Proton, Malaysia’s national carmaker has always been a reliable and trustworthy auto brand. Its lineup included cars for the daily masses, proving reasonable performance and comfort. However, it was after the 2018 licencing agreement with Geely that the brand tried its hand in the premium auto segment. The first product of the Geely-Proton partnership was the X70 SUV that since its arrival has generated great sales numbers for the brand. It was not only the brand’s first SUV but with it came several first-in-Proton features. Continuing the growth, Proton recently launched its much-awaited, the X50. It is the first B-segment crossover in the automaker’s lineup and is based on Geely Binyue (also known as Coolray in few markets). We think it's a very smart step by the brand, as the crossover segment is very lucrative and in-demand at the moment. The same can be proved by X50’s fast booking figures.

The Proton X50 is available in four variant options - entry-level 1.5T Standard, Premium, Executive, and range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship. The X50 price tag for respective variants is listed below -

Proton X50	Price
1.5T Standard	RM79,200
1.5T Executive	RM84,800
1.5T Premium	RM93,200
1.5 TGDi Flagship	RM103,300

 

Note, the above-mentioned on-the-road prices for locally-assembled X50 EEV excludes insurance and include full SST exemption, valid until December 31st, 2020. Also, part of the kit is a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, five times free labour for service (for first 30,000 bookings till Dec 31), and a five-year 1 GB data package per month.

In this article, we’ll be discussing X50’s key highlights which are several as it carries many first in Proton features, in terms of technology and safety.

Also Read: Proton X50: Top Features

But before that, let’s have a look at the X50 dimensions and standard feature list.

X50 Dimensions
Length	4,300 mm
Width	1,800 mm
Height	1,609 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm
Ground Clearance	196 mm
Wheels	17-inch silver alloy/ 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
Trunk Capacity	330-litre

 

Moving on, part of Proton X50 standard feature list is -

• Full LED projector headlamps
• LED tail lamps
• Analogue instrument cluster with colour screen
• Cruise Control
• Push-start ignition
• Remote engine start
• Voice command, navigation, online weather forecast/ Joox music streaming
• Eight-inch (8.0) touchscreen infotainment system with GKUI 19
• N95 cabin filter
• Three USB PORTS
• Four airbags
• Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control
• Hill hold assist, hill descent control
• Reverse camera

Proton X50’s key highlights include its stylish design, powerful performance, revolutionary connectivity, outstanding safety, and total comfort, in totality. However, below we have listed a few features that make the crossover a truly outstanding car.

Turbo 1.5-litre 3-Cyl engine with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox

This powerplant is the product of Geely and Volvo joint effort. And X50 is the first in the Geely ground to receive this version. It delivers combined fuel consumption of 15.4 kmpl. The said powerplant is offered in two versions in the X50 - port-injected unit serving Standard, Executive, and Premium trims, while a more powerful direct-injected mill powering the Flagship model. The former makes a maximum power of 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 226 Nm at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. The later unit, on the other hand, put out 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

Part of the package is a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, the one found in X50’s bigger sibling, the X70 SUV. It is also designed by Geely and Volvo and sends dive to the front wheels. As DCT is a robotised manual transmission, it will shift gear faster than any driver using a manual gearbox. Also, Geely’s 7DCT is a super-efficient unit - offering an overall figure of 94.6% and a maximum figure of 97%. Besides, there’s less drivetrain loss, hence better power delivery and mileage. There’s also no-slip from the torque converter and no losses from a hydraulic pump.

New GKUI 19 infotainment system

The X50 gets a lot of improvements over its bigger sibling the X70 SUV, one of which is the inclusion of the latest version of Geely Key User Interface, the GKUI 19. Compared to the previous system, the GKUI 19 is more responsive and comes with cleaner titles and permanent menu, home, and back buttons.

However, depending on the variant the application differs a little. Like the entry-level Standard and Executive models get an 8-inch freestanding touchscreen, an eSIM built into the head unit, and an analogue instrument cluster. The Premium and Flagship trims, on the other hand, get a much wider 10.25-inch touch display, and 7-inch digital display. In both the GKUI 19 versions, users get access to online navigation, JOOX music streaming, and weather information.

N95 cabin filter

The X50 comes packed with N95 cabin filter which though is small but is powerful and useful. It is now an integral part of Proton cars and the X50 is the latest beneficiary. It ensures clean and improved air quality at all times. It not only effectively filters bacteria, particulates, dust, and other pollutants, but also functions in both fresh and recirculation air-con modes. It filters 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates and 95% of particles >0.3 microns. In short, the N95 cabin filter works twice as efficiently to improve the cabin's air quality.

 

Intelligent & smart functions

The X50 comes with several outstanding features that fully make-up for the crossover’s asking price. Included in the list is a QDlink smartphone screen mirroring function that works with both iOS and Android devices. Besides, the car gets two USB ports, rear air-con vents, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and auto rain wipers.

Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities

The X50 comes with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) that combines two great features - the adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane centring assist. Together they provide Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities that can accelerate, steer and brake the car on its own. However, it is not a foolproof system, so maintain full control of the car and don't do anything else while on wheels.

Five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating

The X50 secured a five-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP safety test. All thanks to it to loaded safety kit that includes four airbags (six airbags from Executive), ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, stability control, hill descent control, tyre monitoring system, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Also Read: Proton X50: Hits and misses