We’ve been calling it the Proton X90 for quite awhile now, but did you know that Proton has never officially referred to its upcoming large SUV as ‘X90’ before? Well, until today. The Proton X90 name is now official for the seven-seater SUV, matching its position as the flagship of Proton’s X range, sitting on top of the X50 and X70 SUVs. These are also the first official images of the X90.

Proton revealed the X90 name at a media preview session today, while confirming that the SUV will use a mild hybrid system (more on this later). Production of the “Premium Modern Family SUV” started two weeks ago in Tanjung Malim, and that announcement coincided with the first official teaser of the SUV, and the revelation that Proton will launch the X90 this year in conjunction with its 40th anniversary.

The X90 is based on the Geely Haoyue, which is also known as the Geely Okavango in other markets such as the Philippines. Compared to the Geely, the Proton sports a differently grille, one with chrome pins expanding out from the Proton logo. There’s also a unique headlamp design with L-shaped DRLs sweeping up, and the fog lamp surrounds are finished in black instead of chrome.

Besides those cues and rear Proton badging, expect the X90’s design to mirror the Haoyue. Spyshots have also shown a dashboard that’s similar to the Geely’s, except for Proton’s tiger badge on the steering boss, of course.

It’s confirmed that the X90 will come with mild hybrid power. A 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine is supplemented by a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system integrates six key components – belt-starter generator (BSG), DC-DC converter, lithium-Ion battery, battery management system, recuperation braking system and the hybrid module control system. The gearbox is a seven-speed wet dual-clutch unit driving the front wheels.

In case you’re wondering, yes, the 1.5 TGDI engine (without the BSG) is the same one used in the X50 and X70 MC. In those applications, the turbo triple produces 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. Here, the BSG adds on 13 PS and 45 Nm for total output of 190 PS and 300 Nm. The TGDI is made in Proton’s Tanjung Malim engine assembly plant for the X70 MC, and the carmaker has said that the target output for this year is 60,000 engines, which will be used across several Proton models.

The Geely Haoyue is the brand’s largest SUV. At 4,835 mm long and 1,900 mm wide, it’s 316 mm longer and 69 mm wider than the X70. The seven-seater’s wheelbase is 2,815 mm, which is 145 mm longer than the X70’s. The X90 will compete with three-row SUVs such as the Mazda CX-8 and Hyundai Santa Fe, and its size is between those two – see the comparison table above.

The seven-seater’s layout is 2-3-2 and the third row has its own aircon vents. However, you can have a six-seat version of the X90 with two individual captain seats in the middle row, replacing the standard bench. This more luxurious layout – with a panoramic glass roof – is reserved for the Flagship variant, as shown here.

Highlighted new driver assist features are Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW) and Traffic Sign Information (TSI). Also listed are a 10-inch digital instrument panel (full width) and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen for the top variant.

Proton did not release pricing or even the open for booking date, but it did say that there will be four variants of the X90 ranging from Standard to Flagship. We can expect the X90’s RRP to fall in the RM130k to RM150k range given that the X70 is priced from RM98,800 to RM128,800.

There will be a series of preview sessions across six cities starting April 8. More on the X90 here.

Anthony Lim adds:

While no photography was allowed during the preview session for the X90, the presentation revealed more specifications of the D-segment SUV than that ventured in the press release, and we’ll cover most of that ground here.

First off, some relevant numbers regarding the development of the X90, and these are the 96,000 man-hours and 1.2 million km of testing that has been carried out for it. Aside from this, mention was also made of its rear suspension layout, which differs from that of the Haoyue. Where the Haoyue sits on a torsion beam setup, the Proton features a multi-link configuration that has, as the automaker puts it, been tuned for Malaysian roads.

As for wheels, the higher end variants ride on 19-inch units, which on the Flagship and Premium preview examples were wrapped with 235/50 Continental EcoContact 6 rubbers. Not shown today was the 18-inch wheels, which are shod with 225./55 profile tyres, as indicated by the tyre pressure card on the door sill.

Up next, cargo space, and there’s up to 2,050 litres of volume to be had when the rear seats are folded down. Still on figures, the 12.3 inch LCD touchscreen for the infotainment system offers a 1920 x 720 pixel display resolution, 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. There’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support though, but the company says they are working on it.

The equipment list available for the X90 includes full LED headlamps with sequential turn signals, powered and ventilated front seats (six-way adjustable driver, four-way front passenger), Nappa upholstery, dual-zone air-conditioning and independent rear AC. All rows on the SUV feature air vents, and there’s also a G-Clean system, incorporating a N95 cabin filter and ioniser.

Elsewhere, every row gets charging points for mobile devices, and there are seven in all, ranging from USB-A and USB-C connections to wireless charging. As for convenience functions, there’s nearby auto unlock and walk-away auto lock, and an intelligent powered tailgate.

Lastly, aside from the three new ADAS features mentioned earlier, driver assistance kit includes auto park assist, a 360-degree camera with 3D imaging and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 official images

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90, other exterior colours

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 spyshots

GALLERY: Geely Haoyue

Tags: Proton X90