Proton Unveils X90, Mild-Hybrid SUV
March 29, 2023Proton has unveiled its highly anticipated SUV, the X90 which sits above the smaller X70 in the company’s product portfolio. It’s a mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV), which means its petrol engine is aided by an electric motor to provide overall better efficiency and power delivery.
The X90’s masculine silhouette provides it with a commanding presence. It has a redesigned ethereal bow that together with the grille’s diamond shaped louvres give the front fascia an imposing presence. Proton says that this evolutionary design was inspired by Malaysian cultural heritage.
Available with either a standard 7-seat configuration or 6-seat version with individual chairs for the second row, the X90 comes in four variants from the Standard to Flagship. It has a 10-inch LCD meter combination but the flagship gets a 12.3-inch display unit that’s powered by the EO2 processor.
Proton’s given the X90 the 1.5L TGDi engine that produces 187hp and 300Nm of torque. It’s assisted by the 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) system, which by itself produces close to 13hp and 45Nm of torque. This powertrain is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), which the company claims, as a package, provides drivers with a smooth driving experience.
The 48V EMS system consists of 6 components, which include a 48V Belt-Starter Generator (BSG) motor, the DCDC Converter, the 48V Lithium-Ion Battery, the Battery Management System, Recuperation Braking System, and Hybrid Module Control System.
Being the flagship vehicle in the company’s model line-up the X90 features a slew of safety technology that includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which uses the rear radar sensor to detect approaching vehicles while reversing, Rear Collision Warning (RCW) which alerts driver on potential rear-end collisions and Traffic Sign Information (TSI) which detects and displays road signs.
Proton will be assembling the X90 alongside the X70 and X50 at its Tanjung Malim plant. There is no word yet on pricing but the company claims that order books should open very soon. In the meantime, you will be able to have a first-hand look at the new vehicle during the company’s preview sessions, which it plans on hosting across six cities starting on 8th April 2023.
