After a couple of years of spyshots, speculations, and teasing, the camouflage has been unwrapped and the 2023 Proton X90 is finally launched in Malaysia. The Malaysian tiger’s third SUV model, the X90 is also the third rebadged Geely model after the Proton X70 and Proton X50.

Positioned above the X70 as a premium 3-row D-segment SUV, the X90 is offered in four variants which are:

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

All four variants 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 produces a combined output of 190 PS and 300 Nm and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

The third Geely rebadged model/Proton SUV is also the first-ever hybrid Proton model. The MHEV system is made out of 6 main hardware which are the belt-starter generator, hybrid management system, lithium-ion battery, battery management system, DC-to-DC converter, and a hybrid control module.

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

Proton claims that the mild hybrid setup improves fuel efficiency by up to 15 percent more than models that came without the 48V system. The Malaysian Tiger also claims that the X90 has a fuel consumption of 6.8 L/100 km.

Also read: Proton X90 enters production at Tg. Malim with 1.5T mild-hybrid, 190 PS and 300 Nm

The X90 is available with 7 seats on all variants except for the top-of-the-line Flagship variant which is exclusively offered with 6 seats. The middle row consists of a pair of captain seats as opposed to a regular bench seat. This configuration is unavailable on the X90’s Chinese donor, the Geely Haoyue/Okavango.

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

The X90 also comes with multi-link rear suspension as standard across all 4 variants compared to the rear torsion beam set-up in the Haoyue/Okavango to better suit Malaysian roads. However, the multi-link set-up is offered on the improved Haoyue L in China,

Also read: Upgraded for Malaysia, this is why the CKD Proton X90 has multi-link rear suspension

Besides being a 6-seater, another feature exclusive to the X90 Flagship is the panoramic sunroof though all variants get a large 12.3-inch infotainment head unit display as standard. Unfortunately, that large head unit does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Also read: It's 2023 but the Proton X90 still has no Android Auto / Apple CarPlay - this is ACO Tech's reply

The Proton X90 receives a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating but ADAS is only offered on the two highest-spec trims, the Premium and Flagship which include:

• 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 Auto Park Assist and Nappa leather upholstery.

Also read: CKD Proton X90 to have at least 45% local content - 500 local parts, 2 years to localize

Order books for the Proton X90 have been open since the end of March and the X90 is only available at all Proton 3S/4S outlets. Showroom-only 1S outlets do not carry the model.

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