Proton X50 - Exterior design explained

Just like the Proton X70, the X50 has also garnered a lot of attention even before its launch. Forget launch, as of now, we don’t even have an exact date but we do know, and it has been officially confirmed by Proton, that the X50 will be launched in Malaysia this year.

So far, we have talked about Proton X50’s safety features, rivals, and features it would borrow from the X70. And, to be honest, things look quite promising. While we wait for the X50 to be launched, we are here once again with another story in which we will be taking you through the X50’s exterior design. So let’s begin, shall we?

We know that the X50 will be based on Geely Binyue/Coolray as a result of the Proton-Geely partnership; similar to what we’ve seen with the X70 and Geely Boyue. This means the X50 will be very similar to the Coolray. However, Proton would add certain features that would identify the X50 as theirs.

Front-end Design

The X50 would feature a pair of sleek LED headlamps that would be accompanied by striking and sporty LED DRLs. The design of the LED DRLs would be such that it gels in well with the design of the front grille. Speaking of the front grille, Proton would slap on its own grille here which it calls ‘infinite weave grille’. It would be similar to what the X70 has. Apart from that, the front bumper would have fog lamps and a large radiator grille. Overall, it would add to the car’s sporty stance.

Side Profile

At the side of the Proton X50, we are expecting so see decent-sized wheel arches. There would be black cladding all around that imparts a rugged and more mature look. Proton would also provide silver accents around the windows for a contrast. Most probably, the pillars would be painted black for a premium and upmarket feel. In fact, the blacked-out D-pillar gives a floating-roof-like appearance.

The side wing mirrors would be finished in black and feature integrated LED turn signals. They are likely to be electronically operated. To fill up the side view, Proton would also keep a sharp character line on the doors. And of course, we would have a set of sporty and striking 18-in alloy wheels, perhaps, in a dual-tone shade.

Rear-end Design

Coming to the rear end of the X50, there would be a pair of LED combination lights. They would be bridged together with a thick horizontal chrome strip. The curvy shape of these lights towards their outer end would have been beautifully carried forward and joined together. Below, there would be quad exhausts; two on each side. Mind you, these wouldn’t be faux exhaust outlets but actual exhaust pipes! So, that’s cool and quite sporty. However, we doubt the X50 would sound that great.

Another good design element that we are expecting to see is the roof-mounted rear spoiler. It adds that extra oomph. And the fact that it isn’t a continuous unit rather has fins in between, makes it even sportier.

These were our observations about the exterior design of the Proton X50. Of course, all the official details will be known at the launch. Let us know your opinions about the X50’s design.

With the kind of popularity, X50 has gained so far, people’s expectations from it would have also skyrocketed. This puts Proton under extreme pressure to do phenomenally well. Let’s see in what range does the Proton X50 price fall in. Speculations have been made that the starting price would be around RM 75,000 mark.

Regarding the Proton X50 specs, it is likely to get a 1.5-litre engine that churns out 174 bhp and 255 Nm of torque and is mated to a 7-speed DCT. We know that Geely Coolray also comes with a smaller 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with 134 bhp of max power and 205 Nm of max torque, however, it wouldn’t make its way in the X50.

Also read: Proton X50 - Things we know so far