2025 Proton X50 Review: The Turbocharged SUV Southeast Asia’s Been Waiting For
All-new 2025 Proton X50 facelift review here. From fresh interior technology to turbocharged performance, read on and see if it’s the most worthy compact SUV in Southeast Asia.
Once upon a time in Malaysian traffic (probably near a mamak stall), you’d see a sea of sedans and the occasional dusty SUV. Then came the Proton X50, a turbocharged knight in shiny armour that turned heads and started conversations. Fast-forward to 2025, and the newly facelifted Proton X50 has landed with enough upgrades to make your neighbour reconsider their imported badge.
This is no mere facelift — this is Proton flexing its muscle on a regional level. From a brasher outside to a tech-equipped interior and snappy four-cylinder turbo engine, the X50 is now the sort of SUV that you’d willingly drive, boast about, and even name your WiFi after. Let’s take a deep dive into why the 2025 Proton X50 is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting SUVs today.
Interior: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price Tag
Step inside and you’ll realise Proton didn’t just slap on a new touchscreen and call it a day. The cabin of the 2025 X50 is a full-blown makeover — like your cousin who studied overseas and came back with a posh accent and better skincare.
You have soft-touch finishes, brushed metal trim, a reworked centre console, and even ambient lighting (72 colours, by the way). The top-spec trim adds leatherette upholstery, a wireless phone charger, rear air vents, and a panoramic sunroof so expansive that you’ll be concerned about air traffic control.
Speak of tech: there’s a huge 14.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command in BahasaMelayu and English (“Hi Proton!”), and an 8.88-inch all-digital instrument cluster.
All of this feels substantial, well-built, and grown-up. If you’ve spent time in a recent German compact SUV, you might just exclaim, “Wait, this is a Proton?”
Performance: It’s Got The Zoom Factor
Say goodbye to the 3-cylinder of yesteryear. The 2025 Proton X50 now boasts a punchy 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (1.5 TD) that delivers 181 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. It launches swiftly from standstill, with an 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.6 seconds, besting many of its competitors in its class.
Mated with a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the gearshifts are seamless in traffic and crisp in Sport mode. Fuel economy?Approximately 4.7% better than its predecessor, so fewer visits to the pump and more money for bubble tea.
In brief: It's quick, polished, and rather habit-forming to drive.
Safety Features: Proton Went Full Smart
Safety isn’t a checklist anymore — it’s an entire featurepackt. The X50 comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standouts are:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Keep Assist
360-degree HD camera
Auto Park Assist
6 airbags
This SUV drives itself on highways in all but name. Okay, not legally, but you get the idea.
Capabilities: Built For City Life, Ready For Adventure
The Proton X50 isn’t act as ahardcore 4×4. But for what Asia throws at it — potholes, flash floods, sudden u-turns — it’s perfectly capable.
You enjoy good ground clearance (196mm), effortless manoeuvrability with a 5.5m turning radius, and a 330L boot that opens wider with split-folding seats. It glides the city in comfort, tackles kampung roads with aplomb, and makes weekend breaks easy peasy.
Pricing and Availability: Value That Competitors Can’t Match
In Malaysia (Estimated):
Executive: RM 93,000+
Premium: RM 98,000+
Flagship: RM 105,000+
In Singapore, it lands in the SGD 114,000–130,000 range with COE. Already being exported to Brunei, Pakistan, Vietnam, Nepal, and beyond. If you’re in Thailand or Indonesia, keep your ear to the ground — Geely’s expansion there means Proton may follow soon.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Modern, tech-rich interior
Strong turbocharged performance
Excellent ADAS safety features
Great value for money
Sharp exterior design
Cons:
No AWD option
Slight turbo lag under 2,000 rpm
Small boot space vs. segment leaders
Limited colour options in base models
Final Verdict: Best Compact SUV for 2025?
If you’re shopping for a compact SUV that blends style, power, safety, and tech without busting your wallet, the 2025 Proton X50 should be at the top of your list. It’s more than a facelift — it’s a statement.
Southeast Asia finally has a car which can go toe-to-toe with the Japanese behemoths, Korean giants, and even European titans — and come out on top.
Honestly, don’t be surprised if the next Grab ride is one of these.
FAQ – Proton X50 2025
Q: Is the 2025 Proton X50 available in Singapore?
A: Yes, bookings are open and deliveries are expected by Q3 2025.
Q: What engine does the new X50 use?
A: A 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that delivers 181hp and 290Nm of torque.
Q: Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes, both wirelessly, through a new 14.6-inch infotainment screen.
Q: Is the 2025 X50 suitable for families?
A: Yes. It has advanced safety features, rear air-con vents, plenty of space, and clever tech.
Q: Will it be launched in Thailand or Indonesia?
A: Not yet, but growth is likely as Geely establishes presence in those markets.
