Advertisement

2026 Proton X90 MC launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, no 48V mild-hybrid, priced RM30k lower, from RM99,800

2026 Proton X90 MC launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, no 48V mild-hybrid, priced RM30k lower, from RM99,800

Its arrival has been on the cards since it was spied late last year and then spotted again testing in January, and now, it’s finally here, with the wraps coming off the 2026 Proton X90 MC earlier this evening. The facelift for the three-row SUV comes nearly three years after it was introduced here in May 2023.

Unlike the Geely Haoyue, which it is based on, the refresh for the automaker’s third X series model doesn’t bring about the visual makeover the Haoyue L received last year. In fact, design-wise, the X90 MC is virtually untouched, with the same exterior as before, save a couple of very minor bits, of which new utility roof rails are one. The rails are not just dress-up items but fully-functioning units, capable of handling 75 kg of load.

The front and rear end remain as is, and given that the exterior doesn’t veer away at all from the pre-facelift, dimensions for the vehicle remain at 4,835 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, with a 2,815 mm-long wheelbase. At the front, it’s all the same, and so the chrome pin grille and full LED reflector units, complete with the L-shaped LED daytime running lights, are all here.

Same with the alloy wheels, which have been carried over, although the 19-inch option (on the previous Flagship) has been dropped, with all MC versions riding on the 18-inch design (and 225/55 profile tyres) from before. The only significant change comes with a switch in tyre choice, with the MC moving over from the Continental EcoContact 6 (19s) and Goodyear Efficient Grip (18s) to Giti Control P10 rubbers, the brand selection in line with developments elsewhere.

2026 Proton X90 MC launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, no 48V mild-hybrid, priced RM30k lower, from RM99,800

There are some changes, and omissions, which we’ll get to. The line-up – and naming convention for the variants – has been revised. In 2023, there were four variants, these being the Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship. Of these, three (Standard, Executive and Premium) were seven-seaters (2-3-2 configuration, with a bench middle-row), while the Flagship was a six-seat version (2-2-2 layout, with a pair of second-row captain seats).

The range has now been trimmed to three, with the X90 MC series now consisting of the 1.5TD Lite and 1.5TD Prime seven-seaters and 1.5TD Prime X six-seater. More importantly, the prices have been significantly revised from before, and they are (all on-the-road, without insurance):

  • Proton X90 1.5TD Lite (seven-seater) – RM99,800
  • Proton X90 1.5TD Prime (seven-seater)- RM109,800
  • Proton X90 1.5TD Prime X (six-seater) – RM115,800

The above prices are with a RM7,000 rebate across the range (without that rebate, it’s RM106,800, RM116,800 and RM122,800, respectively), and makes the X90 MC considerably cheaper – by up to RM30k in the case of the range-topper – from when it was first introduced, when pricing was RM123,800 for the Standard, RM130,800 for the Executive, RM144,800 for the Premium and RM152,800 for the Flagship.

2026 Proton X90 MC launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, no 48V mild-hybrid, priced RM30k lower, from RM99,800

There’s a reason for this price restructuring. The car isn’t a volume mover, having sold just over 10,000 units (10,463 registrations from launch up to February 2026, by our reckoning), and the landscape has changed since the car made its debut, with competitors having sprung up. Cost sensitivities have also come into play in the segment, and so pricing of the SUV has been adjusted to keep it competitive, the idea being to offer a proposition of value to those looking for a larger-sized family mover, minus the frills.

The X90 MC does bring with it something new under the skin, and this is the switch from the previous GEP3 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine (with a 48V mild-hybrid system) to a BHE15-EFZ 1.5 litre Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) turbo four-cylinder engine, the same as seen on the the updated X50, X70 MC3 and S70 MC1.

The new mill, which is paired with a retuned seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, produces 181 PS (179 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. While output numbers are lower than the outgoing GEP3 engine, which delivered 190 PS (187 hp) and 300 Nm, the i-GT should deliver far lower maintenance costs – helped by a toothed timing chain that has a 200,000 km lifespan – along with reduced noise and vibration.

The efficiency improvements of the newer engine should also offset the loss of the previous belt-driven starter-generator. This is reflected in the claimed 6.9 litre/100 km FC, very similar to the old mild-hybrid despite the lack of start-stop and coasting features.

As before, the X90 MC continues to feature a rear multi-link suspension configuration, which was originally developed by Proton and chosen over the torsion beam the Haoyue has. The original X90 also featured suspension tuning to cater for Malaysian roads, and there should be no changes to that in this regard.

As it is with the exterior, the interior has been carried over, although there are improvements to kit. The seat upholstery is now leatherette from the base model on (previously, the Standard came with fabric seats), and AACP finally makes its way on, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available across all variants.

Otherwise, everything is familiar from before – the analogue instrument cluster from the previous Standard continues on the new base Lite, with only the Prime and Prime X coming with a full-width 10.3-inch digital instrument panel. The 1920 x 720 pixel resolution 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen has been retained for the entire line-up, but omits “Hi Proton” voice functionality and any data-based (4G or WiFi) connectivity features.

Elsewhere, the equipment list largely reads as before, from the dual-zone air-conditioning with an independent rear AC, with all rows on the SUV getting air vents (roof-mounted, on the second and third rows) and a G-Clean system, incorporating a N95 cabin filter and ioniser, to the seven USB ports found across all three rows. Cargo volume is unchanged, the boot offering 257 litres with the third row seats up in place, and 2,050 litres for the seven-seater with the second and third row seats folded down (1,011 litres for the six-seater, third row down).

Moving up from the Lite to the Prime adds on auto headlamps, auto rain sensing wipers, front welcome lamps, with a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The variant also adds on a 360-degree HD camera with a 180-degree transparent view, a tyre pressure monitoring system and front parking sensors.

As for the Prime X, like it was with the previous Flagship, the upholstery gets bumped up to Nappa leather and the front passenger seat is a four-way power adjustable unit. Also retained for the six-seater is a front passenger ‘Boss’ switch, which allows the front passenger seat to be moved forward to provide more in the way of legroom for the second row occupant seated behind it. The second-row captain seats, which can be manually adjusted fore/aft and individually reclined, retain their ventilation feature.

Now, the omissions, largely made in light of the significant price revision downwards. Besides there no longer being any 4G/WiFi connectivity, the auto dimming rear-view mirror and ambient lighting has been ditched, as has the panoramic sunroof from the Flagship as well as the wireless mobile charger from the old Premium. Likewise, there is no more powered tailgate.

Safety-wise, the airbag count remains at six, but none of the MC variants feature any ADAS kit in any form at all (it was on the Premium on, previously). Basic active safety features like blind spot monitor and RCTA, previously fitted to the Standard variant, have also been removed. Cruise control, however, remains..

In terms of exterior colours, the palette choices have also been revised from six to five with facelift – four shades (Marine Blue, Armour Silver, Snow White and Jet Grey) are carried over from before, while Quartz Black is a new option. The Cinnamon Brown and Ruby Red from before have been dropped. As for the interior scheme, black is the sole colour available across both leatherette and Nappa leather upholstery choices.

2026 Proton X90 MC launched – new 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, no 48V mild-hybrid, priced RM30k lower, from RM99,800

Click to enlarge

GALLERY: 2026 Proton X90 MC Prime X

GALLERY: 2026 Proton X90 MC Prime

GALLERY: 2026 Proton X90 MC studio shots

GALLLERY: 2026 Proton X90 MC brochure

AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

Renew your car insurance with us, 10% discount!

Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.

Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!

Renew Car Insurance

Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • AI-generated Summary ✨

    Comments focus on the Proton X90's lower pricing and lack of safety features like ADAS and AEB, with some expressing disappointment and concern over safety compromises. Others compare it to competitors like Veloz, Xpander, and Innova, debating value and safety. Overall, there's mixed sentiment, with many noting that safety omissions are a step backward despite attractive prices.

  • suomynona on Mar 11, 2026 at 7:15 pm

    Appreciate the discounts – but no Adas stuff at all on a family car is quite criminal

    Well-loved. Thumb up 74 Thumb down 8
    • Firdaus on Mar 11, 2026 at 9:34 pm

      ADAS is for lousy drivers i dont even trust my adaptive cruise control!

      Thumb up 11 Thumb down 14
      • That’s like saying you don’t need a 512GB phone and that a 256GB phone is enough, because high storage phones are for people who don’t know how to clean up unused files.

        GTFO man. Keep licking Proton’s boots.

        Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
        • see the name? “firdaus”. every 10 mat rempit there are more than 5 named firdaus. they piss on safety even before getting driving license :)

          Thumb up 3 Thumb down 13
        • kk is smart on Mar 13, 2026 at 9:05 am

          good catch on the name. typical lackadaisical malaise attitude towards safety and modern features.

          Thumb up 1 Thumb down 11
    • Dah Menang Semua on Mar 11, 2026 at 11:24 pm

      bagus durian runtuh X90
      owner boleh simpan lama2

      Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • opmanmy on Mar 12, 2026 at 8:24 am

      well said…aeb ada ka…prrffhhh

      Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • ahhookpin on Mar 11, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    Would be nice to have table with percentage difference to compare price with rebate vs. old prices and price without rebate vs. old prices

    Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • ahhookpin on Mar 11, 2026 at 7:56 pm

    They’re trying to gun for the Xpander… so the question is which is the more thoughtful 7 seater (ease of getting in and out, boot floor height, access to 3rd row, which feels less claustrophobic in 3rd row)

    Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1
    • ahookpon on Mar 12, 2026 at 12:05 am

      xpander with 105bhp dont even have enough power to climb genting when carrying a full load

      Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Rakyat Malaysia on Mar 11, 2026 at 8:03 pm

    Under Madani proton x90 prices going down the wazoo because of his election promise to lower car prices. He kept his promise so he must be reelected!

    Thumb up 10 Thumb down 36
  • bait gonna baiters on Mar 11, 2026 at 8:05 pm

    thumbs down – pay RM180k for a proton x90 plus proton S70
    thumbs up – pay RM180k for a nissan serena or toyota innova because jap cars have better resale value

    Thumb up 24 Thumb down 30
    • The previous gen Serena doesn’t have good resale value though, because of expensive parts for the hybrid system. Remains to be seen for the new model. IMO, the direct rival to the X90 is the Innova both in terms of size, safety equipment and pricing.

      Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • You’d have to be living under a rock to not know how terrible a deal that Innova is. Guess ignorance of the market is only pathway for Toyota to sell that trash can on wheels.

        Thumb up 5 Thumb down 9
        • Castel on Mar 13, 2026 at 1:12 am

          Its not like before where nowadays toyots offers better spec as one of the brand with lots of issues including steering rack will have poor spec and poor safety features

          Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Peter Drucker on Mar 11, 2026 at 8:45 pm

    Strange to remove ADAS for the new model, as the old model had it, for a car that cost above RM100k.

    Thumb up 43 Thumb down 2
    • Pyraxle on Mar 11, 2026 at 9:50 pm

      I think they wanted to steal some of xpander’s sales which also came without adas. Different segment yes but the lite & prime are in the xpander’s price bracket now given the rebate. I believe now some people will consider this x90 now over xpander

      Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
      • agree. Xpander Xforce will have very fierce competition with X90 because of the price. mitsubishi is cursing proton now

        Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • peterdrunker nobain on Mar 12, 2026 at 12:04 am

      double standard, why bashers didnt bash when xpander which costs 100k also didnt come with ADAS and power boot ?

      Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
      • Itu spender dulu kena kutuk inside out with the 2 airbag until CEO said cannot fit more airbags. At the end, the facelift in neighbouring got 6 airbags. ADAS no need to say la. All these kutuk is for the betterment of consumerism. You can see now X-force launched with a complete ADAS. Don’t let the brand fool us the consumers.

        Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • P1 Copy P2? on Mar 11, 2026 at 8:50 pm

    Was Proton influenced by the recently launched Perodua Traz? Because omitting the ADAS system, which has increasingly become a crucial safety feature. Seems like a rather drastic step for Proton, especially with the intention is simply to bring the price down this aggressively.

    Also, the removal of convenience features such as a wireless mobile charger (particularly when the vehicle already supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a powered tailgate also feels like an odd decision for a large family oriented SUV. These are features that many buyers in this segment have come to expect.

    With the current pricing strategy, it almost appears that Proton is deliberately positioning the model to compete directly with the Mitsubishi Xpander rather than maintaining its traditional value proposition of offering stronger equipment and safety features for the price.

    Of course, I could be mistaken and the strategy may ultimately prove commercially successful. However, from a broader perspective, it does raise some concerns. For a national carmaker that has spent years building a reputation around improved safety and technology, scaling back key safety systems could be perceived as a significant step backward. While the model may sell well due to its price, compromising on safety features is not necessarily the most encouraging direction for consumers.

    Well-loved. Thumb up 101 Thumb down 7
    • Agreed. Seems like they shift their playing field from CRV/CX5/Corolla Cross buyers looking for the extra row to budget 3 row seaters SUV/MPV not from Perodua. Currently occupied by Toyota Veloz, Mitsu Xpander & BYD M6, with Hyundai Stargazer rumored to join in this year.

      Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • yougun on Mar 11, 2026 at 9:05 pm

    Now, the price is more approachable. With PHEV version (will that ever happen?), we’ll have another option other than Tiggo 8 PHEV.

    Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • fisherman on Mar 11, 2026 at 9:22 pm

    NO ADAS and AEB in the entire line up?

    Silliest decision Proton could ever make.

    No AEB means automatically cannot qualify for 5 star safety rating. On paper this makes it worse than a Perodua Myvi!

    Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • AkooIm on Mar 11, 2026 at 10:45 pm

    Finally Proton realised their mistake for introducing a large SUV instead of MPV like what most people want… their syiok sendiri marketing team should be fired for totally ignoring the high demand for MPVs, and the fact that Exora sells very well in the past & a lot of people hoping for it’s replacement with a new gen…

    Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Sabri on Mar 11, 2026 at 11:28 pm

    Forgot this car even exists

    Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Mikehighseas on Mar 12, 2026 at 1:31 am

    After all the good work with the other refreshed models, the X90 update is simply mind boggling. Lower prices, yay to that, but removing active safety, especially for the supposed most highest model in Proton’s stable, cannot make sense. Incomprehensible. At least there should have been an option hope the highest spec to have all active faature features. Even the Saga has more, this just makes no sense regardless of downward pricing. Such a pity after all the recent good work…..quite a letdown for those interested in the model.

    Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Bapak Hamster on Mar 12, 2026 at 2:10 am

    Now all bapak hamster that make noise blaming no 7 seaters MPV from Proton or blaming no 7 seaters SUV (Destinator instead of Xforce and BRV instead of WRV), please BUY X90. More cheaper now from before for these bapak2 hamsters. Please no baik beli. Buy now.

    Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • Hold Up Let Proton Cook. on Mar 12, 2026 at 4:08 am

    Not gonna lie, this might actually be a very smart business move by Proton. There is still a sizeable group of customers who simply want a proper and spacious 7 seater. Something that feels more upmarket like the Proton X90 but is still reasonably priced. This is especially true for large families who genuinely use all seven seats, as well as buyers from the government sector, GLC and private companies that need people movers or cargo carriers for their fleet.

    If Proton manages to maintain the current after rebate pricing, this could easily become a no brainer for many buyers. Proton might able to catching up with the sales figures of the Mitsubishi Xpander within the next 3 years. After all, ADAS does add a noticeable cost to the vehicle in ownership, since the systems require periodic recalibration and can be expensive to repair or replace.

    That said, from my perspective this is still a major step backwards for Proton. Even if the studies suggest consumers prioritize price over technology. At the very least, Proton could have included blind spot monitoring as an additional safety measure along with four front parking sensors to make manoeuvring easier in tight space and parking considering the size of it.

    Hopefully the upcoming facelift addresses some of these concerns. Ideally, Proton could offer a wider range of configurations, allowing buyers to choose between versions with or without ADAS depending on their priorities. It would also be sweet if Proton also introduce an AWD option and perhaps even the 2.0 four cylinder engine for buyers who want more capability and performance.

    Well-loved. Thumb up 107 Thumb down 1
  • pqrst on Mar 12, 2026 at 7:58 am

    Remember the accident last year where a white x90 head on collided with a pickup truck? Yeah your Myvi has ADAS so what, go head on collide with a pickup truck see your Myvi ADAS can safe you or not.

    Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
  • Autodriver on Mar 12, 2026 at 9:34 am

    Why can’t it has the AEB. Yes Proton can omit the lane assist, blind spot, ACC etc but should keep the AEB. Btw the X90 launched in 2023 AEB is camera based instead of lidar. Omitting the camera behind the rear view mirror straight taken out all the AEB, lane assist function.

    Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • FrankC on Mar 12, 2026 at 9:43 am

    Everything will get pricier with current diesel up 80sen. Luckliy Proton kasi price down RM30k !!! wow

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • tricycle on Mar 12, 2026 at 10:19 am

    a step backward. no adas?

    it would have been a hotselling for this kind of price with adas.

    Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Ktkoh on Mar 12, 2026 at 11:19 am

    Malaysian car should be cheaper. Rm116k still very high.

    Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  • bye-bye Xpander, Veloz, Stargazer, innova

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 15
    • But Veloz will not bye bye as veloz at least have ADAS, more practical, better durability, better sc with lots of spareparts, more convenient to ride and use and drive with power also good enough too

      Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
      • X90 true 7 seater, Veloz and Xpander are at most 5+2. 1.5 NS power is enough when carrying 2 person. Try carrying 5 or more passengers in the Veloz and you will be singing a different laborious tune.

        Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • pengayuhbasikal on Mar 12, 2026 at 12:29 pm

    ok lah….better than the old innova .. on par with innova zenix .. just without ADAS

    Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Reduce price to gain market share but scarify the basic safety system like ADAS is not a good start! Sake of buying Tin Kosong for the space …

    Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • So this car at most is a 3 star ANCAP rating? That also if it score perfect on adult and child safety category test which is impossible. If think properly, might even drop to 2 star. Baik beli Saga.

    Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Arnav on Mar 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm

    they ruined it

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • AhmadX on Mar 12, 2026 at 11:42 pm

    LoL . All existing x90 owners just got their car value shafted.

    Good luck trying to sell the car used.

    Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Anil R on Mar 13, 2026 at 11:43 am

    Proton has prioritized price over safety .

    Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Joyce on Mar 14, 2026 at 7:54 pm

    Went to showroom today and being told that impossible to get RM99800. You only get 4k rebat if u have a 20years old car to be disposed and 3k if u have a car to trade. Is it true?

    Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • muhamad Mokhtar on Mar 18, 2026 at 1:51 pm

    ADAS not only for driver and passenger. It is a collective active safety system for everyone on the road, including school children that are waiting for the bus, or crossing the road. Imagine some driver micro sleep and ram into a group of children.

    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required


 
 
 
 
 
 
Related PaulTan.org Content: 2025 | Featured: Featured | News: News | Reviews: Reviews | Motorsports | Malaysia: Malaysia