The third Geely-rebadged Proton model is yet another SUV but for some, the 2023 Proton X90 is quite the highly-anticipated model just like the Proton X70 and Proton X50 from before.

Really, anything from the Malaysian Tiger/Thundercat can count as something tinged with local pride but this 3-row SUV is something Malaysians have been looking forward to despite not being quite an original product.

There are a few differences between the Proton X90 and its Chinese donor, the Geely Haoyue/Okavango but the biggest similarity between the two large SUVs is the powertrain.

Also read: This is why the Geely Okavango should never become a Proton Okavango

The Proton X90 is available in 4 variants and all of them are powered by a 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that is also electrified thanks to the addition of a 48V starter generator.

This makes it Proton’s first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) and perhaps the start of an electrified direction for Malaysia’s first carmaker. The system produces 190 PS and 300 Nm combined and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

Also read: Proton X90 is P1's first hybrid but it's a mild one - what's the difference between MHEV, HEV and PHEV?

Unique to the X90 is the rear multi-link suspension as opposed to a rear torsion beam set-up as seen in the Haoyue/Okavango as well as a 6-seat arrangement on the top-of-the-line Flagship variant.

Also read: Rebadge or revamp? 4 features the Proton X90 have that are not on the Geely Haoyue

The other 3 variants are only equipped with a 7-seat configuration but higher variants are equipped with the full ADAS safety suite.

The ADAS features offered on both the X90 Premium and Flagship variants are:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC, works from 0 to 150 km/h)
• Lane Change Assist (LCA)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
• Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)

The upper variants also come with an Auto Park Assist feature so drivers won’t be too overwhelmed in trying to park this large 3-row SUV.

The Proton X90 might be yet another Proton SUV filled with hype even before it is officially launched but can Proton make it 3-for-3 with its upcoming model? Proton’s adventures in rebadging Geely models won’t be strictly SUVs though as there is another upcoming model, the Proton S50 sedan that is based on the Geely Emgrand.

Also read: Spied: Now wearing 'Infinite Weave' grille, 2023 Proton S50 with 1.5T to be launched after X90?

If you're looking to get the X90, do check out our first impressions on the Proton 3-row SUV to know whether it sticks its landing or falls flat on its face.

Also read: Review: 2023 Proton X90 in Malaysia; Not the finest hour it could've been