The long-awaited 2023 Proton X90 finally launched over the weekend and the Malaysian Tiger’s first 3-row SUV and mild-hybrid (MHEV) offers a seating configuration that is not seen on its donor, the Geely Haoyue/Okavango.

The X90 is available in both 6-seater and 7-seater variants though the former is only offered in the top-of-the-range Flagship variant. The other 3 variants offer a 7-seat layout and these are the prices for all 4 variants:

• X90 Standard – RM 123,800
• X90 Executive – RM 130,800
• X90 Premium – RM 144,800
• X90 Flagship – RM 152,800

If you’re thinking about getting Proton’s newest darling, we would suggest getting the top two variants as both come with a full suite of ADAS which includes:

• 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)

Also read: Proton X90 aces ASEAN NCAP with 5-star rating

Both the Premium and Flagship variants also come with Auto Park Assist to aid in parking this large D-segment SUV in tight and difficult parking angles.

But that’s enough of the features you get in the two upper variants of the X90, the real question here is between the 6- and 7-seater, which should you get? Since we experienced both variants during the launch and the media drive, there are some pros and cons with both seating arrangements.

Also read: Priced from RM 123.8k, 2023 Proton X90 launched in Malaysia - Proton's first MHEV 3-row SUV

We’ll start with the more affordable 7-seater one first. In the middle row, you’re greeted with a bench seat and this allows seating for 3 adults with ease. With two people, you have plenty of room to stretch your legs which is a given since it is wide.

Also read: Review: What do the Filipinos think of the Geely Okavango (Proton X90)?

But entry to the third row can be cumbersome given the amount of room to enter the back is constrained. The third-row seats are decently roomy for a couple of adults but for long journeys, it’s more suited to folks with smaller statures or children. Children would also need assistance to fold the middle row seats to get in or out.

That’s where the 6-seater shows its benefit. With two captain seats in the middle row, it is easier to get into the third row as you can just literally walk through the empty path between the two individual seats. It’s also easier for kids to enter the back row too without the hassle of pulling the seats forward.

As elegant as the captain seats are, they do not provide as much support as the bench seats, especially for the thighs. In fact, the captain seats mirror the same poor thigh support as the front seats.

With poor thigh support, long journeys can feel a tad bit uncomfortable and aside from that, the captain seats are also too narrow if you have a wider body frame.

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

Still between the 6-seater Flagship and 7-seater Premium variants, the features are mostly the same aside from the absence of a panoramic sunroof and a front passenger ‘boss’ switch on the latter.

In the end, between the 6- and 7-seater variants, we would suggest the 7-seater if you’re ferrying mostly adults while the 6-seater is more suited to those who would be making the most out of the third row such as those with kids.

All variants of the X90 are powered by a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine to a 48V belt-driven starter generator. The system makes a combined output of 190 PS and 300 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic. We will share a full review of the Proton X90 in the future so stay tuned.

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

To summarise:

• Get the 7-seater if you are looking to ferry mostly adults
• Get the 6-seater if you're carrying children as they would have ease of accessing the last row