Proton has just launched the 2023 Proton X90, its first hybrid car and its third SUV. Available in 4 variants, the Proton X90 costs RM123,800 for the ‘Standard’ variant, RM 130,800 for the ‘Executive’ variant, RM144,800 for the ‘Premium’ variant, and RM152,800 for the range-topping ‘Flagship’ variant.
Based on the Geely Haoyue/Okavango, one major change that has been made for the Proton X90 is a multilink rear suspension setup. Originally a torsion beam setup on the Haoyue/Okavango, the Proton engineers have decided to go with a multilink setup for the X90 after studying our road conditions.
On the outside, the 2023 Proton X90 sports LED headlights as standard, although the ‘Standard’ variant is the only one that doesn’t get a “Follow me Home” function and auto headlamps. Bearing the Proton name, the Geely-based Proton X90 features a songket-inspired grille up front and a “Proton” lettering on its tailgate. Wheels are 18 inches in size for the ‘Standard’ and ‘Executive’ variants and 19 inches for the ‘Premium’ and ‘Flagship’ variants.
The Proton X90 is a mild hybrid SUV and it gets the same powertrain for all variants. Under the hood is a 48V mild hybrid system that consists of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TGDI engine and a Belt Starter Generator (BSG). The engine itself makes 177 hp and 255 Nm while the BSG makes 13 hp and 45 Nm. Combined, the mild hybrid powertrain makes 190 hp and 300 Nm. As for the transmission, the X90 utilises a 7-speed DCT. Power is sent to the front wheels only.
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Inside, the X90 comes with a 6-seater configuration for the ‘Flagship’ variant and a 7-seater configuration for the other three variants. Standard interior equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen head unit (without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), dual-zone automatic climate control, and air conditioning vents for all three rows. The ‘Flagship’ is the only variant to get a panoramic sunroof.
As for safety, the Proton X90 introduces three new Proton-first safety features. They are Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traffic Sign Information (TSI). Among the 4 variants, only the ‘Premium’ and ‘Flagship’ get the full ADAS suite. For the full detailed written breakdown of the X90’s variants and specifications, head on to our in-depth launch article here.
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