Proton X90 Launched; From RM124k – RM153k & Extra Goodies For Early Birds
After undergoing about 96,000 man-hours of testing, and 1.2 million km of road testing to tune it to local conditions and requirements, as well as preparations for assembly, PROTON has officially launched the Proton X90. This is the company’s first D-segment SUV and also its first Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), and it comes on the company’s 40th anniversary.
The Proton X90 is the 3rd model in its X family of SUVs and represents the start of a range of planned New Energy Vehicles (NEV). But here are the important bits…. there are 4 variants available i.e. Standard (RM123,800), Executive (RM130,800), Premium (RM144,800) and Flagship (RM152,800). The first 3 variants are 7 seaters (with a 2-3-2 layout) while the Flagship is a 6-seater (2-2-2 layout).
Standard for the Proton X90 are:
- 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage
- 5-year data package (1GB per month)
- 6x free labour service
- Interest rates from 2.1% per annum
- PROTON insurance programme
And especially for the 1st 4,000 early birds to book the X90, they get to enjoy the following additions:
- 5-year data package extra 4GB per month
- PROTON X-Watch worth RM1,499
- Accessories package worth RM779
- Upgraded PROTON insurance programme
Powering the X90 is the familiar 1.5L TGDi turbo engine which is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT); currently used in the Proton X family. Since this is the first of PROTON’s NEV range, the powertrain is also fitted with a 48 V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) system to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The EMS is made up of a 48-volt Belt Starter Generator (BSG) motor, DC-DC converter, 48-volt Li-ion battery, Battery Management System, Recuperation Braking System, and Hybrid Module Control System. The 48V EMS System should help deliver improved fuel efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions. 
With the addition of the EMS, the Proton X90 has a combined power output of 190 PS and 300 Nm of torque. This should provide the 3-row SUV with effortless acceleration, easy overtaking, and seamless coasting. Additionally, PROTON had also opted to change the rear suspension from a torsion beam to a multi-link set-up as a D-segment SUV has enough space for one, to improve comfort and handling while not sacrificing too much in cabin / cargo space.
Design-wise, the Proton X90 uses design inspired by Malaysian traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. The front features the latest version of its Ethereal Bow and Infinite Weave grille that is punctuated with diamond shapes influenced by songket patterns. Other exterior features include full LED headlights with sequential turn signals, 19″ wheels, hands-free tailgate, walk away lock, nearby auto unlock, and a 2,050-litre boot (with seats folded).
Inside, the 2nd row of the 7-seater variant has tilt and slide seats for 3rd row access, instead of the tumbling type. Meanwhile, the 6-seater variant features captain seats in the 2nd row with a narrow walk-through path in between for 3rd row access. You can also slide the captain seats forward for entry and egress but the 3rd row passenger needs outside help for this method.
Other key features for the interior (depending on variant) include a 10″ LCD meter combination and a 12.3″ touchscreen infotainment unit with a powerful EO2 processor, 360-degree camera view, sunroof, dual zone climate control, independent rear air conditioning, N95 cabin filter, ambient lighting, driver’s seat with 6-way powered adjustment, front passenger’s seat with 4-way adjustment, nappa leather, wireless charger and 7 USB ports including 1 Type C.
To add to that, the X90 also gets new active safety features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which detects approaching vehicles while reversing using the rear radar sensor, Rear Collision Warning (RCW) which alerts driver on potential rear-end collisions, and Traffic Sign Information (TSI) which detects and displays road signs.
The Proton X90 is locally assembled at PROTON Tanjung Malim. Also, according to PROTON, part of its preparations for assembly includes ensuring a reliable supply of spare parts.
