Proton X50

X50 Overview

Proton X50 can be easily claimed as one of the biggest and most awaited launches of 2020. Not only it gained traction before its arrival, but its popularity opened new gates for the brand, as its Proton’s first attempt in the B-segment crossover segment. Based on the Geely Binyue, the Proton X50 is the company’s second model sharing clues from the Chinese automaker vehicle. Proton’s latest SUV derives most of its design from the Binyue and that’s good, as the latter is Geely’s latest model and without a doubt is the cohesive version of the brand’s design language until now. Although it is based on the Geely Binyue, some elements remind us of the X70 as well. 

The Proton X50 is offered in four variants, all powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, available in two tunes. Apart from the Flagship trim, the mill in the rest all trims make 150 PS and 226 Nm, in the range-topping variant the power unit develops 177 PS and 255 Nm. All the trims are front-wheel drive and get the same 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox. The cabin is as plush as one could imagine with premium materials, amazing finish, and top-class build quality. Safety is given top priority and therefore Proton has blessed the X50 with an outstanding pack of crucial safety and security features. With so much to gain and nothing to lose, the Proton X50 SUV competes against the likes of Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Toyota CH-R, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru XV. The X50 SUV price range starts from RM 79,200 and goes up to RM 103,300.

Proton X50 Interior & Features

Open the gates and you’d be welcomed in a modern, comforting cabin. The build quality, material, and features will transport you into a different world altogether. One of the major highlights here is the inclusion of the latest version of Geely Key User Interface - the GKUI19. The interface now comes with a permanent back, menu, and home buttons, and cleaner titles. Note, the application differs depending on the variant - the Standard and Executive trims get an 8-inch freestanding touchscreen, eSIM built, and analog cluster built in the head unit. The other variants come with a 'Hi Proton' voice control system.

The GKUI19 system provides weather information, online navigation, and Joox music streaming. Also present is the QDLink smartphone screen mirroring function that works on iOS and Android devices.

Talking about the SUV's standard equipment list, the X50 gets manual fabric seats, remote engine start, manual air-conditioning, push-button start, rear parking sensor, an N95 cabin filter, a reverse camera, and four speakers. The Executive trim further gets automatic headlamps, faux leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering, and front parking sensors. The Premium model along with the features listed above benefit from automatic climate control, automatic up and down for windows, welcome light function, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, six speakers, 360-degree camera system. The Flagship only gets a few additional features to like a panoramic glass sunroof, automatic wipers, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Open the tailgate and you'll get a 330-litre of luggage space. For more space, are the 60:40 split rear seat. Also, the X50 comes with a space-saver spare tyre that sits below the boot floor.

X50 Exterior

As mentioned earlier, the all-new Proton X50 is based on the Geely Binyue and so resembles it to some extent. It is a great thing as the Chinese model sports a very appealing front. The Proton design team has done a commendable job and has incorporated Malaysian details, for that familiar touch. Besides, the car shares certain design elements with the X70, like the blacked-out D-pillar that gives a floating roof look, and prominent front fender bulges. In totality, the X50 features a sporty design that comes with reduced dimensions and a standard Sport exterior package.

Upfront, it gets X70 like ‘Infinite Weave’ grille, with the only difference being the additional Auburn Red strip surround that dips down in the centre. The chrome-garnished grille is flanked by sharp LED headlights, tied by a chrome trim piece. Also, present at the front is sizable air intakes and a spoiler floating seamlessly into the black plastic body cladding. Apart from the entry-level Standard variant, rest all trims get LED fog lamps.

At the rear, the X50 gets trapezoidal LED taillights with triple light guides, joined by a broad chrome strip with Proton script. Giving it a racy look and feel are the four genuine exhaust pipes and a massive diffuser.

The SUVs Standard and Executive trims rolls on 17-inch, while the Premium and Flagship model gain 18-inch two-tone wheels. Further, exclusive to the range-topping trim is a black-roof. 

The X50 looks even more enticing with the colours it wears. The Standard trim is available in three colour tones - Ocean Blue, Snow White, and Armour Silver. The Executive is offered in additional Jet Grey and Citric Orange tones, while the Passion Red paint job is only limited to the Premium and Flagship models. 

On the dimension front, the X50 is considerably smaller than the X70. It measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 in width, and 1,609 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2,600 mm.

Proton X50 Ride & Handling

The X50 is built on Geely's B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) that assures a smooth and comfortable drive. On the suspension front, the SUV features a MacPherson strut at the front and a torsion bar at the back. With such high-performance figures, the stopping front of the car needs to be strong, therefore Proton has equipped the SUV with Ventilated brake discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.

X50 Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Proton X50 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged mill that is developed under the joint partnership of Geely and Volvo. The said mill is available in two tuning options - one for the Standard, Executive, and Premium trims and the other for the top-level Flagship variant. In the former set, the port-injected unit develops a maximum power of 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 226 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Proton claims a fuel economy of 15.3 kmpl.

As for the Flagship model, it gets the more powerful direct-injected mill that makes 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. he 0 to 100 kmph run time here is set at 7.9 seconds and delivers a combined mileage of 15.6 kmpl.

In the X50 variants, the engine is paired to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, borrowed from the X70 and designed by Geely and Volvo. Also, it sends power to the front wheels.

Proton X50 Braking & Safety

To keep occupants safe, Proton has incorporated the X50 with several standard safety features including - 4 airbags, stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, stability control, and ISOFIX rear seat anchors. The Executive trim offers 6 airbags (adding curtain airbags) and the Premium trim brings to the table a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Proton offers the range-topping Flagship model with the Advanced Driving Assistance System. The key highlight here is Intelligent Cruise Control that combines lane-centring assist and adaptive cruise control that provide Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities - allowing the SUV to steer, accelerate, and brake on its own.

Also included in its list of safety features is - lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam, and blind-spot monitoring. Together all these features helped the X50 secure a five-star safety rating. 

X50 Verdict

Proton X50 is the latest offering in the company’s B-segment compact SUV segment. It not only comes with an appalling, sporty design but also packs segment-leading and first-in-class features. We consider it a perfect fit for anyone looking for a car with a profound ride quality with a leading brand's reliability.