Summary
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift is a significant update to Proton’s popular compact SUV, blending refreshed styling, advanced technology, and improved performance to maintain its strong position in the Malaysian automotive market. Drawing design inspiration from the Geely Binyue Cool, the facelift features redesigned bumpers, a distinctive front grille with Proton’s signature “Ethereal Bow” strip, updated LED lighting, and new alloy wheel options, giving the X50 a sharper and more modern appearance without departing from its familiar silhouette. Inside, the cabin receives a major overhaul with a layered dashboard, a large 14.6-inch floating touchscreen, ambient lighting responsive to music and driving conditions, and premium materials that elevate the overall refinement.
Under the hood, Proton replaces the outgoing 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit (BHE15TD), offering increased power, torque, and fuel efficiency. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, this powertrain enables the X50 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds while reducing fuel consumption by approximately 4.7% compared to the previous model. The new engine is also designed with future electrification in mind, supporting potential hybrid and range-extended electric variants, marking Proton’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Technological enhancements include an upgraded Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and the first implementation of Bahasa Malaysia voice recognition in a Proton vehicle, reflecting the company’s focus on local user experience and connectivity. Safety and comfort features are also expanded across trim levels, with higher variants offering panoramic sunroofs, dual-tone upholstery, and a rhythmic 72-colour ambient lighting system, while practical updates such as six-way powered driver seats and wireless charging improve everyday usability.
Since its launch in Malaysia in July 2025, the facelifted Proton X50 has garnered positive reviews for its combination of modern design, improved performance, and enhanced technology, quickly becoming the country’s best-selling B-segment SUV. However, some consumers have raised concerns about pricing and maintenance costs, particularly relating to tire replacements, sparking debates about value relative to competing regional models. Nonetheless, the 2025 Proton X50 stands as a pivotal model in Proton’s lineup, poised to leverage its technological upgrades and adaptable powertrain for future market growth and electrification strategies.
Design Overview
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift introduces a striking redesign that balances modernity with a nod to sporty aesthetics, drawing clear inspiration from the Geely Binyue Cool. While not a complete overhaul, the updated model features redesigned bumpers, grille, and lighting elements that impart a more aggressive and contemporary look, refreshing its road presence without alienating existing fans.
The front fascia now sports a new grille unique to Proton, reintroducing the signature red “Ethereal Bow” strip accompanied by alternating vertical pins inspired by traditional songket patterns. The reshaped bonnet incorporates faux vents, and the reflector LED headlights replace the previous projector units, now featuring triple daytime running light “eyebrows” reminiscent of the Proton S70. The lower grille is wider and full-width with silver L-shaped corners, while new fenders house chrome A-pillar extensions, further enhancing the SUV’s bold stance.
At the rear, the facelift offers a full-width taillight design and a redesigned tailgate with the number plate recess positioned lower, creating a more balanced and modern aesthetic. The flagship variant gains a sporty rear spoiler emblazoned with an “S” insignia, a popular feature among local enthusiasts, contributing to the SUV’s aggressive rear profile.
Wheel designs have been updated across variants, with the Executive variant receiving new 17-inch alloy wheels and the Premium and Flagship variants equipped with revised 18-inch dual-tone alloys that boost the vehicle’s road presence and sporty appeal. Overall, these exterior tweaks give the X50 a sharper, more sophisticated look while maintaining its familiar silhouette.
Inside, the 2025 X50 takes a significant leap forward with a completely redesigned cabin that echoes the styling language of the Proton e.MAS 7 more than its Chinese counterparts. The dashboard features a layered design with a floating central touchscreen measuring 14.6 inches, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for enhanced connectivity. A fully digital instrument cluster complements this setup, though slightly smaller than that in the e.MAS 7, at 8.88 inches.
The interior is enriched with a rhythmic 72-colour ambient lighting system that responds dynamically to music and driving conditions, illuminating through patterned trims on the dashboard and door cubbies, including rear doors. Soft-touch materials are used extensively throughout the cabin, with synthetic leather upholstery standard from the Premium variant upwards. The upper dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch TPO material, while microfiber leather adorns the door armrests, elevating the tactile experience and overall perceived quality.
Practical upgrades include six-way powered driver seats starting from the Premium trim, with the Flagship model adding luxurious touches such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-tone upholstery, and a unique semi-transparent visor for front passengers. The gear selector has been relocated to a luxury-style column shifter, replacing the previous floor-mounted design, though some enthusiasts hope for paddle shifters in future updates.
Technological advancements in the cabin extend to the inclusion of Bahasa Melayu voice recognition—a first for the model—alongside an upgraded Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite and a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. These enhancements collectively affirm the 2025 Proton X50’s relevance in the Malaysian market, blending style, technology, and comfort.
Performance and Specifications
The 2025 Proton X50 is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, designated as the BHE15TD or marketed by Proton as the i-GT 1.5TD, which stands for intelligent-Green Technology. This engine replaces the previous 1,477 cc three-cylinder unit found in earlier models, marking a significant upgrade across all variants by providing direct injection technology for improved performance and efficiency.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 181 PS (approximately 178 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, representing an increase of 4 PS and 35 Nm over the outgoing flagship’s TGDi three-cylinder motor. This powertrain is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the X50 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds—0.3 seconds faster than the previous generation.
Fuel efficiency has also improved with the new engine, delivering an approximate 4.7% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, lowering average consumption figures from around 6.4-6.5 litres per 100 km to about 6.1 litres per 100 km despite the increase in power and the additional cylinder. Proton has emphasized the extensive development effort behind the facelift, citing 245 new parts, 412,000 R&D man-hours, and 4.3 million kilometers of testing to refine the powertrain and overall vehicle performance.
Notably, all 2025 Proton X50 variants now utilize this single engine configuration, moving away from the previous practice of using port injection for base models and direct injection for flagship variants. This engine is also slated to power other Proton Geely-based internal combustion engine (ICE) models in the future, such as the X70, S70, and X90. Unlike some competitors, the X50 does not offer an all-wheel-drive option, relying solely on front-wheel drive.
The vehicle’s chassis and platform remain based on the Geely Binyue L, but the 2025 X50 features updated front and rear bumpers, grille, spoiler, headlamps, taillights, and wheels, contributing to its refreshed design and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
Features and Technology
The 2025 Proton X50 showcases a comprehensive upgrade in both features and technology, positioning it as a strong contender in the Malaysian compact SUV segment. Central to its appeal is the introduction of the new 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT 1.5TD engine, developed by Geely-owned Aurobay and co-developed with Volvo. This engine features a direct injection system across all variants, improved fuel efficiency with a 4.7% reduction in consumption, and a timing chain that lowers maintenance requirements. Additionally, the engine supports multiple drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and a new Adaptive mode that automatically adjusts to driving conditions via the infotainment screen.
Inside, the X50 features a redesigned, tech-forward cabin with a layered dashboard and a large floating 14.6-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the first-ever Bahasa Malaysia voice recognition system in a Proton model. The infotainment system was further enhanced in the 2024 X50 RC update, boasting a faster processor and onboard Spotify integration based on customer feedback. A fully digital instrument cluster complements the modern interior, reflecting design cues seen in the Proton e.MAS 7 EV but tailored to the X50’s layout.
Ambient lighting plays a key role in enhancing cabin ambience, with a 72-colour “rhythmic” lighting system integrated into the dashboard trims and door pulls, standard from the Premium variant upwards. Comfort is elevated through six-way powered driver seats available from the Premium trim, with the Flagship model adding panoramic sunroof, dual-tone upholstery, and a semi-transparent visor for front passengers. Practical features such as wireless phone charging, multiple USB ports, a roomy rear seat, and large boot space cater to family needs.
Safety and driver assistance technologies have also been significantly upgraded. The 2025 X50 incorporates a more advanced Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite available from the Executive and Premium trims, including Auto Park Assist with 12 external parking sensors and enhanced camera systems. The 360-degree camera system was improved in the 2024 RC version to deliver better image quality, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced to improve cabin refinement. However, some traditional sporty features like paddle shifters are absent, with the gear selector shifted to the steering column, a point noted by enthusiasts hoping for future updates.
Market Launch
The facelifted 2025 Proton X50 was officially launched in Malaysia in July 2025, marking a significant update to the popular compact SUV segment. The launch followed an extensive teaser period and widespread anticipation fueled by spyshots and previews dating back to 2023. The new model introduced a refreshed exterior design inspired by the latest Chinese-market Binyue L, featuring updated LED reflector headlights, a full-width lower grille with silver L-shaped accents, and new fenders with chrome A-pillar extensions, reflecting a sharper and more modern aesthetic.
Proton positioned the 2025 X50 as a technologically advanced and more efficient SUV, boasting the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Interior upgrades included a larger 14.6-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rhythmic ambient lighting, and the introduction of Bahasa Melayu voice recognition, enhancing user experience and connectivity.
At launch, Proton offered four distinct variants of the X50: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship, catering to a range of customer preferences with features such as a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, AI-powered driver assistance systems including Lane Keep 3.0 and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and sustainable vegan leather interiors in higher trims. The starting price was announced at RM85,800, inclusive of launch rebates, making the facelifted X50 competitive within the Malaysian compact SUV market.
Since its launch, the 2025 Proton X50 has been well received, quickly surpassing 10,000 units in sales and reinforcing its position as Malaysia’s most popular B-segment SUV. Despite some mixed opinions regarding pricing compared to competing Chinese brands, Proton’s strong sales momentum reflects the model’s appeal driven by its combination of refreshed design, advanced technology, and established reliability.
Reception and Reviews
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift has generally received positive feedback from both owners and automotive commentators, with praise focusing on its modern design, interior enhancements, and overall value for money. Many reviewers have noted significant improvements in build quality and materials used inside the cabin, particularly highlighting the soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels that contribute to a more luxurious feel. The updated interior also features advanced technologies such as a bigger touchscreen display, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (AACC), and the pioneering Bahasa Malaysia voice recognition system, underscoring Proton’s intent to maintain the model’s strong relevance in the Malaysian market.
Performance-wise, the introduction of the 181 PS turbocharged engine has been welcomed as a substantial upgrade rarely seen in a facelift model, adding to the car’s appeal among enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Safety features have also been enhanced, with the Flagship variant offering additional premium touches such as panoramic sunroof, dual-tone upholstery, and the rhythmic 72-colour ambient lighting system starting from the Premium variant upwards.
Despite these upgrades, some consumers have expressed concerns regarding the pricing strategy. While many appreciate Proton’s efforts to stay competitive despite rising costs, certain buyers feel the new X50 is priced higher relative to previous models and some regional competitors, sparking debates about affordability and value. Additionally, some long-term owners have noted challenges such as higher tyre replacement costs which might influence maintenance considerations over time.
Comparison with Previous Models
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift represents a significant step forward compared to its predecessors, both in terms of design and engineering. While not a complete overhaul, the facelift features redesigned bumpers, grille, and lights that give the car a more aggressive and modern look, clearly influenced by the sporty styling of the Geely Binyue Cool. These exterior updates refresh the vehicle’s appeal without alienating fans of the earlier design language.
Under the hood, the most notable change is the introduction of the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder BHE15 turbocharged engine, replacing the outgoing three-cylinder powerplant. This engine offers a performance boost, enabling the 2025 X50 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds—0.3 seconds quicker than the previous TGDi version. Additionally, fuel efficiency has improved by 4.7%, with estimated consumption dropping from about 6.4-6.5 litres per 100 km to roughly 6.1 litres per 100 km despite the increase in power and torque. Developed with electrification in mind, the BHE15 engine is adaptable for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) configurations, signaling Proton’s commitment to future electrified models.
Interior-wise, the facelifted X50 delivers a notable upgrade in both materials and technology. Owners and reviewers have praised significant improvements in build quality and cabin refinement. Soft-touch materials cover the door panels and dashboard, enhancing the sense of luxury. Higher trims feature synthetic leather seats, soft-touch TPO on the upper dashboard, and microfiber leather on door armrests, elevating the tactile experience. The cabin also benefits from the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a larger infotainment screen, active adaptive cruise control (AACP), and the nation’s first Bahasa Malaysia voice recognition system, reinforcing the model’s strong appeal in the Malaysian market.
Strategic Impact and Future Prospects
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift represents a significant strategic move for Proton in the competitive Malaysian compact SUV segment. By offering a refreshed portfolio that includes the Flagship, Premium, Sport Edition, and Executive variants, Proton aims to address diverse customer preferences with a blend of advanced technology, enhanced comfort, and improved driving dynamics. The facelift goes beyond mere cosmetic changes, introducing the new and more powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder BHE15 turbocharged engine that replaces the outgoing three-cylinder unit, marking a substantial upgrade in performance and efficiency. This engine is also designed
The content is provided by Avery Redwood, Front Signals
