The B-segment SUV market is perhaps one of the most competitive segments in Malaysia. Almost every carmaker has their eyes on this category, as Malaysian buyers continue to flock to SUVs.
Chery’s O5 facelift introduces a few key mechanical updates: a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that replaces the CVT automatic, and a rear multi-link suspension setup in place of the previous torsion beam. Cosmetic changes are less drastic compared to the pre-facelift model.
Read Also: 2025 Chery O5 facelift launched in Malaysia: B-SUV with 156 PS priced from RM 116,800
Proton’s X50 facelift, meanwhile, brings a more significant overhaul. The biggest change is under the bonnet: the 1.5-litre three-cylinder has been replaced by a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo, paired to the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as before. Styling, safety, and infotainment have also been upgraded.
Pricing-wise, the 2025 Proton X50 Flagship starts from RM113,300, while the 2025 Chery O5 facelift is priced from RM116,800. Both are on-the-road without insurance. Proton is currently offering a RM4,000 rebate for the first 10,000 buyers before 31 October, bringing the X50 Flagship’s price down to RM109,300.
Read Also: All-new 2025 Proton X50 facelift launched in Malaysia, priced from RM 89,800, new 1.5L 4-cyd engine
Exterior
In this highly-competitive segment, being able to stand out amongst competitors is crucial, and both the X50 and O5 facelift achieve that pretty well.
The 2025 Chery O5 facelift is largely visually similar to its pre-facelift sibling, but Chery has further refined the design. The front fascia drops the chrome studs in favour of body-coloured one, and the front bumper now features a more prominent X-design. Sitting atop the new front bumper are a pair of sharp LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that surround a new OMODA script.
Then there’s the redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, which now feature a five twin-spoke design as opposed to the star-shape rims of the pre-facelift model. The red highlights are also no more, giving the O5 facelift a more subdued look.
While changes to the O5 facelift were mild, Proton went the opposite direction with the X50.
Up front, the 2025 Proton X50 now adopts the overall design of the Geely Binyue L, albeit with a unique front grille. The 2025 Proton X50 gains Proton’s signature Ethereal bow finished in red, with a pair of reflector LED headlights (pre-facelift model offered projector LEDs, mind you) flank this new grille. Towards the bottom is massive gaping front grille with four horizontal slats.
The rear of the 2025 Proton X50 has also been heavily revised. Gone are the two separate LED tail lights, now replaced by a slim, full-width unit. The shape of the tailgate has also been re-profiled, now with vertical satin silver elements nestled on each corner. The top-spec Flagship also gains a sporty rear spoiler, befitting of the nature of the X50.
Interior
Inside, the 2025 Chery O5 facelift is largely similar to the model it replaces. There’s the dual 10.25-inch displays, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. Unlike the unbranded sound system found in the 2025 Proton X50, the 2025 Chery O5 facelift offers an 8-speaker Sony Premium sound system.
That said, the X50 claws back with a significantly larger 14.6-inch infotainment display. Unlike the Chery and its touch panel-based climate control, the X50’s climate controls are housed within the infotainment display.
Both cars offer a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, flat-bottomed steering wheel, electric parking brake (EPB), and clear-border-style rear view mirror. Both manufacturers also upgraded the sun visors on their respective B-segment SUV: Proton offers a semi-transparent sun visor while the O5’s sun visors offer toggleable warm and cool lighting.
Safety
In terms of safety, both the 2025 Chery O5 facelift and 2025 Proton X50 facelift are neck-to-neck, offering 6 airbags, stability control, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Traction Control System (TCS).
Even their ADAS kit are almost a match for each other. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) are just some features that both B-SUVs offer.
Where the 2025 Proton X50 facelift has an advantage is the fitment of Auto Park Assist (APA).
Powertrain
For the 2025 Proton X50, this upgrade exercise finally saw Proton adopting a 4-cylinder engine in place of the 3-pot unit.
Codenamed BHE15, the new 4-cylinder Proton X50 outputs 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,000 rpm to 3,500 rpm, mated to Proton’s tried-and-tested, wet-type, dual-clutch, 7-speed automatic transmission, which sends drive to the front wheels. It marks a 4 PS and 35 Nm increase over the older 3-pot motor.
Read Also: All-new 2025 Proton X50 facelift: Goodbye 3-cyl, hello brand-new 4-cyl BHE15 1.5L turbo
Proton says that new 4-cylinder 2025 Proton X50 now completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds, meaning it’s 0.3 seconds faster than before, whilst consuming 4.7 % less fuel than before.
On the other hand, the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the 2025 Chery O5 facelift remains the same as before, producing 156 PS and 230 Nm, though Chery has swapped out the CVT automatic transmission in favour of a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission. Chery did not provide a 0-100 km/h of the O5.
Watch: Chery Omoda 5 Facelift 2025
Aftersales and warranty
The 2025 Proton X50 facelift offers Proton’s standard 5-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, 5-year data package with 2GB a month quota, and 6 times free labour.
As for the 2025 Chery O5 facelift, Chery Malaysia is offering:
- 7-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty
- 7-year/150,000-km engine warranty
As part of its launch package, Chery Malaysia is offering this limited time package, comprising of:
- 3-year free service (all inclusive) worth RM 4,000
- 10-year/1,000,000-km warranty (worth RM 2,000)
- Attractive monthly instalment with Maybank – RM990/month
Conclusion
Both the 2025 Proton X50 and Chery O5 facelift are closely matched in terms of pricing, features, and equipment. The updated X50 offers stronger performance, a refreshed design, and Auto Park Assist, while the O5 evens things out with a Sony audio system, more sophisticated rear suspension, and a longer warranty package.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to buyer preference: those prioritising performance and Proton’s local support may lean toward the X50, while those seeking a stronger warranty package and comfort refinements may find the O5 facelift more appealing.
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2025 Chery O5 facelift photo gallery
2025 Proton X50 facelift photo gallery
