Proton X90 1.5TGDI BSG Flagship 2023 Review

From the appearance, the Proton X90 takes on a grand and stable design path. The front face features a large chrome grille, paired with sharply designed LED headlights on both sides, which provide high recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, and with a length of 4830mm and a wheelbase of 2805mm, the side looks elongated and sleek. The 19-inch wheels also enhance the visual texture. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights are a design highlight, with a striking effect when illuminated. The chrome decorative strip below the rear bumper adds a refined touch. For the lighting system, the entire range comes standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lights. The automatic headlight function is also very practical, eliminating the need for frequent manual switching during daily use.

Inside the cabin, the interior style leans towards simplicity and technology. The center console adopts a layered design, with abundant use of soft-touch materials, offering a relatively delicate feel. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen is the visual centerpiece, with decent screen resolution and fast responsiveness. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. In terms of features, the flagship model comes standard with a HUD (head-up display), a full digital instrument cluster, and a 220V power outlet. The front seats support 6-way power adjustment (driver) and 4-way manual adjustment (passenger). The seats are softly padded, making long-time sitting comfortable. The 6-seat layout is one of its core selling points. The second row has two independent seats with spacious legroom and headroom, and the middle aisle facilitates easy access to the third row; the space in the third row is generally sufficient for passengers under 170cm, making it adequate for short trips. This layout is suitable for families with multiple children or users who often need to accommodate six people. For storage, the front and rear door panel storage compartments and the central armrest box provide ample space. The second and third rows are equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports, maximizing practicality.

In terms of power, the combination of a 1.5T three-cylinder engine and a 48V mild hybrid system delivers a maximum engine output of 177PS and an additional 14PS with 52N·m of torque from the motor. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. During actual driving, the motor provides slight assistance at the start, making the launch smoother and alleviating low-speed turbo lag. During mid-range acceleration, the power response is quite active; when overtaking and stepping hard on the accelerator, it provides adequate power output. Even at speeds above 100km/h on the highway, there is enough power reserve for daily use. There are driving modes for Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is softer, suitable for city commuting, while in Sport mode, the transmission shifts later, and power delivery becomes more direct, suitable for scenarios requiring quick acceleration. In terms of chassis, the front McPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort, filtering out most minor road bumps. Vibrations when crossing speed bumps are also softly handled. However, body roll is more noticeable during high-speed cornering, making it more suitable for stable driving rather than aggressive handling. The steering feel is light, which makes it less taxing for female drivers, and the directional accuracy is average, aligning with the positioning of a family SUV.

Fuel consumption performance is an advantage of this mild hybrid system. In congested urban road conditions, fuel consumption is about 8-9L/100km, while on highways it can drop to 6.5-7L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 60L, the driving range can exceed 700km, which is decent for a D-segment SUV. In terms of noise control, tire and wind noise are not obvious during urban driving, while wind noise slightly increases at highway speeds above 120km/h but remains within an acceptable range. Safety features such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking, lane change assist, and automatic emergency braking are very practical in daily driving. They can effectively reduce the risk of collisions and enhance driving safety.

Overall, the core advantages of the Proton X90 1.5TGDI BSG Flagship 2023 are very clear: the 6-seat large space is suitable for multi-member families, the abundant intelligent safety and comfort features enhance the driving experience, and the 1.5T+48V mild hybrid system balances power and fuel efficiency. Its cost-effectiveness stands out in the D-segment SUV category. Compared to competitors in the same class like the Honda CR-V or Toyota Highlander, it offers superior space and features. Although the brand premium is not as high as joint ventures, its practicality fully meets the needs of family users.

This car is most suitable for people who need a 6-seat layout for large families with multiple children or users who often need to carry six passengers. Consumers who value features and cost-effectiveness without prioritizing brand premium can also consider it. It has no particularly obvious shortcomings and is a very well-rounded family SUV, capable of handling various scenarios such as daily commuting and family trips. If you are looking for a spacious, well-equipped D-segment SUV, the Proton X90 Flagship should be included in your shortlist.