This was a shock – throughout the media preview of the new Proton X70 on Tuesday, the nationwide carmaker’s Shah Alam check monitor was inundated by engineers who proceeded to check the up to date X90 proper in entrance of our eyes. This caught the eye of our trusty photographer Sherman Sim, who shot the images you see right here.
Receiving its first minor change since its launch again in 2023the three-row SUV is about to achieve the identical BHE15-EFZ 1.5 litre Clever Inexperienced Expertise (i-GT) turbo four-cylinder engine as that X70, producing 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000 to three,500 rpm.
Shorn of its 48-volt delicate hybrid system, it truly produces much less energy and torque than the outdated 1.5 litre GEP3 three-pot (190 PS/300 Nm), but it surely ought to ship far decrease upkeep prices – helped by a toothed timing chain that has a 200,000 km lifespan – together with decreased noise and vibration. The effectivity enhancements of the newer engine must also offset the lack of the belt-driven starter-generator, as ought to a retuned seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission.
Not that you just’d have the ability to inform from the surface. Regardless of the disguise, it’s clear that the X90 MC will function precisely the identical design as earlier than, proper right down to the bottom 18-inch alloy wheels on this unit. Ditto the inside, though there could also be some color and trim adjustments for a modest visible refresh.
The anticipated massive information is that the X90 ought to lastly, belatedly obtain wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Proton having beforehand reneged on its promise so as to add these smartphone mirroring options to the unique mannequin. These ought to go hand-in-hand with a extra highly effective infotainment system and an up to date Atlas working system, as may be discovered on newer fashions. Count on a launch throughout the first half of 2026, after the eMas 7 PHEV.
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