Proton X90 Name Is Now Official: Here Comes The First Set Of Official Photos

While the national automaker has previously shown the vehicle in real-life during the recent launch of the new stamping line at its Tanjung Malim factory, Proton today has officially confirmed that X90 is indeed the official name for its new SUV. To be launched just in time for its 40th anniversary, the model will embark on a six-city preview tour next month.

The development of the X90 has been going on for quite some time given that highly camouflaged test units have been spotted on Malaysian roads since a few years ago. While the new model was generally based on Geely Haoyue or Geely Okavango as what it is known in markets outside of China, it goes without saying that the X90 has been given some design tweaks to make it…well, a Proton.

One of the major factors that differentiate the Proton X90 is the front grille. It still carries the same Ethereal Bow and Infinite Weave design elements as X50 and X70 but has been totally redesigned to make them what we reckoned as the signature design traits of the X90.

In fact, Proton noted that the new diamond shapes on the grille were actually inspired by songket. Meanwhile, the new X90 is also the company’s first-ever hybrid model which was made possible by the inclusion of the 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) System that is able to produce an additional power boost of 13PS and 45Nm of torque.

According to the company, the system actually consisted of six elements including the 48V Belt-Starter Generator motor, DCDC Converter, Battery Management System, Recuperation Braking System, Hybrid Module Control System and a lithium-ion battery. Paired with the SUV’s 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine, this allows X90 to provide a combined power output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque.

The hybrid powertrain is the reason why the new Proton X90 will mark a new era for the national automaker as it is the company’s first foray into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV). While Proton may have dabbled in various NEV prototype projects in the past, none of them made their way to the market but the tide has since changed and the company is now aiming to come out with the first locally produced electric vehicle by 2027.

However, Proton’s electrification journey is taking place in a gradual manner which explains the mild hybrid nature of the X90. That being said, the company has already begun preparing itself for the all-electric future by sending engineers to China to learn more about EVs and let’s not forget that Proton will also be distributing smart EVs in Malaysia as well as Thailand.

Aside from confirming the name of the new model and the basic details of its hybrid power unit, Proton has also revealed that the X90 will be made available in four variants from Standard to Flagship which is rather similar to the existing arrangement made for X50. In addition to that, the SUV can be obtained with either a 6 or 7-seater configuration.

Proton has also touched on some of the safety features that the company have implemented on the X90 including the Rear Cross Traffic Alert which was designed to detect vehicles that may appear at the back of the car while reversing. Other than that, the X90 will also come with Rear Collision Warning and Traffic Sign Information.

Not only that, the new model will be equipped with two digital screens. One of them is the 10-inch LCD digital instrument cluster for the driver while there is also the 12.3-inch display for its infotainment system that is powered by the ECARX’s E02 system-on-chip.

As noted earlier, Proton has planned to bring its new X90 to allow the public to personally check out (and also book) the new SUV in flesh. The tour will take place in six cities across Malaysia starting on 8 April although the exact location has not yet been revealed at the moment.