Slightly less than a week into the new year and the first launch is here – Proton has just launched the new 2026 Proton X70 MC3.
Overview
Changes to the new 2026 Proton X70 MC3 is strictly limited to the new engine, which we will dive into further below.
Additionally, Proton has streamlined the product line-up – the Standard and Premium X variants are no more. The 2026 Proton X70 range now consists of Executive and Premium.
Prices start from RM 99,800 for the Executive variant, while the Premium variant is priced from RM 112,800. Both prices include a RM 7,000 rebate that’s valid till 31-March 2026. After that, price of the Executive variant starts from RM 106,800 and RM 119,800 for the Premium variant. Both prices are on-the-road (OTR), without insurance.
Proton is also offering their Pro-Trade-In that provides trade-in overtrade support that’s worth up to RM 2,000 (car must be registered before 31-March 2026).
Watch: 2025 Proton X70 Facelift /// FIRST DRIVE /// Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 確定升級
Exterior
We won’t blame you if you can’t spot any visual differences, because there’s none – no i-GT emblem, no revised design whatsoever.
Not like that’s a bad thing, as the X70, especially in its current form, is quite a looker. The bold front grille is flanked by a pair of LED headlights with LED front fog lights nestled beneath. Ditto that for the rear-end, as the X70 carries over the same rear bumper as before.
The Executive variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium gets 19-inch units – same as before. Ruby Red is no more.
Read Also: Spied: No Christmas break for Proton; X90 MC spotted again
Interior
Step into the cabin and it’s largely identical to the 3-pot X70, down to the 7-inch digital driver display, 12.3-inch infotainment display, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
That said, the Stone Grey Nappa leather upholstery on the Premium variant is no more, relegated to just a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel. As such, both the Executive and Premium variants get leatherette seats.
The 2026 Proton X70 MC3 retains the two-step rear seats, 5 USB ports, ambient lighting, and powered tailgate.
Read Also: Spied: Proton S70 MC – New Ruby Red, different wheels, 1.5L i-GT from X50
Powertrain
This is where the core change is. Out goes the JLH-3G15TD three-cylinder petrol engine, as Proton has swapped it out in favour of the newer and more efficient i-GT four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This engine first debuted on the 2025 Proton X50 facelift, before finding its way to the 2026 Proton Saga MC3 (naturally-aspirated).
The BHE15-EFZ outputs 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque – a 4 PS and 35 Nm increase over the 3-pot unit. Despite having one cylinder more, Proton says that the new 2026 Proton X70 is 5.5% more fuel efficient than before, coming in at 6.9 L/100 km –the lowest figure since the model was launched here back in 2018. Back then, the 1.8-litre turbo model, in front-wheel drive trim, returned 7.8 L/100 km.
Sending drive to the front wheels is the carried over 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Read Also: First Drive: 2025 Proton X50 – How’s the new 1.5L 4-cyd engine like?
Equipment
Starting with the Executive variant, equipment includes:
- 1.5-litre i-GT four-cylinder turbo petrol engine
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drive mode selector
- Steering mode selector
- Automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), Follow-me-Home function
- Front welcome lights
- LED front fog lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power tailgate
- Rain-sensing automatic wipers
- Remote engine start
- 12.3-inch infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 3-point gear lever
- 7-inch digital driver display
- Leatherette steering wheel
- Automatic dual-zone climate control
- Leatherette upholstery
- 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
- Ventilated front seats
- Auto dimming rear view mirror
- 6 speakers
- 5 USB ports
- 6 airbags
- 360-degree camera with 180-degree transparent view
- Walk Away Auto Lock
Stepping up to the Premium variant adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with 2-way lumbar adjustment
- 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat with ‘Boss’ switch
- Security tint
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Lane Centering Control (LCC)
- Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
- Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA]
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
- Door Opening Warning (DOW)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Front Parking Sensors
Warranty & Aftersales
The 2026 Proton X70 MC3 is backed by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year data package with 2GB data/month (for 5 years), as well as 6 times free labour service.
There’s also a 9-year financing rate with 2.2% interest rate (with margin of finance up to 90%).
In terms of maintenance costs, the BHE15-equipped Proton X70 is expected to be cheaper to maintain compared to the outgoing 3-pot unit, as with the case with the Proton Saga MC3 and Proton X50.
Download brochure here
2026 Proton X70 MC3 Photo Gallery
