in the same Boyue family, rather than a direct facelift of the X70’s donor car.

Bigger than the current Proton X70

The latest Boyue L has grown into a fairly substantial C-segment SUV. 

Compared with the current Proton X70, It is almost 200 mm longer, nearly 80 mm wider, and has a wheelbase that is more than 100 mm longer. 

The extra size would give Proton a stronger replacement for the X70, especially against newer Chinese and Japanese SUVs that now offer more cabin space, more tech and more presence. 

Purely as an X70 successor, the size makes sense. The current X70 still feels solid, but it is no longer a fresh product. A larger, newer Boyue L-based model would help Proton reset the X70 nameplate properly, since they can't seem to give it a proper facelift these days.

Still on CMA, still proper SUV hardware

Underneath, the Boyue L continues to sit on Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture, or CMA platform. That is important because this is not a budget SUV base. It is a more modern architecture used across several Geely Group models, and it gives the Boyue L the kind of technical foundation a next-generation X70 would need.

Suspension remains fairly proper for the segment too, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

That rear multi-link suspension is worth highlighting because the X70 has always traded on a more mature, composed SUV feel. If Proton wants the next X70 to maintain that “bigger car” character, the Boyue L has the right hardware for it.

Familiar 1.5 turbo, tempting 2.0 turbo

The engine options also make the Boyue L relevant to Proton.

In China, the model is offered with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The first is the familiar 1.5TD, producing 181 PS and 290 Nm. This engine is already widely used in Proton’s current line-up, including models like the X70, X90, X50 and S70.

That makes it the more realistic choice for Malaysia. Proton has clearly invested heavily into the 1.5-litre turbo family, and from a cost, localisation and parts-sharing point of view, it would be the easiest route.

The more exciting option is the 2.0TD, which produces 218 PS and 325 Nm. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

A 2.0-litre turbo X70 would certainly give Proton a stronger flagship SUV feel, especially for buyers who miss the punchier character of the early X70.

But realistically, Proton may prefer to keep the 1.5TD for economies of scale, pricing control and emissions reasons.

Still, a 218 PS X70 is a nice thought, especially if Proton wants to give the model a stronger premium push again.

Interior looks like the bigger leap

The exterior has become more conservative compared with the sharper earlier Boyue L, but the cabin is where the newer model feels like a bigger jump.

The latest Boyue L gets a redesigned dashboard with a 15.4-inch landscape-style infotainment screen, replacing the previous portrait-style layout. It also retains a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 25.6-inch augmented-reality head-up display.

The cabin layout has been cleaned up too, with slim central air vents, redesigned door cards and a repositioned wireless charging pad near the gear selector area.

Higher variants also get up to 16 speakers, which would give a future Proton X70 a much stronger premium cabin story, assuming Proton keeps the equipment list intact for Malaysia.

That is important because the current SUV market has moved very quickly. Large screens, digital displays, wireless charging, premium audio, ambient lighting and advanced driver assistance systems are no longer “wow” features in Chinese SUVs. They are expected.

A Boyue L-based X70 would allow Proton to bring the model back into that conversation.

Why it makes sense for Proton

The logic is straightforward.

The original Proton X70 came from the Geely Boyue. The Boyue L is the newer, larger and more modern member of that same SUV family. It is available with familiar turbocharged petrol powertrains, it uses a proper multi-link rear suspension setup, and it sits in the right general segment.

It also already has export-market identity under names like Starray, which suggests Geely has developed it with markets outside China in mind.

A future X70 replacement cannot be too niche, too expensive or too complicated to localise. It needs to be a strong family SUV first, with enough technology and presence to compete in a tougher market.

The Boyue L fits that brief better than many other Geely SUVs for now.

For now, this remains an informed possibility rather than a confirmed Proton product.

Proton has already updated the current X70, so an immediate replacement is not guaranteed. There are also practical questions around right-hand-drive development, CKD assembly, parts localisation and where the model would sit against the X90 and future e.MAS SUVs.

Powertrain choice would be another major decision. The 1.5TD makes the most sense on paper, especially since Proton is already deep into that engine family. The 2.0TD would be more desirable for enthusiasts, but it may be harder to justify if Proton wants to keep pricing competitive.

Then there is the styling. The latest Boyue L has a more mature and conventional front end compared with the previous sharper-looking version. That could actually work in Malaysia, where many buyers still prefer something handsome and confident rather than overly futuristic.

So, next Proton X70 or just wishful thinking?

The Geely Boyue L is not officially the next Proton X70.

But as a donor model, it is one of the clearest and most logical candidates Proton could use.

It has the Boyue family connection, the right size, the right platform, familiar engine options, a proper suspension layout and the kind of cabin technology needed to move the X70 name forward.

So while we should not call it confirmed, it is fair to say this:

If Proton is planning a true next-generation X70, the latest Geely Boyue L looks like one of the strongest clues yet at what that SUV could become.

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