This was a surprise – during the media preview of the new Proton X70 on Tuesday, the national carmaker’s Shah Alam test track was inundated by engineers who proceeded to test the updated X90 right in front of our eyes. This caught the attention of our trusty photographer Sherman Sim, who shot the photos you see here.
Receiving its first minor change since its launch back in 2023, the three-row SUV is set to gain the same BHE15-EFZ 1.5 litre Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) turbo four-cylinder engine as that X70, producing 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
Shorn of its 48-volt mild hybrid system, it actually produces less power and torque than the old 1.5 litre GEP3 three-pot (190 PS/300 Nm), but it 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 belt-driven starter-generator, as should a retuned seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Not that you’d be able to tell from the outside. Despite the disguise, it’s clear that the X90 MC will feature exactly the same design as before, right down to the base 18-inch alloy wheels on this unit. Ditto the interior, although there may be some colour and trim changes for a modest visual refresh.
The expected big news is that the X90 should finally, belatedly receive wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Proton having previously reneged on its promise to add these smartphone mirroring features to the original model. These should go hand-in-hand with a more powerful infotainment system and an updated Atlas operating system, as can be found on newer models. Expect a launch within the first half of 2026, after the eMas 7 PHEV.
