2022 Proton X90 could be priced cheaper than expected, but not necessarily in a good way

Set to be Proton’s largest model when it goes on sale in Malaysia in 2022, the upcoming Geely Haoyue-based ‘Proton X90’ could be yet another homerun.

Too bad for those hoping for the Geely Jiaji-based MPV, as the SUV-esque Geely Haoyue makes better sense in this region. After all, Geely Philippines sells the Haoyue there as the Geely Okavango, allowing for a more cohesive ASEAN-wide product strategy.

Also Read: Proton V70 (Geely Jiaji) might be dropped in favour of Proton X90 (Geely Haoyue)

What is the price of the Geely Haoyue?

Naturally, one would imagine that this massive XXXL-sized (Geely’s words, not ours) SUV would be priced considerably higher than the Proton X70 (RM 94,800 to RM 122,800).

Also Read: Geely Haoyue: price, how big is it? Do you want a Proton X90?

In China, prices of the Geely Haoyue overlaps the Geely Boyue, while over in the Philippines, prices of Geely Okavango (Haoyue/X90) is higher than the China-market Boyue, but that's primarily because the Okavango is equipped with a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system.

In China, the Geely Haoyue is not positioned higher than the Boyue, but rather between the regular Boyue and the high-spec Boyue Pro.

Then what about Malaysian prices of the Proton X90?

When it does come to Malaysia, expect the pricing arrangement of the Geely Haoyue / Proton X90 to mirror the Proton X50 and Proton X70, whereby prices of the top-spec Proton X50 overlaps the low-spec Proton X70.

Also Read: Just RM 10k difference between Proton X50 and X70, which is a better buy?

The overlapping prices of the Geely Azkarra and Geely Okavango in the Philippines can also serve as another reference. 

Wait, how was that possible?

While the Proton X90 is physically larger than the Proton X70 is every aspect, it cannot be priced too far from the Proton X70, as the Haoyue isn't as upmarket as Geely portrays it to be.

Unlike other recently-launched Geely models, the Haoyue is not developed on the BMA or CMA platform, but rather a curiously-named CV platform. The CV platform made its debut on the Geely Jiaji.

While the CV platform is newer than the Boyue's NL3 platform (Boyue was launched in 2016), it is not as sophisticated as the Binyue / X50's BMA platform.

What is the Geely Haoyue?

To refresh, the Geely Haoyue is a large-sized SUV that was launched in China early last year. Geely offers the Haoyue with a host of options, including a five- and seven-seater configuration. The top-spec Haoyue offers a massive 60-inch panoramic sunroof, though we don’t expect this to be offered on the Malaysian-spec car, owing to how hot it can get in these parts of the planet.

For the China market, power is derived from a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 184 PS and 300 Nm. Drive is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Philippines, on the other hand, gets a smaller turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that does 192 PS and 300 Nm, hooked up to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the sole transmission option.

It remains to be seen which powertrain will be offered on the Malaysian-spec car, but we wager that the 1.8-litre unit would be a better fit.