2025 Proton X50 Premium Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market, consumers are becoming increasingly clear about their demand for high specifications, strong performance, and balanced practicality—after all, users in this segment need to meet daily commuting needs while accommodating family weekend outings. As one of Proton's most popular models, the 2025 X50 Premium has gone all out this time with features like a 14.6-inch central control screen and Level 2 driving assistance, all at a starting price controlled at RM 101,800. This “more features without a price hike” adjustment has made many curious: can its actual performance live up to this level of configuration? In this test drive, we focus on its static experience, power response, and daily practicality to provide prospective buyers with a solid reference.

The exterior of the 2025 X50 Premium hasn’t undergone major changes, but detailed adjustments make it more recognizable. The front still features the family-style shield grille, but the vertical chrome strips inside have been replaced with a thicker design. Combined with the sharply angled LED headlight groups on both sides, the front end looks more robust. The side profile retains the compact SUV posture, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a sleek visual appearance. The rear LED taillight assembly uses a through-type design, with the Proton lettering in the middle now illuminated, making it highly recognizable at night. The silver skid plate under the rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout on each side also retain a hint of sportiness.

Entering the cabin, the first thing you notice is the 14.6-inch central control screen—its size is almost unmatched in its class, boasting high resolution and smooth operation. The overall interior adopts a dark color scheme, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch materials and the inner door panels wrapped in leather, offering a decent tactile quality. The instrument panel is an 8.88-inch full LCD display, capable of showing navigation, tire pressure, driving modes, and other information with a clear and readable interface. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, offering decent support and cushioning. The rear seats can be split 60:40 and folded down, expanding the trunk space from 330L to accommodate strollers or suitcases with ease. The rear row is equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

In terms of power, the 2025 X50 Premium continues to be equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum of 181 PS and a peak torque of 290 N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. During actual driving, the power response in the initial acceleration phase is very enthusiastic; a light tap on the accelerator produces a noticeable push-back feeling. Mid-range and higher-end acceleration doesn’t feel weak either; during overtakes, stepping harder on the accelerator triggers swift downshifts from the transmission, with power delivered directly. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is higher, and the transmission shifts later, catering to users who occasionally seek excitement.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels rather light, making daily city parking and U-turns very easy; at highway speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, providing good stability. The suspension employs a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam setup. When dealing with speed bumps or uneven roads commonly seen in urban areas, the suspension filters out most of the bumps, avoiding overly harsh impacts. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, with no noticeable swaying. The brake pedal feels linear, and the braking distance ranks above average in its class, inspiring confidence in daily driving.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove 100km each in urban congested areas and highways, with an average fuel consumption of about 7.2L/100km. If it's purely for urban commuting, the fuel consumption might rise to around 8L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to about 6.5L/100km. This performance is quite reasonable for a 1.5T SUV. Noise control is also commendable. At speeds below 80km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable; after surpassing 100km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect conversations inside the car.

The safety features are a highlight of the 2025 X50 Premium: 6 safety airbags, L2-level driver assistance systems (including ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic braking), 360-degree panoramic cameras, and front and rear parking sensors are all equipped. In actual use, the ACC adaptive cruise control is very convenient on highways, as it can automatically follow the car ahead and maintain distance. The automatic braking system responds quickly when following cars in city traffic, intervening rapidly in unexpected situations, making it very friendly for new drivers.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 X50 Premium are clear: the largest central control screen in its class, comprehensive safety features, decent power output, and a price of RM 101,800, which is much cheaper than competitors like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, making its value for money stand out. Compared to its competitors, its features are richer than those of the HR-V, while being nearly RM 15,000 cheaper. It offers stronger performance than the Corolla Cross, and its space utilization is comparable.

The target audience for this car is very clear: SUV users with a budget of around RM 100,000, looking for a vehicle that's well-equipped, powerful enough, and suitable for family use. Whether for daily commuting, weekend family outings, or occasional short road trips, it can meet all these needs. If you don't require extreme off-road capabilities and just need a balanced and practical urban SUV, the 2025 X50 Premium is indeed a good choice.

In conclusion, the 2025 Proton X50 Premium has established a solid position in the B-Segment SUV market with its combination of "high configuration + strong power + affordable price". It has no significant shortcomings and is a well-rounded model, suitable for most ordinary family users.