In the end, Proton has previewed the facelifted X50 (though the corporate calls this an “all-new” mannequin), some 5 years after the authentic was launched – and only a yr after the delicate RC replace. Making up for its tardy timing, the B-segment SUV has been comprehensively redesigned in and out and, remarkably, sports activities an all-new engine.
That engine is the i-GT 1.5 litre TD (turbo direct injection, not turbodiesel). Proton has not particularly mentioned precisely what sort of mill it’s, however it did reveal the outputs – 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, will increase of 4 PS and 35 Nm over the earlier automotive. Crucially, these figures are precisely the identical because the Binyue L bought in China, which means that the X50 has virtually definitely inherited that automotive’s newest four-cylinder powertrain.
Many individuals would think about this an improve over the prevailing locally-produced three-cylinder, and the efficiency figures communicate for themselves. Nonetheless paired with a seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, the brand new mill propels the automotive from zero to 100 km/h three tenths of a second faster at 7.6 seconds – and but Proton additionally claims a 4.7% enchancment in gas effectivity. As but, there isn’t any point out of a lower-powered model to switch the 150 PS/226 Nm port-injected PFI three-pot on lesser variants.
Not solely is the engine from the Binyue L, however so is the complete exterior styling it appears, Proton gaining the latest design that was launched in China in November 2024 (the earlier Binyue Coolwhich earlier take a look at prototypes had been primarily based onhas apparently been discontinued).
Your complete entrance clip is new, sporting reflector LED headlights (no extra projectors, sadly, however with triple daytime working gentle “eyebrows” à la the S70), a large full-width slatted decrease grille with silver L-shaped corners, and even new fenders to accommodate S70-style chrome A-pillar extensions. The grille can be new and distinctive to Proton, reintroducing the pink “Ethereal Bow” strip and including alternating vertical “pins”. A reshaped bonnet has been added as nicely, now with pretend vents.
On the again you’ll discover one other wholesale redesign, with full-width taillights and a brand new tailgate that pushes the quantity plate recess decrease down. The bumper positive factors extra L-shaped corners however retains the outdated automotive’s giant diffuser and quad tailpipes (lastly, the X50 will get one pipe per cylinder).
Final however not least, the Flagship mannequin proven right here receives the “Batmobile” rear wing as beforehand reported – an choice hitherto unique to the Binyue that was not too long ago reinstated on the Binyue L on a crass new Past Version. It additionally rides on new 18-inch turbine-style two-tone alloys with a somewhat elegant “knurled” end on the 5 spokes, shod with the identical Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres as earlier than.
However by far the most important new characteristic is the all-new inside which, to our data, just isn’t shared with every other Geely mannequin – regardless of what its China-centric design suggests. The cabin continues to be two-tone however with the color scheme inverted – a black higher sprint and a pink decrease, as an alternative of the opposite manner round (presumably to cut back reflections on the windscreen).
The whole lot seems to be designed in-house, together with the “floating” centre console that homes twin telephone holders (the driving force’s facet incorporates a Qi wi-fi charger), two cupholders organized side-by-side and a row of 4 buttons for air-con on and off, auto local weather management, the entrance demister and the hazard lights.
The remainder of the air-con controls have been moved into the a lot bigger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interface appears ostensibly much like the Flyme Auto system within the not 7 EV however positive factors options but to be provided on that automotive, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bahasa Malaysia voice management. You continue to in fact get entry to the most recent Proton Hyperlink 2.0 app with the same old distant car features.
Elsewhere, the instrument show additionally appears significantly bigger than the outgoing mannequin’s seven-inch unit, whereas the gear selector has been moved from the centre console to the steering column, liberating up extra storage. The three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, nevertheless, stays the identical.
Different new options embody a 72-colour ambient lighting system seen within the door pulls and a particular “looping” gentle band design forward of the entrance passenger; this motif is mirrored within the also-new door playing cards. Curiously, there seems to be a big “Allen bolt head” under the driving force’s facet air vent, subsequent to the repositioned engine begin button.
The remainder of the cabin appears an identical to earlier than, together with the seats wrapped in the identical black-and-red fake leather-based upholstery and nonetheless coming with energy adjustment for the driving force. It’s additionally clear that at the very least the Flagship mannequin will retain its panoramic glass sunroof. One change not talked about within the press launch however seen within the official pictures is the Binyue L’s cool half-transparent solar visors that present some further ahead visibility whereas nonetheless conserving glare to a minimal.
Final however not least is the driving force help programs, which has been upgraded by means of a brand new digicam array on the prime of the windscreen and rear facet radar sensors that ought to present enhancements to the automotive’s Stage 2 semi-autonomous driving performance and the blind spot monitoring (maybe with collision avoidance?). There’s additionally improved park help, whereas the 360-degree digicam system positive factors a transparency operate. It’s at the moment unclear if the ADAS programs will proceed to be provided solely on the Flagship mannequin.
“By providing prospects a complete expertise and efficiency improve along with luxurious options and mixing it with thrilling and sporty new exterior styling, we predict Proton’s newest providing will resonate with prospects from all walks of life, (resetting) the benchmark within the B-segment SUV class,” mentioned Proton Edar deputy CEO Zhang Qiang.
The facelifted Proton X50 might be provided in Govt, Premium and Flagship variants (ditching the bottom Normal mannequin) and are available in 5 colors – Snow White, Ardour Purple, Jet Gray, Armour Silver and the brand new Teal Bayou Inexperienced from the S70, the latter changing Ocean Blue. Registrations of curiosity at the moment are open on the official Proton web site. What do you consider the brand new X50 and particularly that new engine? Hold forth within the feedback after the leap.
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