The 2025 Proton X50 is one B-segment SUV that needs little introduction. Since the model’s launch in 2020, it went on to become Malaysia’s best-selling B-segment SUV, dethroning rivals along the way.
Just shy of its fifth-year anniversary, Proton overhauled the X50 back in late-July 2025.
Overview
While the Proton X50 received a number of enhancements over the years, including an RC update in June 2024, this is by far the most comprehensive update for the X50.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade is in the powertrain department – there’s now a brand-new four-cylinder engine that replaces the three-pot in the pre-updated model.
Watch: 2025 Proton X50 Four Cylinder Turbo engine Media Preview
Codenamed BHE15TD, this new four-cylinder engine is standard across the X50 range; there’s no more splitting between MPI and TGDI variants.
This new engine outputs 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 rpm to 3,500 rpm, marking a 4 PS and 35 Nm bump in power compared to the earlier 3-pot TGDI unit.
What’s unchanged is the transmission – the X50 retains the same 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission. The added power helps the X50 complete the century sprint in just 7.6 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than before.
Exterior
Proton has also revised the entirety of the X50’s exterior – this popular B-segment SUV now draws inspiration from the Geely Binyue L.
Up front are a pair of slimmer and wider LED reflector (was LED projectors on the older model) headlights, flanking a simpler-looking front grille with Proton’s signature red bow.
Beneath that is a full-width, gaping lower grille – a stark difference from the older model’s more restrained design.
Moving to the rear and it’s also completely new. Out goes the silver trim piece that used to connect both LED tail lights, as it is now replaced by a single-piece, full-width LED unit. The number plate recess has also been redesigned, with the top-spec Flagship variant now receiving a prominent rear spoiler.
Proton has also swapped out the wheels of the X50 – the 18-inch multi-spoke units found on the pre-facelift model now make way for a set of five twin-spoke alloy wheels, thus completing the exterior.
Versus the older model, the refreshed Proton X50 definitely looks the part. It’s not that the older X50 wasn’t a looker, but the new model just turned things up a few notches.
Read Also: 2025 Proton X50: 999 units delivered within 5 days of launch
Interior
While the exterior was mostly lifted wholesale from the Geely Binyue L, Proton was keen to point out that they reworked the X50’s cabin.
Whereas the older Proton X50’s interior offered a sense of functionality, the newer cabin is devoid of that. Most of the buttons have been deleted to make way for a neater-looking cabin.
There’s also a new 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, now with built-in support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. During our time with the X50, Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly; there were zero dropouts or lags.
What could use some improvement is in the audio department. Out of the box, the X50’s audio system sounded flat and uninspiring. The audio quality did marginally improve after some tweaks to the equalizer, though it still falls short overall.
And the removal of the physical air-conditioning controls meant that fan speed or temperature adjustments must be done via voice command or via the touchscreen – the latter might be a hassle for those who have CarPlay or Android Auto running, as one would need to swipe the display to access the AC controls.
For taller drivers, Proton has yet to revise the length of the seat base. Due to the X50’s dashboard height relative to the seats, taller drivers may find it a bit uncomfortable after long hours of driving.
Apart from those small niggles, the updated Proton X50 is easy to live with – all-round visibility is decent, the 360-degree camera offers a sharp enough video feed, and the cabin is one of the quietest in the segment.
Driving Experience
Perhaps the biggest question lingering on your mind is – how does the new engine feel?
The new Proton X50 definitely aces that department. Even from a cold start, the new X50 sounds more refined than the older 3-pot unit.
Additionally, pedal to the metal, the X50 now pulls ahead with more gusto than before. In-gear acceleration is definitely one of the new X50’s strong points too, as one wouldn’t need to press the accelerator all the way in; gently does it.
That said, the 7-speed DCT, while smooth, isn’t the quickest DCT out there. The lack of paddle shifters might be a dealbreaker to some, but during our time with the X50, it wasn’t a concern to us.
Don’t let the sporty looks fool you – the Proton X50’s ride and handling is amongst the best in its segment. The X50, in its Flagship trim, offers decent enough comfort levels, ironing out most road surface irregularities and unevenness. Some bumps, however, can be noticeable due to the X50 Flagship’s 55-series tyres. The Executive with fatter 60-series profile tyres should offer better ride comfort, we believe.
Read Also: All-new 2025 Proton X50 Executive – This is all you really need
What may need some work is perhaps the finetuning of the Adaptive driving mode, which is the default mode the car starts in. In Adaptive mode, the throttle response can get a tad bit sensitive, making it difficult to drive the X50 smoothly. Changing the drive mode to Comfort alleviates that issue.
Conclusion
The updated Proton X50 looks the part, offers improved tech and better connectivity (Apple CarPlay, finally), and more power than ever before.
Given its price-to-performance proposition, it’s no surprise why the Proton X50 surged to the top of the sales charts upon launch, dethroning practically every segment rival along the way.
And now with the updated Proton X50, it looks like sales aren’t slowing down one bit. Within three months, Proton has delivered more than 10,000 units of the new X50, further cementing its position as the best-selling national B-segment SUV.
Read Also: All-new 2025 Proton X50 facelift: Everything you need to know plus variant comparison
2025 Proton X50 Flagship Photo Gallery
