Proton X50 2025 Review

The B-Segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been a fiercely competitive battleground. Consumers prioritize fuel efficiency for daily commuting, practical space, and smart configurations, with most budgets ranging from RM 80,000 to RM 100,000. The 2025 Proton X50 Executive, as the mid-range variant in the model lineup, is priced at RM 89,800 and features a rarely seen 14.6-inch central control screen and basic Level 2 driving assistance functions. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can strike the best balance between price and features, offering a practical choice for family users or first-time car buyers.

Approaching the body, the 2025 X50 Executive retains Proton’s family hallmark sharp design. The large front waterfall-style grille with a blacked-out treatment is paired with LED headlight clusters on both sides, connected by chrome trim that visually widens the front. The trapezoidal air intake on the lower front bumper harmonizes with the fog lamp areas (although this version does not include front fog lamps, the design lines have been reserved), giving it a youthful and distinctive style. The side profile features sleek lines, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear end, passing through the door handles. It is complemented by 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (tire size 215/60 R17), presenting a poised and stable stance. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a blacked-out treatment, with internal light strips forming an "L" shape for high visibility when illuminated. The silver skid plate on the lower rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout on both sides (decorative only in this version) add a touch of sportiness.

Opening the door reveals a predominantly black interior. The dashboard is adorned with soft-touch plastics and leather-textured panels. Although it does not use extensive leather materials, the tactile feel is satisfactory. The most eye-catching feature is the 14.6-inch floating central control screen with high resolution and good responsiveness. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the integrated Proton smart system also enables voice control for functions such as air conditioning and navigation. The 8.88-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides clear displays with customizable themes, displaying real-time information like speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and driving assistance status. The multifunction steering wheel adopts a three-spoke design. The left side integrates buttons for ACC adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, while the right side is used for multimedia and phone controls, with clear tactile feedback. The seats are a combination of fabric and leather materials, with the front seats supporting manual adjustments (6-way for the driver’s seat and 4-way for the passenger seat). The backrest and cushion provide good support, ensuring a comfortable ride even over long periods. The rear seats are soft, and with a 2600mm wheelbase, the legroom is decent—passengers measuring 175cm in height will still have two fists of knee room from the front seats, and headroom provides an extra fist of clearance. The rear also includes air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The trunk offers a capacity of 330 liters, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, increasing the capacity to approximately 1150 liters, enough to accommodate large items such as strollers or suitcases.

Starting the vehicle, the 1.5T four-cylinder turbocharged engine (181PS/290N·m) delivers more powerful performance than expected. For daily commuting, switching to Drive (D) mode gives a linear throttle response with a light start. Torque release at low RPMs is smooth, making it easy to handle congested urban roads. When the accelerator is pressed hard for faster driving, the engine delivers peak torque at 2000rpm, providing a noticeable push-back sensation. The 0-100km/h acceleration official figure is 7.6 seconds, and during our actual tests in sport mode, the gear shift lag was reduced, the 7-speed wet DCT shifted faster, and the acceleration felt more direct. As for the chassis, the front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension setup, tuned by Proton, filters out minor bumps effectively. When passing over speed bumps, there isn’t a pronounced harshness. During high-speed cornering, body roll remains within acceptable limits, and the steering offers precise direction with minimal play, providing the driver with solid confidence.

Special test section, fuel consumption performance meets expectations: under urban conditions (half congestion + half smooth roads), fuel consumption is about 7.8L per 100km; under highway conditions (110km/h cruise), fuel consumption is about 6.2L per 100km. After filling the 45L fuel tank, the total range can reach approximately 600km. In terms of driver assistance, the ACC adaptive cruise control performs stably on the highway, automatically following vehicles and maintaining a safe distance. The lane change assistance function alerts approaching vehicles through warning lights on the rearview mirror when changing lanes, reducing blind spot risks. In terms of comfort, the noise control inside the car is good, with wind noise and tire noise barely noticeable at 120km/h on the highway. Engine noise can be heard during acceleration but does not affect conversations. The seats offer good wrapping and support, which perform well on long-distance drives, and rear passengers will not feel fatigued either.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2025 Proton X50 Executive lies in its "balance": for an RM 89,800 price, it offers a 14.6-inch large screen, ACC adaptive cruise control, six airbags, and other configurations, which make it more cost-effective compared to similarly classed models like the Honda HR-V S or Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G. Its power output is among the top in the same displacement range, and its space can meet family needs. However, it also has minor drawbacks, such as the raised floor in the middle of the rear row, which can make it uncomfortable for the middle passenger during long rides. The interior materials also have room for improvement, as some hard plastics affect the texture.

This car is suitable for two groups of people: first, families with a budget of around 90,000 MYR who value space, safety, and fuel economy for daily commutes and weekend family outings; second, young first-time car buyers who like tech features and sporty designs without exceeding their budget. If you are looking for a B-Segment SUV with no obvious shortcomings, adequate features, and a user-friendly price, the 2025 Proton X50 Executive is worth considering for your shortlist.