Following months of spy shots, Proton has now officially unveiled the 2025 Proton X50 in these official images, ahead of its launch sometime in Q3 2025. Proton calls this an “all-new” model, although as the photos reveal, the 2025 X50 is based on the Geely Binyue L, which is a facelift model introduced late last year, itself based on the Binyue Cool that is a heavily upgraded version of the regular Binyue.
Nevertheless, the national carmaker feels there are changes here significant enough to warrant an “all-new” second-generation prefix, the most notable of all – no matter how much Proton tries to downplay it – is the switch to a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the much-maligned three-banger.
Paired to the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as before, the i-GT 1.5 TD mill here outputs 181 hp and 290 Nm of torque to the front wheels, translating to an on-paper 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than the outgoing model.
In addition to the increased performance, the all-new 2025 Proton X50 also boasts a 4.7% improvement in fuel efficiency. Notably, all three variants (Executive, Premium, and Flagship – down from four from before) will come equipped with the same engine unlike before, equalising the performance across the board.
Complementing the new engine is a heavily refreshed exterior design. Up front, a new massive lower grille engulfs the entire front fascia, book-ended by two L-shaped corner appendages to emphasise the model’s width.
The headlights now feature a slimmer and sharper silhouette, accented by a new eyebrow-style three-segmented daytime-running light signature, similar to that of the Proton S70. Between them, the grille now features a new matrix-esque mesh pattern. The “ethereal bow” remains as before, and highlighted in red.
There are new character lines on the bonnet, which reaches straight down instead of curving inwards, further highlighting the model’s width. It also appears the all-new 2025 Proton X50 will now get some sort of bonnet “vents”, although we very much doubt they are actually functional.
Round the rear, the new tail lights take centre stage, with a slim light bar bisecting the entire tailgate by half. Below it, the ‘Proton’ script is displayed loud and proud on body-coloured panels, instead of being hidden in the satin trim piece as before.
The entire tailgate has been cleaned up with more horizontal lines, and down on the bumper, a pair of L-shaped vent-like trims gives the compact crossover a more muscular stance on the road, mimicking the front. The quad exhaust tailpipe remains from before (and now echoes the number of cylinders in the engine), and an aggressive roof-mounted spoiler – likely reserved for the top-end Flagship variant – rounds off the entire rear design.
As before, you’ll get the option for a two-tone paint finish on the outside. The wheels, which Proton highlights that it’s “textured”, appear to be in the same size as before (18-inch), although the lower-end variants will likely receive a different smaller set. Five colours are available on offer, including Snow White, Passion Red, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, and, Teal Bayou Green, the latter a new addition to the X50.
The biggest redesign on the all-new 2025 Proton X50 is arguably on the inside, with the intricate (but in our opinion, very pretty) fighter-jet inspired dashboard now replaced with a much more minimalist layout. A large 14.6-inch freestanding infotainment display takes the limelight on the dashboard, paired to a letterbox-style instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
The infotainment display appears to run on a software akin to the “Flyme OS” found on the eMAS 7, but more importantly, Proton says that it’ll support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right from the factory.
ALSO READ: Proton teases new eMAS 7 update in July – Apple CarPlay finally coming soon?
The “Hey Proton” voice assistant has also been upgraded to now support Bahasa Melayu, while the Proton Link mobile app has also been updated to version 2.0, offering additional features including remote engine and air-conditioning activation, real-time vehicle status updates, and service appointment scheduling.
Climate controls have now been adopted directly into the display, which means the unfortunate demise of most physical controls on the centre console. In return, the centre stack has now been redesigned with a clean phone holder with two sections, the right side housing a wireless charging pad.
The gear lever has also been repositioned into a stalk behind the steering wheel, which Proton says is “luxury car inspired”. That has also freed up the area beneath the centre console for storage. A unique pattern adorns the gloss-black dashboard trim, with the 72-colour “rhythmic” ambient lighting peeking through from beneath.
The safety kit on the all-new 2025 Proton X50 will also be getting an upgrade, with the SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) now adding a rear side radar system, alongside an improved Auto Park Assist (APA) function. To make parking even easier, the 360-degree surround view monitor has also been upgraded with a new undercarriage transparent view.
“By offering customers a comprehensive technology and performance upgrade together with luxurious features and combining it with exciting and sporty new exterior styling, we think Proton’s latest offering will resonate with customers from all walks of life reset the benchmark in the B-segment SUV class,” said Proton Edar Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Qiang.
“With its innovation-led evolution, the all-new Proton X50 will reinforce the brand’s strong position while drawing in customers ranging from small families and young professionals to first-time buyers and tech-savvy urbanites looking for a connected and confident driving experience,” Zhang added.
The all-new 2025 Proton X50 is now available for interested parties to register their interest via the carmaker’s website. Before its official launch, the compact crossover will also be shown off in a series of “activation events”, where customers will also be able to place early bookings.
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